Honda Civic hybrid launched

Honda Siel Cars India has launched the first hybrid car to go on sale in the country, the Civic Hybrid. It will retail for Rs 21.5 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The high price is due to the car being imported as a completely built unit, which attracts 104% duties and tax. However, HSCI is also looking for avenues to import it as a completely knocked down unit and assembling it in the country, which will lower its price. It will be available in two exclusive colours: Premium White Pearl and Alabaster Silver.

The Honda Civic Hybrid System features a 3-stage i-VTEC + IMA that employs Honda’s 1.3L i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine to provide three stages of valve timing (low-speed, high-speed, and cylinder idle mode), combined with a compact and efficient electric motor, Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. Together with the CVT transmission, the system provides a company-claimed 47% enhanced fuel efficiency over a regular 1.8l Civic AT.

The Civic Hybrid can deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain steady-state cruising situations. In addition, the internal combustion engine is switched off when car comes to a stop while the brake pedal is pressed. These factors contribute greatly to the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions, particularly in city traffic.

Honda is selling the hybrid not to increase volumes or gain market share, but simply to introduce the Indian customer to greener technology, and to show its support to a cleaner future.

More on the Honda Civic Hybrid:

• Honda Civic Hybrid specs, features, colors
• Honda Civic Hybrid on-road prices