If she is used to powerful cars, she will be disappointed with *either* Honda Civic. Neither car is going to be overly powerful, unless you go with the Si.

Personally, I have the HCH, and I bought my daughter a regular Civic over the summer. I really can't stand to drive her car, because the HCH is so much smoother, and quieter, and even more responsive (when the IMA kicks in).

But like everybody says, if it's going to be her car, and she already is predisposed to dislike the hybrid, I would not recommend buying it. "She who must be obeyed," and all that stuff... ;-)