The Honda Civic Hybrid

Green cars do not always have to post impressive fuel economy values. I mean, that is just another criterion. Automobile manufacturers often tend to concentrate on developing systems and technologies, which one will be able to find in other cars. If such newer technique aids in increasing the efficiency of the vehicle, then it is effectively a green vehicle.

Why am I outlining all these characteristics in the beginning of this brief section? The Honda civic hybrid is a car that comes with an assortment of advanced technologies. After all, we cannot expect something mediocre from one of the leading automobile manufacturers.

Let us peek into some of the so-called features found in this car. For starters, the Honda civic hybrid comes with a variable automatic transmission system. The primary function of the transmission system is to convey the power generated by the engine in an effective manner to the wheels. Thus by fine-tuning this system, we can achieve exceptional performance levels. Conventional cars have a constant ratio transmission system. Although the system undergoes through many calibrations, it is difficult to assimilate the power levels generated in a proper fashion. There lies the beauty of variable transmission systems. Numerous micro gears work in tandem to convey the most optimal power output for the vehicle.

Hybrid systems are importantly classified into two - series and parallel. The vehicle in focus, the all-new Honda civic hybrid includes parallel hybrid system - termed as the Integrated Motor Assist. So how does this system aid in augmenting the utility of the vehicle? The IMA captures some of the "degenerative energy" produced when the car decelerates. It then converts it into "regenerative energy" to increase the acceleration levels. The result is self-explanatory. Every time the owner pumps his brakes, the vehicle will "recharge" itself for a speedier acceleration - without producing additional taxation on the internal combustion engine.

The "cylinder cut off system" present within the Honda Civic Hybrid is legendary. Once again, it springs into action when the vehicle is decelerating. Three cylinders will cease their operations and this in turn relates to lesser fuel combustion. Very often trace amounts of fuel might not burn completely within the cylinder. In order to combat this situation, the auto manufacturer came up with the idea of including additional spark plugs for each cylinder.

Every aspect regarding the Honda Civic Hybrid oozes efficiency. For instance, the first generation cars came with tires that had a lower rolling resistance. A fair portion of the engine's power gets expended for the same reason - to overcome this initial level of resistance. On an average, the second generation Honda Civic Hybrid can cruise 100 kilometers with just 5.9 liters of petrol. Talk about being efficient. The car has been making rounds throughout the continents. In the US, it is the second most sold hybrid car. As you might already know, Toyota Prius dominates this segment. Although the Civic comes with a low powered electric motor, the combined output power is just the same as the Toyota Prius (it is 110hp).