New Civic Hybrid Debuts at Brisbane Motor Show

The Civic Hybrid will be the second Honda to feature the company’s fuel efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) technology, following the launch of the Insight – the world’s most fuel efficient petrol-powered production vehicle – in March, 2001.

With its functional five-seat sedan packaging and roomy interior, the 2004 Honda Civic Hybrid represents a new alternative of highly efficient motoring and retains the safety and practicality of a conventional Civic.

The Civic uses a revised IMA system, which scooped two categories in the 2003 International Engine of the Year awards. It combines a petrol engine with an electric motor to create a hybrid system that boosts performance, fuel economy and reduces emissions.

The Civic Hybrid’s petrol engine is 1.3-litre 4-cylinder i-DSI VTEC ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) and has an ultra-thin electric motor located between the engine and transmission.

The Hybrid’s compact battery pack is mounted to the rear seat bulkhead with minimal intrusion into the boot.

The system works by capturing energy during braking or deceleration, and storing it in the battery for later use. The electric motor also assists the engine during acceleration – as the Civic Hybrid accelerates, the stored energy is directed to the high-torque electric motor to supplement the engine’s performance. All of this takes place automatically without additional input from the driver.

The Civic Hybrid has a Continuously Variable automatic Transmission (CVT) that closely matches engine performance to maximise the powertrain’s efficiency. The shiftless system is smoother than conventional automatics with less torque loss, allowing the driver to make the most of the engine’s characteristics.

Honda Australia will launch the Civic Hybrid in March, continuing the company’s commitment to providing technology that operates in harmony with the environment.