Honda Civic Hybrid (2008): Exceedingly Quiet & Efficient

The 2008 edition continues the second generation of the Honda Civic hybrid, which was introduced in 2006 and has maintained a strong share in the ever-expanding hybrid  market.

Like I experienced when I first test drove the Civic hybrid in 2004, the current version in exceedingly quiet. During stops, it seems like the vehicle’s engine has stopped. Instead, it’s the engine operating solely on electric power.

The hybrid Civic is equipped with a 110-horsepower, 1.3-liter engine with two relatively new features largely known by acronyms, IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). A five-speed manual transmission was previously available, but now the hybrid is only offered with an automatic transmission.

The IMA, as previously mentioned, allows a vehicle to operate solely on electric power in certain situations. The CVT feature replaces conventional gears with a belt-and-pully system that continuously and automatically adjusts to provide a more efficient and nearly unlimited number of drive ratios.

The exterior features include: chrome front grille, angular front headlamps, a longer, slanted and near panoramic front window and expanded length and width. An the interior also has a long standard features list: 160-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with six speakers and steering wheel audio controls, power windows and locks, front map lights, cruise control, exterior temperature gauge and a navigation system with voice recognition.

Safety Features — Dual front, front side and side curtain airbags; Fuel Mileage (Estimates) — 40 mpg (city) 45 mpg (highway); Warranty — Bumper to bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 10 years/100,000 miles, Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles. Base Price — $24,350.

James Raia

www.theweeklydriver.com

May 14, 2008 - 1:54 am
Tags: Autos, Honda, Hybrid Cars
Categories: Product

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