My new car
By Douglas Wu

I have a new car that's designed for super fuel economy. It's not Toyota's fabulous hybrid, the Prius. It's Honda's answer to the Prius.

I have a 2008 Civic equipped with a gasoline engine assisted by an electric motor. The combination is good for 55 mpg with me at the controls. I'm using some of the tricks in the hypermilers’ handbook to achieve 55 mpg but it's worth it considering gasoline is pushing $4 a gallon. I believe the average person could easily drive a Honda Civic Hybrid to 40 mpg.

The key to obtaining 55 mpg in the Toyota Prius Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid is accelerating slowly, coasting to stop signs and traffic lights and backing off the go pedal at cruising speeds.

I also try to drive in the slow lane as much as possible in traffic and time traffic patterns and traffic lights. Also, I don't drive with the radio on or the air conditioner going full bore in my quest for high fuel economy.

The quest for 60 mpg is just beginning. I'd like to reduce the car's drag by blocking off some of the ducts feeding the radiator, reduce friction in the engine by going to a different weight of motor oil, and reduce it's tires rolling resistance by increasing air pressure.

I'll also have to draft other cars and trucks when in traffic. I don't think I can push my Honda Civic Hybrid to 70 mpg without spending big money. I think 70 mpg in a Honda Civic Hybrid is possible with a lithium-ion battery pack and a reduction in the car's curb weight.