2006 Honda Civic Hybrid Preview

Larger, Faster and More Efficient

Between Toyota and Honda, the world was officially introduced to the mass-produced hybrid automobile in 1997. Cars like the quirky Honda Insight and the roomy but oddly-shaped Toyota Prius were the first to venture into that brave new world, but by no means have they been the last step forward. The technology thats featured on these cars is improving rapidly; thinner motors, more efficient power generators, lighter, smaller batteries - and the list goes on and on. Remarkably, these two arch nemeses managed to propagate the hybrid scene, now teeming with entries from Toyotas subsidiary brand Lexus, and American automakers Ford and GM, with Nissan and Subaru in hot pursuit.

Besides bearing technology that speaks of preserving the world for future generations, the latest generation Civic Hybrid actually looks as if its from the future. The all-new four-door notchback sedan became the basis for the totally revised Civic Hybrid; this shape, while not the most flattering of the Civics available, is popular in the Hybrids biggest markets - North America and Japan.

Both conventionally powered and hybrid versions of the new Civic Sedan have grown significantly, increasing in outward dimensions by 1.4 inches in length, to 176.8 inches, 1.5 inches in width, to 69.0 inches, and the biggest increase of all, its wheelbase makes a gain of 3.2 inches to 106.3 inches - approaching midsize territory.

Within its larger skeleton, Honda has used the space to improve occupant and pedestrian crash protection, while upping interior volume and cargo carrying capacity to make its compact car even more useable, and comfortable, to the average consumer. There is little visual difference between the Hybrid model and the conventionally powered Civic; super smooth body panels and a slippery shape are common to all Civic Sedans. The Hybrid merely gains a lip spoiler on its tail, and lightweight, low-drag wheels similar in style to those found on the Insight.

Both the old car and new car use a 1.3-liter inline-four with iVTEC variable valve timing backed by Hondas IMA hybrid system, however, while the general descriptor remains, its the details underneath that make the difference. Before we get into the details of the electric motor, lets have a quick glance over at the gasoline engine specs: it now produces 95-horsepower and 91 lb-ft of torque, which is a reasonable figure for an engine so small. By comparison, thats a whole 15-horsepower more than the engine included in larger Toyota Prius, and a serious step forward from the current 2005 Civic Hybrid, although if placed side-by-side to the more powerful Accord Hybrid it would appropriately lag behind by at least a furlong.

Honda was able to extract such power from the tiny engine, while keeping fuel economy and low emissions in mind, thanks to a new three-stage i-VTEC variable valve timing system, plus a massive friction reduction project. The new system uses hydraulics to couple and uncouple five five-rocker-arm assemblies allowing the car to have three distinctive profiles, each maximizing performance without sacrificing economy. Also interesting is that the new engine features a cylinder deactivation system that shuts down all four cylinders when coasting or during mild deceleration by sealing the valves shut to reduce energy losses in regenerating power. Ion-plated piston rings, aluminum die-cast pistons and ultra finely ground cylinder walls reduce friction.

Moving over to the electrical half, the new Civic Hybrid uses proprietary components designed by Hondas own engineers. The latest high performance coils and magnets are in use; they make all the difference when it comes to power, producing 1.5 times the peak power of the current motor without any increase in size. The computer chip which governs the electrical half was also upgraded by Honda to provide a better power translation, and enables better power optimization for longer battery life.

When its gasoline and electric power sources are working in tandem, the Civic Hybrid is able to harness the best of both worlds. Its electric motor, rated at 158 volts, provides torque from 0 rpm (idle), giving it the means to launch quickly and then keep up in fast-paced inner-city traffic, while maintaining low fuel usage even when encountering stop and go traffic. Altogether, a total output of 110-horsepower at 2,500 rpm and 123 lb-ft of torque are generated. Performance should be equal to, say, the average 1.8-liter car, or even a few 2.0-liter machines like the old Mk.IV VW Golf GL or New Beetle.

Where the outgoing Civic Hybrid is merely charged and recharged by its gasoline motors, the new model incorporates five different modes of operation including the ability to be powered solely on electrical power. When the vehicle is stationary, the engine is turned off via the idle-stop system: nothing new. The new technology shows up during acceleration and cruising; under mild acceleration the engine operates in low-speed variable valve timing, while at high speeds, the motor swaps over to the high-speed variable valve timing mode for greater power and a sportier characteristic. Bigger news still is the low-speed cruising mode, where the engine is completely deactivated and the car is powered by the electric motor alone.

The more powerful electric and gasoline powertrain that gives the Civic its improved power surge doesnt leave any ill-effects on fuel economy or emissions ratings when compared to the old car. The ability for the Civic Hybrid to run in full hybrid modes means that the effect of its more powerful engine is offset; Honda claims that the car is able to net 50 mpg during both city and highway driving, besting the current generation by 5 percent. As for those emissions, theyve been measured at 109 g/km (or 3.84 oz/0.62 miles or… you can figure it out if you want to), the lowest figure to date for a gasoline-powered Civic. With results like these, its no wonder Honda wants to make its IMA technology available in more models to a broader spectrum of markets than is now the case.

Meanwhile, Honda boasts additional improvements for the new Civic Hybrid, having learned much during the developmental process of its midsize Accord Hybrid. The new car will feature a new hydraulic braking system that works to stabilize the pedals feel by changing the hydraulic boost in the pedal. This works to eliminate what was initially a grabby feel in the outgoing car, and smooth the shunt of the vacuum system felt when the car enters Idle Stop mode. Also, like most new HEVs, the second-generation Civic Hybrid features a smaller secondary compressor for its air conditioner, driven by the cars electric motor, which allows A/C to be on even when the gasoline engine is switched off during Idle Stop mode, as well as prior and post engine operation.

The only thing in the cabin thats familiar is the Honda badge on the three-spoke steering wheel. Yes, the changes really are that radical. In the same way that the new Civics exterior panels cause onlookers to think differently about the updated model, its interior also looks far into the future. The IMA gauges are nestled into the lower portion of the Civics two-tier instrument cluster, next to the oversized tach, while the upper shelf holds the digital speedometer and other vital info systems.

Honda hopes to make people see the Civic Hybrid as something more than just an economy car, and as such it features special two-toned cloth seats, digital climate control, and even the option of navigation and satellite radio. In back, the trunk is similarly sized to the regular Civic Sedan, minus 1.6 cubic feet, sacrificed for the battery.

It took the better part of five years for Honda to reach the 100,000 production volume mark with its Insight, first-generation Civic Hybrid and recently introduced Accord Hybrid. The latest Civic Hybrid builds upon the reputation that the original version made, but with better technology and improved refinement, performance and economy. Add this to rapidly increasing fuel costs, more environmental aware consumers, and the 200,000 unit sales mark will be reached a lot sooner.

While the 2006 Civic is already showing up in Honda dealer showrooms across the country, the updated Civic Hybrid wont arrive until late 2005; pricing will be announced closer to the release date, slated for mid November.

2006 Honda Civic - $15,999
Norristown, PA 19403