2002 Honda Civic Hybrid
| STORY TOOLS | ||
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
What is it?
2002 Honda Civic Hybrid
What's special about it?
We have a Honda Insight in our long-term fleet. It averages over 50 mpg and is
one of our favorite cars to drive around town, that is. The Insight isn't
meant for long-distance drives across the country, and it seats only two. The
Toyota Prius, with its four doors and backseat, is a more real-world vehicle.
Honda will be countering the Prius in 2002 with its Civic Hybrid. It is powered
by a 1.3-liter Dual & Sequential Ignition (DSI) hybrid powertrain. Equipped with
a special VTEC Idling System, the engine allows three of the four cylinders to
be shut down. Honda says this reduces engine resistance during deceleration, improving
the efficiency of the regenerative braking system. The Civic Hybrid will be ULEV-
or SULEV-rated, and fuel economy is expected to be around 50-60 mpg.
Why should you care?
Want a sedan that barely sips fuel and puts out minimal tailpipe emissions? Here's
your car. The Civic Hybrid represents the second generation of road-going hybrids
in the United States. Brent Romans


