During acceleration, the engine or the engine and electric motor propel the vehicle. During cruising, the gasoline engine and/or the electric motor can propel the vehicle. During braking, the gasoline engine deactivates and the electric motor acts as generator to replenish the battery pack. At a stop, the engine can enter an idle stop mode to save fuel and reduce emissions, and the engine is turned off until the brake pedal is released.

Compared to the 2005 Civic Hybrid with a CVT and AT-PZEV emissions, the 23 percent more powerful 115-horsepower fourth generation Honda IMA powertrain provides stronger starting and overtaking acceleration compared to its predecessor while its city and highway combined EPA estimated fuel economy of 50 mpg provides a maximum driving range over 615 or more miles. The gasoline engine and electric motor combine to produce maximum output of 110 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 123 lb-ft. of torque @ 2500 rpm.

The gasoline engine output is rated at 93 horsepower @ 6000 rpm (+ 9 percent) and torque is rated at 89 lb-ft. @ 4500 rpm (+2 percent). The electric motor is designed to provide up to 20 horsepower (+54 percent) @ 2000 rpm and 76 lb-ft. @ 0-1160 rpm of additional torque (+111 percent, similarly equipped).

Civic Hybrid Powertrain At-A-Glance
Engine

• 1.3-liter 3-Stage i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine
• Aluminum block with thin sleeve construction
• Compact single overhead cam (SOHC) 8-valve head with i-VTEC-controlled Variable Cylinder Management (VCM)
• "Intelligent" Dual & Sequential Ignition with two spark plugs per cylinder
• Computer-controlled Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)

• 20 horsepower (15 kilowatt) ultra-thin DC brushless motor
• Intelligent Power Unit (IPU)
• High power nickel metal hybrid battery
• Power Control Unit (PCU)
• Automatic Idle Stop
• Hybrid Dual Scroll Air Conditioner Compressor

• AT-PZEV Emissions
• Estimated EPA fuel economy of 50/50 (city/highway)

• Wide drive ratio for good low end acceleration and low rpm cruising
• Double piston pulley system

Source: Honda PR