2011 Honda Civic Hybrid |
Honda’s seventh generation Civic range has been expanded to include the new 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid. The Civic range was last updated in October 2000, and the model line-up was streamlined to include two body styles, sedan and hatch, with two specification levels, GLi and Vi. The Civic Hybrid is available in sedan only, and is similar in specification to the GLi sedan. The recommended retail price is $29,990. The conventionally powered 1.7 litre Honda Civic GLi Automatic retails for $26,950.
2012 Honda Civic Hybrid |
A 1.3 Litre 4 cylinder VTEC ULEV [Ultra Low Emission Vehicle] engine and an ultra thin electric motor located between the engine and transmission have been fitted to the Civic sedan. The system works by capturing energy during braking or deceleration, and storing it in the battery [located behind the rear seat bulkhead] for later use. The electric motor also assists the engine during acceleration, as it accelerates the stored energy is directed to the high torque electric motor to assist the engines
performance. The petrol engine produces 63KW@ 5700rpm, and 119Nm of torque @3300rpm. Combined with the electric motor it produces 69KW@ 5700rpm and 146Nm of torque at 2000 rpm.
The only transmission available is Honda’s CVT [Constant Variable Transmission]. By using this type of transmission the torque loss is reduced, increasing overall efficiency. The vehicle has specially designed Dunlop low rolling resistance tyres. These tyres account for a 20% reduction in rolling resistance compared to the conventional tyres of the same size fitted to the Civic GLi.
2011-2012 Honda Civic Hybrid |
Stiffer springs and shock absorbers with increased dampening rates, and a larger diameter sway bar have been fitted. Overall not a great deal of the Civic sedan required changing to accommodate the Hybrid power train. The vehicle weighs 1190kg, 30 kg heavier than the automatic Civic GLi, and the
GLi has 88kW compared to 69kW for the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid. The driving position and major controls are the same as the Gli sedan. The tilt adjustable steering wheel and height adjustable seat ensures that drivers of various sizes should find a comfortable driving position. The seat back felt a little firm on the outer edges, and was noticeable on longer trips. There is ample legroom and headroom for rear seat occupants, although more thigh support on the rear seat base would enhance rear seat comfort. The only major difference, once seated behind the wheel is the instrument cluster, which houses the IMA readouts.
2012 Honda Civic Hybrid |
2011 Honda Civic Hybrid Drivers will not be daunted by any special start up procedures with the Hybrid, in fact it doesn’t require any special techniques at all, and the petrol engine starts at the turn of the key. Select drive and start off as in any other car. The CVT [Constant Variable Transmission] is similarly user friendly with the only major difference that a driver may feel under normal operating conditions, is the lack of a defined transmission upshift or downshift. Under hard acceleration engine
revs climb more than a normal automatic transmission, a sensation not unlike a slipping clutch in a manual transmission is noticed. This is a function of a constant variable transmission and after driving for a short period is not unsettling.
Possibly the most unique difference between the 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid and a conventionally powered vehicle when driving, is the economy mode function , which when selected enables the
Auto Idle Stop function. This function stops the engine when the vehicle is stopped and the brake pedal is applied. When the brake pedal is released the engine starts and the Hybrid can accelerate away. At first the sensation was a little eerie, sitting at an intersection without the engine running usually causes sweaty palms as the drivers first reaction is the engine has stalled. But take your foot off the brake, press the accelerator and you’re away without any fuss. Turning the engine off when stopped reduces emissions and helps reduce fuel usage. If the driver has lightning quick reflexes a
slight hesitation can be felt from the time delay to restart the engine.
2011 Honda Civic Hybrid Interior |
2011-2012 Honda Civic Hybrid Exterior, Interior and Safety
The 2011-2012 Honda Civic Hybrid entire (both front and rear) has sporty appearance, as the front portion is fully covered with sporty components that come with smoky headlights; the lower grille of the front portion is placed at the center with fog lamps at both the edges with metallic coat and Honda logo placed in the middle. The Base model provides body color door handles and door protectors and the higher ends come with chrome plated handles. The rear trunk and the rear bumper go well with each other. Honda Civic has cockpit styled interiors that compliments with its stylish exterior. The sedan is equipped with auto AC system that ensures to deliver even chillness to the entire chalet. An elegant instrumental cluster is neatly placed on the dashboard along side the audio system with CD-player and an audio control in the armrest of the rear side.
All 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles and any Honda Genuine Accessories installed at the time of vehicle purchase are covered by the 3-year/36,000-mile New-Vehicle Limited Warranty.9 Plus, Honda cars and trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty, too.9 For more information or assistance, see your Honda dealer. 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid Interior and Exterior Technical Features :
• 110-hp,* 1.3-liter i-VTEC® 4-cylinder engine with Integrated Motor Assist IMA and permanent-
magnet electric motor • Continuously variable transmission (CVT) • AT-PZEV emissions rating1 • EPA estimated fuel economy2 (city/highway/combined): 40/43/41 mpg • MacPherson strut front suspension• Multi-link rear suspension • 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels • 4-wheel disc brakes • Six airbags • Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure • Driver’s and front passenger’s active head restraints • ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) • Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®)/Brake Assist • Tire Pressure Monitoring System3 (TPMS) • Daytime Running Lights (DRL) • Security system with remote entry • Power side mirrors with integrated turn indicators • Automatic climate control • Power door locks • Power windows with auto-up/down driver’s window
• Cruise control• Tilt and telescopic steering column • Center console with sliding armrest and storage compartment • Map lights • Steering wheel-mounted audio controls • Driver’s seat with manual height adjustment • 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 6 speakers • MP3/Windows Media® Audio4 (WMA) playback capability • MP3/auxiliary input jack • USB Audio Interface5 • CD text display capability• Blue backlit gauges with electronic IMA display • Maintenance Minder™ system • Exterior temperature indicator • Available Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™6 with Voice Recognition, Bbluetooth®7 HandsFreeLink,® XM® Radio8 and digital audio-card reader • Available leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats and heated side mirrors.
2012 Civic Hybrid Continuously Variable TransmissionStandard Features Price $24,800 Total MSRP. 2011 Honda Civic Hybrid
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