My-Dream-Cars reviews Honda Civic Hybrid 2009

For three decades, Honda has played a leading role in meeting environmental challenges.
The Civic Hybrid is living proof that environmentalism and style can go hand in hand.

Power at the Pump
The benefits of the refined gasoline-electric powertrain on the Civic Hybrid are never more evident than when you watch those little numbers adding up at the pump. And with an EPA-estimated city/highway rating of 40 city/45 hwy mpg,* you’ll spend a lot less time there at the gas station.

*Based on 2009 EPA mileage estimates, reflecting new EPA fuel economy methods beginning with 2008 models. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.

Help Clear the Air
The air also benefits with the Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV)* rating, which is the most stringent emission standard achieved by a gasoline-powered vehicle in the U.S.

*AT-PZEV (Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle), as certified by California Air Resources Board (CARB) in California and states that have adopted California emissions standards.

EXTERIOR
The Civic Hybrid has an exciting, refreshed look for 2009.

Distinctive Look
A new six-sided grille and front bumper give this hybrid an updated appearance. The long windshield angles dramatically into the hood, lending a modern, futuristic vibe to this sporty sedan.

Distinct Advantage
Unique Hybrid Badging shows the world that smart choices come in smart-looking packages.

PERFORMANCE

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Every 2009 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.

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.

i-VTEC®

The Civic Hybrid features a highly efficient, 1.3-liter, 8-valve, i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and DC brushless electric motor.

Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System

This system consists of an electronic position sensor connected to the accelerator pedal that sends a signal to the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU combines the accelerator-position signal from the driver with data such as engine rpm, coolant temperature and road speed, and then determines the optimum position for the throttle plate. It then sends a signal to the Drive-by-Wire™ driver unit that electronically operates a stepper motor on the throttle body. The stepper motor opens and closes the throttle to the exact position necessary for proper engine response.

SAFETY

3-Point Seat Belts with Front Seat Automatic Tensioning System

Front and rear 3-point seat belts with front seat automatic tensioning system ride across the lap and chest to help restrain occupants during sudden stops or impact.

Active Front Head Restraints

In a sufficient rear-end impact, the active front head restraints move forward and up, reducing the likelihood of neck injury.

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure

ACE body structure incorporates a front-end frame structure that absorbs and disperses crash energy over a larger area. ACE increases Civic Hybrid passenger protection, and makes it more crash-compatible with vehicles of differing ride heights.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) uses a special modulator to pulse the brakes to help prevent wheel lockup. This helps the driver retain steering control when braking hard. The Electronic Brake Distribution system (EBD) balances the braking forces at each wheel according to how the car is dynamically loaded.

Battery Placement

The solid-cell design and central placement of the nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) battery pack help protect it.

Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

The Civic Hybrid enhances its visibility to others by incorporating Daytime Running Lights (DRL) up front.

Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)

In the event of a frontal impact, the dual-stage front airbags (SRS) inflate at different rates depending upon crash severity and seat belt use and are designed to help reduce the likelihood of head and upper-body injuries.

Front and Rear Crush Zones

The front and rear crush zones help provide driver and passenger protection in frontal and rear impacts.

Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)

In the event of a moderate-to-severe side impact, the side airbag inflates to help protect the driver’s or front passenger’s upper body. Plus the Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS) utilizes sensors in the front passenger’s seatback to detect the height and seating position of the occupant. If a child or small-statured adult is leaning into the deployment path of the side airbag, sensors deactivate it.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)

All five seats are equipped with 3-point seat belts. The rear seat features the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) mounting system for use with compatible child seats.

Side Curtain Airbags

The side curtain airbag module is positioned along the side of the headliner. In the event of a sufficient side impact, this system will activate to help provide protection for both front and rear outboard passengers. A new type of inflator provides an exceptionally quick inflation time.

Side-Impact Door Beams on all Four Doors

The side-impact door beams help provide protection in a side impact.

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control

This sophisticated safety system aids the driver in retaining control of the vehicle if side slippage is detected during understeer or oversteer conditions. When the driver is cornering or must make a sudden maneuver, the system will engage if traction loss is detected to help restore the driver’s intended course.

Wave Key and Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System

The system immobilizes the engine’s fuel injection and ignition, and only a matching digital code in the ignition key can override it. When the driver puts the key into the ignition switch, the switch transmits a signal that reads the code in the key. If the key code agrees with the code in the powertrain control module (PCM), the engine starts.

INTERIOR

Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink®

Choose the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™* with voice recognition option and enjoy the factory-installed Bluetooth HandsFreeLink† communication tool. This feature allows you to use your Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone that has the hands-free profile without taking your eyes off the road or hands off the wheel. The system has voice-recognition capability that will store up to 50 contacts per phone within the system. Certain phones with phonebook export capability may transfer their entire contact list into the system’s memory (up to 1,000 names and 10,000 phone numbers). The phonebook can be password-protected for extra security. A list of compatible phones can be found at handsfreelink.honda.com.

*The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the Civic Hybrid in the United States, except Alaska. See your Honda dealer for details.

Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ with Voice Recognition

Planning a trip? Lost in the suburbs? Either way, the Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System* is here to help. With eight gigabytes of memory and voice recognition, it provides convenient directions using a series of 24 global positioning satellites.

*The Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ is available on the Civic Hybrid in the United States, except Alaska. See your Honda dealer for details.

USB Audio Interface
The USB Audio Interface* can read flash drives loaded with MP3 or WMA® music files. You can also plug in your compatible iPod® to this port, which not only charges the device but allows it to be controlled using the interface dial on the head unit or steering wheel.

*The USB Audio Interface is used for direct connection to and control of some current digital audio players and other USB devices that contain MP3, WMA® or AAC music files. Some USB devices with security software and digital rights-protected files may not work. Please see your local Honda dealer for details on compatibility. Windows Media® Audio is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

Windows Media® is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPod not included.

ENVIRONMENT
Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV)

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 2009 Civic Hybrid qualifies as an AT-PZEV vehicle.

Idle-Stop Feature
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.

Integrated Motor Assist IMA®

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.

My-Dream-Cars reviews Honda Civic Hybrid 2009