The remarkably fuel-efficient Civic Hybrid is a marvel of technical innovation. Its Integrated Motor Assist IMA® System consists of a super-efficient 1.3-liter gasoline engine paired with a lightweight, high-output electric motor, which adds extra power when needed. The Civic Hybrid is equipped with an uncannily smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT), which blends the ease of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual. An idle-stop feature automatically shuts off the Hybrid’s gasoline engine when you stop, so you save gas and help keep the air cleaner.
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The IMA electric motor works in conjunction with the gasoline engine, and supplies additional torque in assist mode. The motor’s ultra-thin design allows it to be mounted between the engine and the transmission. The motor also functions as the generator for the IMA System during deceleration, and as a starter, quickly spinning the engine up to idle speed.
IMA couples a 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC® 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. Although the engine alone provides sufficient driving performance, when additional power is required, a permanent-magnet electric motor mounted between the engine and transmission provides power assist. The electric motor can propel the car from a stop to speeds up to 35 mph. Together, the motor and engine produce 110 hp @ 6000 rpm, an increase of 17 hp over the previous generation.
Every 2007 Civic Hybrid is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Similar to an automatic transmission, CVT is an advanced transmission that substitutes the gears found in more traditional transmissions and replaces them with a metal push-belt running between a pair of variable-width pulleys. Combined with the Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system, the CVT constantly adjusts to provide the most efficient drive ratio possible depending on torque load. Honda CVTs provide better fuel economy and acceleration when compared to a conventional transmission.
The Civic Hybrid features a highly efficient, 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and DC brushless electric motor that are designed to coexist with the environment in a very friendly way.
To achieve Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) status, a vehicle must be a Super-Ultra-Low-Emission Vehicle (SULEV) with zero-evaporative emissions and carry a 15-year/150,000-mile warranty on emissions equipment. Every 2007 Civic Hybrid has a plastic-resin fuel tank that does not produce any evaporative emissions.
Fast-responding electronics take the place of a traditional throttle cable and produce greater response, fuel economy and driveability with minimum adjustment and maintenance.
The Civic Hybrid is equipped with an “idle-stop” feature that temporarily turns off the engine to save fuel and minimize emissions. A green auto-stop light on the instrument display flashes to indicate when the idle-stop feature is operating. As the Hybrid comes to a stop, the idle-stop occurs automatically. Engine restarting occurs automatically, as soon as the brake pedal is released.
