The Cool Hybrid Car From Honda
The Honda Civic Hybrid is a hybrid powertrain version of the Honda Civic sedan. It features a continuously variable transmission and Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system similar to that of the original Honda Insight. Integrated Motor Assist utilizes power assist hybrid technology.
The Civic hybrid was introduced in February 2002 as a 2003 model, based on the seventh generation Civic. Along with the conventional Civic, it received styling update for 2004. The second generation Civic Hybrid is based on the eighth generation Civic, with some styling differences between the USDM and JDM models. As of the end of January 2009, the total global sales of all Civic hybrid exceeded 255,000.
History
The first generation of the Honda Civic Hybrid was based on the seventh generation Honda Civic. The following is a list of its technical features:
1.3 liter single overhead cam i-DSI lean-burn internal-combustion engine with VTEC Cylinder Cut-off System, which allows up to three cylinders to cease operation during deceleration. The engine generates 85 hp at 5700rpm and 87 ft·lbs of torque at 3300 rpm.
15 kW (20 hp) brushless, permanent magnet assist motor, which functions as a generator during deceleration and loads (recharges) batteries.
120 V Nickel-metal hydride batteries with 6.0 A·h capacity.
Honda Multimatic S continuously variable transmission or 5-speed manual transmission (latter available only in USA).
SULEV or optional AT-PZEV certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
Low rolling resistance tires (P185/70R14) on aluminum wheels and regenerative braking.
Electric power-steering.
The second generation Civic Hybrid is based on the eighth generation Honda Civic. The following is a list of changes that were made:
Updated to fourth generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA).
Camshaft profile was increased, increasing power to 93 hp (69 kW) @ 6000 rpm.
Updated to three stage i-VTEC and VCM (Variable Cylinder Management), which permits deactivation of all four cylinders when decelerating. In this mode, the car runs only on electric power.
Discontinued the manual transmission option.
Increased the EPA fuel economy estimate to 40 mpg (US) (5.9 L/100 km, 16.94 km/L) city, 45 mpg (US) (5.2 L/100 km, 19.23 km/L) highway.
Updated to 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels (later featured on the Civic DX-G in Canada as well)
Comparison with Toyota Prius
The Honda Civic Hybrid is frequently compared to the Toyota Prius. Civic Hybrid has a smaller but more powerful 1.3L 95 HP gasoline four-cylinder engine, versus a 76 HP 1.5L engine for the second generation Prius. Civic's electric motor is rated at 20 HP, while Prius has a more powerful 67 HP electric motor. The combined power output following SAE J1349 requirement for Civic hybrid is 110 HP, which is the same as Prius.
The third generation Prius debuted in mid-2009 is powered by a 1.8L 98 HP engine, plus an electric motor of 80 HP.
The combined output is 134 HP.
Awards
The Civic Hybrid's engine won the International Engine of the Year "1 litre to 1.4 litre" size category award for three years straight from 2002 through 2004 as well as the "Best Fuel Economy" category for 2003 and 2004. It has won Motor Trend 2006 Car of the Year award, along with the rest of the Civic range.
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