2004 Honda Civic Hybrid Review
Content
Honda Civic Hybrid
May 2004
Report No.705, by NRMA Motoring Information Services
LIKES
Outstanding fuel economy Technology is user friendly Excellent build quality Honda’s seventh generation Civic range has been expanded to include the new 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. Previously the Honda Insight two door coupe was the vehicle sold in Australia that Honda used to showcase their hybrid technology . The Honda Insight was introduced into the Australian market back in March 2001, but with a high initial retail price of $48,900 plus on road costs, an unusual exterior look, and smallish interior dimensions, sales of the Insight were low. It’s a pity, because the technology Honda employed in the Insight was certainly innovative and deserved more recognition. Honda chose to call their hybrid technology, IMA, [Integrated Motor Assist], and this name continues on with the Civic. By incorporating the same concept into one of Honda’s most popular and enduring models the Civic, Honda hopes that the technology will become more accessible to mainstream buyers. FEATURES AND EQUIPMENT 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. Stiffer springs and shock absorbers with increased dampening rates, and a larger
DISLIKES
Air conditioning cuts out when vehicle stops in auto idle stop mode 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 Hybrid. BEHIND THE WHEEL 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. ON THE ROAD 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 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.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE Type......four cylinder in-line SOHC 8 Valve Capacity in litres........................ 1.339 Litres Induction................. Electronic fuel injection Fuel recommendation ............................ULP Claimed max power ........ 69kW at 5700 rpm Claimed max torque.......146Nm at 2000rpm ELECTRIC MOTOR Power output……………………… 10kW. TRANSMISSION Type........... Constant Variable Transmission Driving wheels ......................................Front WHEELS .......................Alloy 5.5 x 14 inch Tyres ..............................Dunlop 185/70 R14 Spare .......................................... Space Saver STEERING Type.............Power assisted rack and pinion Turns lock to lock.....................................2.8 Turning circle..............................11.1 metres DIMENSIONS Mass...................................................1190kg Length..............................................4470mm Width (incl mirrors 1920)................1715mm Height ..............................................1430mm Ground clearance (measured) ............129mm Seating capacity...........................................5 Fuel tank capacity........................... 50 Litres TOWING …………………………....Not recommended NRMA THEFT RATING Points on 0-110 scale (high score best).........63 WARRANTY......Three years, 100,000 kms MANUFACTURED IN ...................... Japan
TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION 50 - 80 km/h (in) ................................ 6.4 sec 60 -100 km/h (in) ................................9.1 sec 0 -80 km/h.........................................10.7 sec 0 - 100 km/h......................................16.7 sec 0 - 400 metres ...................................20.3 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION (litres/100 km) Best recorded during testing.....................4.9 Worst recorded during testing ..................5.4 Average on test.........................................5.1 BRAKING Distance to stop from 80 km/h....25.2 metres NOISE Interior at a constant 80km/h…75 dB (A)
Test vehicle supplied by Honda Australia Pty Ltd
Call Technical Advice on 1300 655 443 for additional information on this vehicle, and for other automotive advice. or visit www.mynrma.com.au .
The only other noticeable difference whilst driving the Hybrid is when the Auto Idle Stop function is enabled. This controls the operation of the air conditioning unit, which stops when the vehicle stops. Prolonged stops will raise the cabin temperature enough to make this feature noticeable, however the fan still circulates fresh air, and the Auto Idle Stop function can be switched off to revert the hybrid back to conventional operation. City driving provided a fuel consumption figure of 4.9 litres /100km which makes the Hybrid one of the most fuel efficient vehicles going around. The highway fuel figure recorded was 5.4 litres/100km, reflecting greater usage of the petrol engine at higher speeds. With 19kW less power, and some additional weight, the Hybrid is a little more leisurely to drive than the GLi sedan. However, the maximum torque figure is only 4Nm less than the Civic GLi and is at a more useable engine rpm. The ride quality is firm, steering is well weighted and provides a good level of feedback to the driver. Overall the Hybrid provides a pleasant driving experience. SUMMARY Honda has provided consumers a user friendy hybrid alternative vehicle that outwardly has the looks of a conventional model, which is simple to operate and drive. By incorporating the Hybrid technology into a mainstream model, with a recommended retail price of under $30,000 Honda has made the commitment to purchase a vehicle that reduces its impact on the environment an attractive proposition.
