Hybrid vehicles are cars equipped with an electric motor assisting the engine. At Honda we believe the engine is the core technology of a hybrid vehicle. That’s why we’re continuing our relentless efforts to improved fuel efficiency, reduce exhaust emissions and increase the power output.
The Civic Hybrid features a 1.3-liter 3-stage i-VTEC engine. The engine is tuned to provide three stages of valve control to suit driving conditions. The vehicle combines responsive driving with superior fuel efficiency.
At low engine speeds, the intake valve lift is reduced to create a swirl effect, promoting good combustion and high power output using little fuel.
At higher engine speeds, the intake valves are opened wide to improve intake efficiency and increase power output.
During deceleration, the intake and exhaust valves of all four cylinders of the engine are closed, and combustion halted. Sealing the cylinder shut reduces pumping losses, and engine friction is reduced by 66%.
Reducing engine friction increases the amount of kinetic energy available for recovery by the motor/generator and storage in the batteries is approximately 10% higher than with the previous model.
(The previous model was equipped with a 3-cylinder cut-off system)