Least expensive Hybrid on the market.The ink has barely dried on all the stories about the all-new Honda Civic that Honda has just announced the pricing on the very anticipated Civic Hybrid. At $25,800, the 2006 car is a full $2,700 cheaper than the outgoing 2005. The real beauty is that buyers will get even more for their hard earned money than they have in the past.
Based on the completely revised platform, the new Hybrid is larger and longer than its predecessor. The interior volume has not changed radically however the car's wheelbase has grown by over 80 mm. The dash layout and the instrumentation are nearly identical to that of the "regular" Civic. The only difference is the addition of the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) gauges on either side of the speedometer.
The exterior of the Hybrid differs little from the DX, LX and EX trims of the
Civic. The only visual differences are the addition of a small lip spoiler and of Insight look-alike lightweight alloy wheels.
Under the hood, the revised 1.3L I-4 with the help of the new IMA (electric motor) system puts out a combined 110 hp and 123 lb/ft of torque. The only transmission choice is a Continuously Variable type. The new battery pack can provide 27% more assist power. Because of an improved regenerative braking system, the batteries can recharge 14% faster than previously.
The combination of the i-VTEC 1.3L engine, the IMA system, motor deactivation during easy cruising situations and an auto-stop engine feature, allows the Civic Hybrid to post impressively low fuel consumption
numbers: 4.7L / 100 km city and 4.3L / 100 km highway.
