Honda Civic Hybrid

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Honda Civic Hybrid

Manufacturer	Honda
Production	2003–present
Assembly	Suzuka, Mie, Japan
Class	Compact car
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel drive
Related	Honda Civic

The Honda Civic Hybrid is a hybrid powertrain version of the Honda Civic sedan. Honda added a continuously variable transmission and Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system similar to that of the earlier Honda Insight thus creating a first fuel-efficient hybrid sedan in its model lineup. Honda Honda hybrid system is built around assist hybrid technology.

It was first introduced in February 2002 as a 2003 model, based on the seventh generation Civic. Along with the conventional Civic, it received updated styling for 2004. The second generation Civic Hybrid is based on the eighth generation, with some styling differences between the USDM and JDM models. Due to a delay in rolling out the second generation, the first generation Civic Hybrid continued to be sold alongside the eight generation Civics for several months in 2006.

[edit] First generation (2003–2005)

First generation

Production	2003–2005
Engine(s)	1.3 L I4 SOHC
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual CVT
Wheelbase	103.1 in (2619 mm)
Length	2003: 174.6 in (4435 mm) 2004-05: 175.4 in (4455 mm)
Width	67.5 in (1715 mm)
Height	2003: 56.7 in (1440 mm) 2004-05: 56.3 in (1430 mm)
Fuel capacity	13.2 US gal. / 50 litres
Related	Honda Civic Honda CR-V Honda Element Acura RSX Honda Integra Acura EL

2004-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid (US)

First generation of Honda Civic Hybrid was based on the seventh generation Honda Civic platform. Here is the list of major technical features of the Hybrid model:

• 1.3 L 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. This decreases friction losses generated by engine aspiration and allows more effective regeneration of energy. The engine generates 85 hp at 5700rpm, 87 ft lbs torque at 3300rpm.
• 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.
• Does not need to be plugged in (nor is a factory plugin available).

[edit] Second generation (2006–present)

Second generation

Production	2006–present
Engine(s)	Gasoline: 1.3 L I4 SOHC Electric: 156 volt 15 kW
Transmission(s)	CVT
Wheelbase	106.3 in (2700 mm)
Length	2006-08: 176.7 in (4488 mm) 2009: 177.3 in (4503 mm)
Width	69.0 in (1753 mm)
Height	56.3 in (1430 mm)
Fuel capacity	12.4  US gal. / 47 litres
Related	Honda Civic Honda CR-V Honda Element Acura RSX Honda Integra Acura CSX

2006-2008 Honda Civic Hybrid (US)

Second generation Civic Hybrid followed Civic generation update roadmap and was built on the eighth generation Honda Civic platform. Here is the list of further technical advancements that were introduced, compared to the first generation Civic Hybrid and/or regular (gasoline) Civic model:

• fourth generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA).
• 1.3 L single overhead cam four-cylinder gas engine same as before; yet, there is now the addition of high profile camshaft. This increases power to 93 hp (69 kW) @ 6000 rpm.
• addition of third stage of i-VTEC and VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) permits deactivation of all four cylinders when decelerating and constant cruising. This allows the car to run only on electric power for the first time.
• manual transmission option was discontinued.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency‎ (EPA) mileage estimate was increased 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.^[1]
• 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels (would later be made part of the conventional Civic DX-G package as well)

[edit] Comparison with Toyota Prius

The Honda Civic Hybrid is frequently compared to the Toyota Prius. Civic Hybrid has a smaller but more powerful gasoline four-cylinder engine 1.3L 95BHP, versus 1.5L 76BHP for the Prius. Civic electronic motor assist is 20BHP, while Prius has a significantly more powerful electronic motor, 67BHP. Prius is credited as having better fuel mileage. The base-MSRP for the Civic is (US) $22,600^[2], and the Prius base-MSRP is $21,500 to $23,770.^[3]

[edit] 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.

[edit] See also

• Honda FCX (Hydrogen vehicle).
• Diesel-electric locomotive
• Hybrid electric vehicle
• List of hybrid vehicles

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Honda's Civic Hybrid 2008 page
• Honda Civic Hybrid official UK site
• 2006 Motor Trend Car of the Year - Honda Civic
• Toyota Prius vs Honda Civic Hybrid Road Test at carAdvice.com.au