Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda Civic History

The Honda Civic Hybrid is a hybrid powertrain version of the Honda Civic sedan, first introduced in Japan near the end of 2001. It comes with either a continuously variable automatic transmission or (until 2005) a 5-speed manual transmission. It uses an Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system similar to Honda Insight. Integrated Motor Assist uses power assist hybrid (mild hybrid) technology.
The Civic hybrid was introduced to the U.S. in February 2002 as a 2003 model, based on the seventh generation Civic. With the conventional Civic, it received a 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. The Civic hybrid ranks as the second best selling electric hybrid car in the U.S.^[1] As of the end of January 2009, the total global sales of all Civic hybrid exceeded 255,000.^[2]

Contents [hide] 1 First generation (2001–2005) 2 Second generation (2005–present) 2.1 Asian markets 2.2 Comparison with Toyota Prius 2.3 24 Hours Nürburgring 3 Sales 4 Awards 5 See also 6 References 7 External links

 First generation (2001–2005)

First generation

Production	2001–2005
Model year(s)	2003–2005 (U.S.)
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)
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:

• Twin spark plugs light the lean fuel-air mixtures sent to the two-valve combustion chambers
• 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)

 Second generation (2005–present)

Second generation

Production	2005–present
Model year(s)	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)
Curb weight	2,877 lb (1,305 kg)(USDM)
Related	Honda Civic Honda CR-V Honda Element Acura RSX Honda Integra Acura CSX

The second generation Civic Hybrid is based on the eighth generation Honda Civic. The following is a list of changes:

• Updated to fourth generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA)
• Camshaft profile changed, 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 to run only on electric power
• Discontinued manual transmission option.

2009-present Honda Civic Hybrid (US)

• 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.^[3]
• Updated to 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels (later featured on the Civic DX-G in Canada as well)

Consumer Reports ran an article in April 2006 stating that HEVs would not pay for themselves over 5 years of ownership. However, this included an error with charging the "hybrid premium" twice.^[4] When corrected, the Honda Civic Hybrid and Toyota Prius did have a payback period of slightly less than 5 years.^[5] This includes conservative estimates with depreciation (seen as more depreciation than a conventional vehicle, although that is not the current norm) and with progressively-higher gas prices. In particular, the Consumer Reports article assumed $2/U.S. gallon for 3 years, $3/U.S. gallon for one year and $4/U.S. gallon the last year. As recent events have shown, this is a volatile market and hard to predict. For 2006, gas prices ranged from low $2 to low $3, averaging about $2.60/U.S. gallon.
In August 2010, Autoblog reports that a replacement battery for Civic hybrid retails at $2,100.^[6]

 Asian markets

The Civic hybrid was launched in China in November 2007 and in India in June 2008.^[7]

 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 the SAE J1349 requirement, for Civic hybrid is 110 HP, which is the same as the Prius.
The third generation Prius debuted in mid-2009 and is powered by a 1.8L 98 HP engine, plus an electric motor of 80 HP. The combined output is 134 HP.

 24 Hours Nürburgring

Honda Civic Hybrid race car.

Honda Civic Hybrid has competed successfully in 24 Hours Nürburgring on 2007, within ranking on 108th out of 220 teams.

 Sales

Cumulative Sales by Region (as of the end of January 2009)[8]
Region	Start of Sales	Cumulative Sales
Japan	Dec 2001	22,899
North America	Mar 2002	191,493
Europe	May 2003	34,757
Asia/Oceania	Feb 2004	5,514
China	Nov 2007	280
Others	May 2006	306
Total		255,249

It is reported that over 50,000 Civic hybrid were sold during 2007 world-wide.^[9]

 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.