Honda launches Civic Hybrid

Honda is hoping to expand sales of its hybrid vehicles in Thailand with the introduction of the Civic Hybrid.

The Civic Hybrid follows the Jazz Hybrid, which was launched last year as demand grows for fuel-efficient, eco-friendly vehicles. The Civic Hybrid has an average fuel economy better than 20 km per litre.

While the Jazz Hybrid remains the only hybrid priced under Bt1 million, retail pricing of the Civic Hybrid ranges from Bt1.035 million for the standard version to Bt.1.095 million for the top version with navigation system.

It is powered by Honda's Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) parallel hybrid system that combines a 1.5-litre SOHC inline 4-cylinder, 8-valve i-VTEC engine (91hp at 5,500 rpm and 132Nm at 2,800 rpm) with an electric motor (23hp horsepower from 1,546-3,000 rpm and 106Nm from 500-1,546 rpm).

Honda says that the engine provides most of the propulsion, with supplementary energy from the electric motor enhancing start-off performance and the demands of acceleration and overtaking. When the driving speed is low and steady, the engine stops and the vehicle moves into EV mode, powered solely by the electric motor.

During braking, the engine stops as braking energy is dynamically converted into electric power and stored in the hybrid battery for future use. When the vehicle is stationary, the engine and electric motor automatically switch to standby in idling stop to reduce fuel consumption and decrease emissions.

Honda hopes to sell more than 7,000 Civic Hybrids per year. The car comes with a 5-year warranty on the hybrid system and 10-year warranty for the lithium-ion battery.