May 2004
Report No.705, by NRMA Motoring Information Services
LIKES
Outstanding fuel economy Technology is user friendly Excellent build quality Honda’s seventh generation Civic range has been expanded to include the new 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. Previously the Honda Insight two door coupe was the vehicle sold in Australia that Honda used to showcase their hybrid technology . The Honda Insight was introduced into the Australian market back in March 2001, but with a high initial retail price of $48,900 plus on road costs, an unusual exterior look, and smallish interior dimensions, sales of the Insight were low. It’s a pity, because the technology Honda employed in the Insight was certainly innovative and deserved more recognition. Honda chose to call their hybrid technology, IMA, [Integrated Motor Assist], and this name continues on with the Civic. By incorporating the same concept into one of Honda’s most popular and enduring models the Civic, Honda hopes that the technology will become more accessible to mainstream buyers. FEATURES AND EQUIPMENT 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. Stiffer springs and shock absorbers with increased dampening rates, and a larger
DISLIKES
Air conditioning cuts out when vehicle stops in auto idle stop mode 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 Hybrid. BEHIND THE WHEEL 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. ON THE ROAD 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 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.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
ENGINE Type......four cylinder in-line SOHC 8 Valve Capacity in litres........................ 1.339 Litres Induction................. Electronic fuel injection Fuel recommendation ............................ULP Claimed max power ........ 69kW at 5700 rpm Claimed max torque.......146Nm at 2000rpm ELECTRIC MOTOR Power output……………………… 10kW. TRANSMISSION Type........... Constant Variable Transmission Driving wheels ......................................Front WHEELS .......................Alloy 5.5 x 14 inch Tyres ..............................Dunlop 185/70 R14 Spare .......................................... Space Saver STEERING Type.............Power assisted rack and pinion Turns lock to lock.....................................2.8 Turning circle..............................11.1 metres DIMENSIONS Mass...................................................1190kg Length..............................................4470mm Width (incl mirrors 1920)................1715mm Height ..............................................1430mm Ground clearance (measured) ............129mm Seating capacity...........................................5 Fuel tank capacity........................... 50 Litres TOWING …………………………....Not recommended NRMA THEFT RATING Points on 0-110 scale (high score best).........63 WARRANTY......Three years, 100,000 kms MANUFACTURED IN ...................... Japan
TEST RESULTS
ACCELERATION 50 - 80 km/h (in) ................................ 6.4 sec 60 -100 km/h (in) ................................9.1 sec 0 -80 km/h.........................................10.7 sec 0 - 100 km/h......................................16.7 sec 0 - 400 metres ...................................20.3 sec FUEL CONSUMPTION (litres/100 km) Best recorded during testing.....................4.9 Worst recorded during testing ..................5.4 Average on test.........................................5.1 BRAKING Distance to stop from 80 km/h....25.2 metres NOISE Interior at a constant 80km/h…75 dB (A)
Test vehicle supplied by Honda Australia Pty Ltd
Call Technical Advice on 1300 655 443 for additional information on this vehicle, and for other automotive advice. or visit www.mynrma.com.au .
The only other noticeable difference whilst driving the Hybrid is when the Auto Idle Stop function is enabled. This controls the operation of the air conditioning unit, which stops when the vehicle stops. Prolonged stops will raise the cabin temperature enough to make this feature noticeable, however the fan still circulates fresh air, and the Auto Idle Stop function can be switched off to revert the hybrid back to conventional operation. City driving provided a fuel consumption figure of 4.9 litres /100km which makes the Hybrid one of the most fuel efficient vehicles going around. The highway fuel figure recorded was 5.4 litres/100km, reflecting greater usage of the petrol engine at higher speeds. With 19kW less power, and some additional weight, the Hybrid is a little more leisurely to drive than the GLi sedan. However, the maximum torque figure is only 4Nm less than the Civic GLi and is at a more useable engine rpm. The ride quality is firm, steering is well weighted and provides a good level of feedback to the driver. Overall the Hybrid provides a pleasant driving experience. SUMMARY Honda has provided consumers a user friendy hybrid alternative vehicle that outwardly has the looks of a conventional model, which is simple to operate and drive. By incorporating the Hybrid technology into a mainstream model, with a recommended retail price of under $30,000 Honda has made the commitment to purchase a vehicle that reduces its impact on the environment an attractive proposition.
