I test drove an 06 Civic Hybrid just the other day. Brand new car right off the truck. It had ~4 miles on it as I recall.

Anyway.. I got this sorta odd smell from the engine. Almost an oily/burning like odor. Not like burning oil exactly, but rubbery maybe? Definitely not electrical.

I usually noticed it when starting from a full stop. Either at a light, or just after leaving the lot. When on the road or highway (in motion) I didn't notice anything.

Is this -new car- burps? I somewhat expected so. It didn't have me all that worried, but I was wondering if others noticed this.

In my mind I figured it was the engine or something burping off something due to its young age.

*shrug*

-Gary