Are hybrids pointless? I have a Honda Civic 1.4 IMA hybrid. It returns less than 37mpg, confirmed by the trip meter and by calculation. I've contacted Honda, who declined to take any action, citing all the standard reasons for the lack of performance 'in the real world'. My City Rover with its old Peugeot 1.4 engine returns 40mpg. I paid more than double for the Honda than for the Rover, and apart from a larger boot, I've gained nothing. Hybrids are pointless.