Honda Civic Hybrid

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is written like an advertisement. Please help rewrite this article from a neutral point of view. For blatant advertising that would require a fundamental rewrite to become encyclopedic, use {{db-spam}} to mark for speedy deletion. (May 2008)

Please help improve this article by expanding it. Further information might be found on the talk page. (January 2007)

Honda Civic Hybrid

Manufacturer	Honda
Production	2003–present
Assembly	Suzuka, Mie, Japan
Successor	Honda Insight sedan
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. 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 updated styling for 2004. The second generation Civic Hybrid is based on the eighth generation Civic, with some styling differences between the USDM and JDM models.

[edit] First generation (2003–2005)

First generation

Production	2003–2005
Engine(s)	1.3 L LDA series 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

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.

2004-2005 Honda Civic Hybrid (US)

[edit] Second generation (2006–present)

Second generation

Production	2006–present
Engine(s)	Gasoline: 1.3 L LDA series 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)

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 third stage of 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.^[1]
• Updated to 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels (later featured on the Civic DX-G as well)

[edit] Comparison with Toyota Prius

The Honda Civic Hybrid is frequently compared to the Toyota Prius. Civic Hybrid has a smaller and slightly less powerful 1.3L 95 HP gasoline four-cylinder engine, versus 1.8L 98 HP for the Prius. Civic electronic motor assist is 20 HP, while Prius has a significantly more powerful 80 HP electronic motor.

[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