Honda Civic Hybrid

The completely redesigned 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid, the most economical and environmentally responsible gasoline powered Civic ever, has won the World Car of the Year Award for greenest car, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced. A jury of 46 international automotive journalists selected the 2006 Civic Hybrid, which achieves an EPA estimated city/highway fuel economy of 49/51 miles per gallon, as the winner of the 2006 World Green Car.

"Honda continues to be a leader in producing environmentally responsible vehicles that set the standard for fuel economy and low emissions," said John Mendel, Senior Vice President, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "The award-winning 2006 Civic Hybrid is the latest embodiment of Honda's long-term commitment to the development of environmentally friendly technologies that are also fun to drive."

Characterized by advanced new styling, Honda's all-new Civic Hybrid also offers the latest in safety technology, as well an array of standard features, such as multiple audio entertainment choices, that increase content and value.

Equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) as standard equipment for 2006, the Civic Hybrid can now deactivate all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain steady-state cruising situations. Compared to the 2006 Civic Sedan with an automatic transmission, the Civic Hybrid provides a city fuel economy increase of approximately 63 percent and a highway fuel economy increase of 27 percent.

Standard features on all 2006 Civic Hybrids include:
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering(TM) (ACE(TM)) Body Structure
• 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine with 20 horsepower electric motor (combined 110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 123 lb-ft. torque @1000-2500 rpm)
• New lighter, more powerful and efficient Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system with greatly enhanced energy regeneration capability and electric-only operation
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) as standard equipment
• 49/51 mpg city/highway*
• AT-PZEV emission technology in all 50 states
• Exclusive interior styling includes IMA instrument panel meters, two-tone seating surfaces and new blue interior option

Honda first introduced U.S. consumers to hybrid technology with the Insight in December 1999. It launched its second hybrid vehicle, the Civic Hybrid, in March 2002, followed by the first-ever V6-powered hybrid, the Accord Hybrid, in December 2004.

Source: Honda Press Releases