Improved Hybrid Version of Civic Coming

Honda Canada will sell a revised hybrid Civic by the end of this year probably this fall. The new hybrid system features a 1.3-litre inline-four engine that employs Honda’s “intelligent”Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) system to provide three stages of valve timing (low-rpm, high-rpm and cylinder-idle mode), combined with a “significantly more compact and efficient Honda Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system.”

The maxemize the power ratio for the new Civic will be 115hp at 6,000rpm and 135lb-ft of torque at 2,500rpm.

According to Richard Jacobs of Honda Canada, the 2006 Civic with the new system will thereby offer “significant improvements in both performance and fuel economy over a similarly equipped 2005 Civic Hybrid.

Honda’s independently developed electric motor employs coils with high-density windings and high-performance magnets to attain output 1.5 times that of the current model, while maintaining the same size.

Battery output has been increased by around 30% over the current model, while a more compact, custom-designed battery storage box offers increased cooling performance and vibration resistance.