Gracious interior, environmentally friendlier and stellar performance are just three of the so many excellent features of the hybrid version of the Honda Civic sedan – the Honda Civic Hybrid.
This fuel efficient hybrid sedan has a system similar to that of Honda Insight in such a way that there was an added continuously variable transmission and an Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system. It received updating styling for 2004 and was redesigned in 2006.
The Honda Civic Sedan 1st Generation (2003-2005 Model) has a 1.3 L single overhead cam i-DSI lean-burn internal-combustion engine with VTEC Cylinder Cut-off System. This actually decreases friction losses and allows more effective energy regeneration. This model also has a 15 kW (20 hp) brushless, permanent magnet assist motor which basically is a generator during deceleration and the one in charge of loading or recharging batteries. Specifically, it has got 120 V Nickel-metal hydride batteries with 6.0 A·h capacity. This model was given SULEV or optional AT-PZEV certification by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and has electric power steering. Also, this hybrid sedan has low rolling resistance tires and regenerative breaking and does not need to be plugged in.
Meanwhile, the 2nd Generation (2006-Present Model) has the same features as that of the 1st Generation except that it has IMA(Integrated Motor Assist) and 1.3 L single overhead cam four-cylinder gas engine which increases power to 93 hp (69 kW) @ 6000 rpm. This model has discontinued manual transmission option, has an addition of third stage of i-VTEC and VCM (Variable Cylinder Management) and its EPA increase 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.
MSN autos announced Chevrolet Cobalt, Honda Civic, Mazda Mazda3,Saturn Aura Green Line Hybrid, Toyota Corolla, Dodge Caliber, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Saturn Ion, Volkswagen Rabbit, Ford Focus, Kia Spectra, Pontiac G5 and Subaru Impreza as Honda Civic Hybrid’s Competitors. But despite the very competitive market, the vehicle has proven its worth and in fact has won various awards.
The Honda Civic’s engine has won the International Engine of the Year "1 litre to 1.4 litre" size category award for three years straight from 2002 through 2004. It also bagged home the "Best Fuel Economy" award for 2003 and 2004 and has won Motor Trend 2006 Car of the Year award.
