Auto India, Car India

The growing concerns about the environmental damages of pollutions and the consistently raising fuel prices have forced the car manufacturers to design new eco-friendly car-engines. These alternative engines are supposed to lower the pollutions as well as raise the fuel efficiency. Honda, the leader in Indian car market, is leading here too!

The next version of the extremely well-liked sedan, Honda Civic, is finally launched. This new version is called “Honda Civic Hybrid”. In simple language, Civic Hybrid runs a combination of petrol engine and an electric motor. The new Honda Civic hybrid is the first in India in its segment, to offer this dual mechanism of its engine without losing much at engine performance. Honda Civic in itself gives an extra ordinary driving experience and superb engine performance. This revised Civic, with its eco-edge has certainly reached the next level.

Highlighting Features :
The new era for the Indian premium class sedans, which was started by Honda Civic, has got a green touch now! The new Civic Hybrid is a car with all other standard class features. This car however, due to a petrol-battery hybrid engine, is little underpowered. Nevertheless, the emphasis here is to build a car which follows strict emission norms and delivers maximum mileage. The following car statistics will give you a brief idea about it.

General statistics :

• Name and Model : Honda Civic Hybrid CVT
• Ex showroom price (Mumbai) : Rs 21,50,000 (may vary)
• Body type : Sedan
• Available colors : Premium Pearl, White, Alabaster Silver
• Engine type : 1.3L Petrol
• Maximum power : 95 ps @ 6000 rpm
• Maximum torque : 122 Nm @ 4600 rpm
• Top speed : 175 km/h
• Acceleration (sec) (0-100 km/h) : 12.5
• Steering : Power steering
• Brakes : Front Ventilated disc, Rear Disc
• Transmission : Automatic (CVT)
• Wheels : 15″ Alloy
• Fuel tank size : 50L
• Fuel efficiency : 20.7 kmpl (Company claim)
• Seating Capacity : 5
• AC / Non-AC : AC with fully automatic climate control
• Music system : 2 Din, 1 CD player, 6 speaker

Comments :
Honda Civic has certainly redefined the Indian premium class segment, with its brilliant combination of performance and luxury. The quality standards set by Honda Civic are quite high and the market rivals find much difficulty in competing Civic at these levels. Now the competition has risen to the next level.
The new Honda Civic Hybrid is provided with a 1.3L, 3-stage i-VTEC engine accompanied by IMA (Integrated Motor Assist). At high speeds, the engine is strongly capable of delivering the demanded power. The peak part however is quite different. The electric motor at the engine temporarily turns it off in the idling phase, which results in fuel saving and lowering the emissions. Once brakes are pressed and released the engine restarts. The intelligent “Drive-by-Wire” technology is introduced in the new Civic Hybrid. It sends an electronic signal to the power control module, as soon as the sensor at accelerator senses pedal activity.

The exterior look of the new Civic Hybrid is as per the reputation built by the prior model of Civic. Moreover, it is enhanced with an overall downward settling of the body. “Make no compromise in looks”, was the philosophy followed by Civic. The same is continued with the new Civic Hybrid. The broad head lights and attractive fog lights give the car a classy look. These are nicely aligned with the aerodynamically modeled body of Civic Hybrid. The new fashioned alloy wheels simply add up to the treasure. The ORVM are body colored, power controlled and contain turn signals (indicators) within them. It provides a great lavish look to the sedan at night rides, when the ORVM indicators start sparkling!

All Honda cars prove quite strong when counted on included safety systems. The new Civic Hybrid being t top class member has worked hard at all safety systems. The car uses standard Civic suspension system with front end being a McPherson coil and a double wishbone at the rear end. Along with this, the whole car body is equipped with the G-CON technology, which increases survival chances for passengers in mild and severe collision situations. Other latest safety system inclusions are ABS and EBD, which assures high end security of the passengers.

The interior is largely spacious and designed nicely to provide maximum comforts to its passengers. A highlighting modification at the seats is the upper active headrest, which absorbs shocks among sudden jerks.

The driving experience is equally pleasant as that of the prior model. The only modification here is the freedom to decide the fuel consumption amount and thereby to control your car mileage! The modification seems somewhat fantastic; however it is headed more towards the increasing strictness of emission norms and the future possible fuel scarcity.

All other comfort features are standard as per its class conventions.

Pros :

• 1339 CC, SOHC i-VTEC petrol engine + IMA
• Front suspension- McPherson coil spring
• Rear suspension- Double wishbone
• Body-colored door mirrors, with side-turn indicator
• Chromed door handles
• Side protection molding
• Trunk and lower spoiler
• Fog lamps, Head lights, Tail lights
• Power Windows w/ pinch guard
• Central Door Locks
• Door Mirrors Power Adjustable & Retractable
• Driver’s Seat Adjustment
• Tilt & Telescopic Steering
• Steering Audio switch
• Front and rear centre armrest
• AC with dual zone automatic climate control system
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Body equipped with G-CON technology
• Seats with active headrest
• Driver, Assistant and Side Airbags
• Keyless Entry with Answer back
• Electronic Engine Immobilizer

Cons:

• High cost
• Quite underpowered engine

Bottom Line :
Honda has tried to attach a sense of environmental care to the exhilarating driving experience of Civic and has succeeded to a great extent. The first attempt to build a car with an eco-friendly engine has yielded the new Civic Hybrid. This premium segment sedan is equipped with all the safety features such as ABS, EBD, and airbags. Also the comfort is not compromised at any level. The excellent gain in terms its mileage is certainly accountable.

It is noticeable however, that the manufacturers have attempted this new modification with one of their extreme market performer, Civic. This is going to assist them in maintaining their sales goals for sure, as most of the buyers would be eager to try their favorite Civic in a new avatar. Being a recent launch, the long term reviews for Civic

Hybrid are still awaited. The high price of the car can be a considerable factor; however for those who can afford it, the car is surely worth paying it.