GREEN DRIVE

The Hybrid is powered by Honda’s 1.3L i-Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) engine and a compact and efficient electric motor—the Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. And its the IMA that kicks in at traffic halts.

The Civic Hybrid uses a combination of batteries and fuel to run. The recharging of its 158-volt batteries takes place when you ease the accelerator, hit the brakes or when cruising if the computer determines the battery needs charging. When you slow down, the primary source of deceleration is the electric motor, not the fuel engine as in conventional cars. Moreover, the hybrid uses a special electric motor that can also operate as a generator. Using the car’s momentum to spin this motor creates electricity, which is sent back to the battery pack. This is piece of magic is called regenerative braking. Hitting the brakes lightly will cause the electric motor to resist motion further, and in doing so, even more electricity is produced to send to the batteries.

The Civic Hybrid has a digital display that shows how much electricity you’re sending to the battery and another to show how much you’re using up. Brake moderately hard, and you’ll light up the maximum number of green LEDs.

That’s not all the fuel you’re saving—a third display shows you ‘assist’ when the battery kicks in at stops and, more importantly, when you are cruising at low speeds of between 25 and 35 km/h. In affect, if you’re driving around in a metro, say Delhi, you’ll likely end up saving a lot of fuel.

Unlike the mechanical linkage from the accelerator to the fuel-injection throttle, the Civic Hybrid uses ‘Drive-by-Wire’ technology, which uses an electronic position sensor connected to the accelerator pedal that sends an electronic signal to the Power Control Module (PCM) controller. However, to get the desired average (the Civic Hybrid promises an astounding 800 km from one full fuel tank) you will have to take it easy and not race around. Slow acceleration is also crucial for such averages.

If it misses out on zippiness, the Civic Hybrid does come packed with passenger security features like four airbags (the conventional Civic has only two). The car also comes equipped with G-CON technology, an advanced passive shield that provides occupants with a survival zone in case of collision. Then, the Electronic Brake Distribution system, which balances the braking forces at each wheel according to how the car is dynamically loaded, helps the driver retain steering control when braking hard. Even the front headrests come with a safety feature. A link mechanism in the seat moves the headrest forward and upward to support the passenger’s head to avoid whipash action in accidents.

Verdict: Should you buy the Civic Hybrid? Well if you have the Rs 21 lakh you probably should—and make a difference to the environment. There might be some good news in store for those in the capital who want to buy the Hybrid but have been put off by its price. At the launch of the Reva electric car the Delhi Government announced a series of measures to encourage people to buy hybrids. These include a 15 per cent rebate on the base price of all battery-operated vehicles, a 12.5 per cent exemption of VAT, and the refund of road tax and registration charges. Honda will approach the Government and seek clarifications about what this means for the Civic Hybrid.