Integrated Motor Assist IMA^®

Talk about the perfect blend of power and efficiency. At the heart of the Civic Hybrid is the sophisticated Integrated Motor Assist IMA^® System. IMA pairs a 1.5-liter, 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. Under certain conditions, the electric motor can propel the car on its own. Together, the motor and engine produce 110 hp @ 5500 rpm.

1.5-liter, SOHC i-VTEC^® engine

The 1.5-liter, single overhead camshaft, aluminum-alloy i-VTEC^® 4-cylinder engine uses state-of-the-art engineering technology to produce impressive power, yet it still helps the Civic Hybrid obtain excellent fuel efficiency ratings[1] and an Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating[2], all on regular gasoline.

[1] 44 city/44 hwy/44 combined mpg. Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

[2] AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle) models as certified by California Air Resources Board (CARB) and states that have adopted California Zero-Emission Vehicle regulations.

Electric Motor

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.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Every 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 efficiency[1] and acceleration when compared to a conventional transmission.

[1] 44 city/44 hwy/44 combined mpg. Based on 2013 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Drive-by-Wire Throttle System

The Drive-By-Wire throttle system helps enhance the driving character of the Civic Hybrid. With smart electronics connecting the throttle pedal to the throttle butterfly valve in the intake manifold, the engine response can be optimized to suit the driving conditions and to better match the driver's expectations.