2010 Honda Civic Hybrid
2010 Honda Civic Hybrid
A trio of fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines powers the various Civic trims. The standard powerplant remains a 1.8-liter i-VTEC four-cylinder engine, which drives the DX, LX, and EX trims and their trim-level mates. This powerplant generates 140 hp and 128 lb-ft of torque, and features multi-point fuel injection, a Direct Ignition system, and a Drive-by-Wire throttle system, which enhance performance, fuel economy, and responsiveness.
A five-speed manual transmission comes standard in all trims with the base four-cylinder engine, while drivers can opt for an available five-speed automatic. Owners report good performance for daily driving with either the manual or automatic, although the powerplant seems particularly responsive when mated to the automatic, owners note. The EPA estimates fuel economy numbers of 26/34 mpg with the manual transmission and 25/36 with the automatic. The engine runs on regular unleaded fuel.
The Civic Hybrid’s powerplant combines a 1.3-liter, SOHC four-cylinder gas engine with a 15kW electric motor, which together produce 110 hp and 123 lb-ft of torque. The Hybrid sends power to the wheels through a CVT continuously variable transmission, which provides smooth shifting. The powerplant posts fuel economy numbers of 40/45 mpg, achieved in part by an idle-stop feature, which shuts down the engine when the vehicle stops in traffic to conserve fuel. A similar fuel cut-off feature saves gas when the Hybrid decelerates. A regenerative braking system recharges the Hybrid’s 158-volt nickel metal hydride battery.
The hybrid system switches smoothly and precisely between gas and electric operations, owners report. However, some owners would like to see better performance from the powerplant when accelerating or passing.
The Civic Si retains its 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine, which produces 197 hp and 139 lb-ft of torque. Variable valve timing, a cold-air intake, and a high-flow, low-heat exhaust manifold result in a quieter exhaust note at cruising speeds but a full, throaty sound under aggressive acceleration. The engine mates to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. Fuel economy numbers for the Si check in at 21/29 mpg.
Article Source: cargurus.com
