Temple of VTEC Rumors and News - Honda Civic Hybrid Delivers Class-Leading Fuel Economy for 2003

Torrance, Calif. 08/20/2002 -- The Honda Civic Hybrid enters the 2003 model year as the first mainstream automobile application of gasoline-electric hybrid technology.
The Civic Hybrid is available with either a 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), achieving EPA city/highway fuel economy ratings of 46/51 and 48/47, respectively.

"The Civic is one of the cornerstones of the Honda brand and including a hybrid in the Civic lineup is an example of the faith and confidence we have in the future of hybrid technology," said Tom Elliott, executive vice president, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We believe that hybrid technology is ready for prime time."

The Civic Hybrid uses Honda's patented Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system consisting of a newly developed 1.3-liter, i-DSI, 4-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with a thin and lightweight electric motor for enhanced fuel economy and added power when accelerating. The electric motor acts as a generator during deceleration and breaking, automatically recharging the batteries so the car never needs to be plugged in.

The hybrid system generates up to 93 horsepower and 116 lb-ft of torque for performance comparable to other Civic sedans, while delivering fuel economy that is improved by up to 30 percent. IMA incorporates a unique "idle stop" feature that automatically turns off the engine when the car is not moving to reduce fuel consumption and generate fewer emissions. The engine automatically restarts when the driver's foot is removed from the brake (models with CVT), or when the car is put into gear with the clutch depressed (models with manual transmission).

Further contributing to the Civic Hybrid's superior fuel economy are aerodynamic enhancements that include a refined front bumper, a trunk spoiler and under-body covers.

The Civic Hybrid is also the most refined and well-appointed sedan in the Civic lineup, with standard features that include:

Second generation Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system
Four-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution
Standard side air bags
AM/FM/CD player
Automatic climate control
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Unique front and rear styling
Digital and analog instrument gauge cluster with IMA system display, daytime and nighttime mode, and vehicle system performance meters
Finely tailored seats with open head restraints (front)
The Civic Hybrid is Honda's second hybrid model, following the two-passenger Insight, the most fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered vehicle sold in the United States.