My-Dream-Cars : Honda Civic GX Natural Gas Vehicle

The 2009 Civic GX is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in one trim only, the 5-Spd AT. Upon introduction, the Civic GX is equipped with a standard 1.8-liter, I4, 113-horsepower, compressed natural gas engine that achieves 24-mpg in the city and 36-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

Independence – Free yourself from the pump

With the 2009 Honda Civic GX, ever-changing gas prices will cease to command your attention, allowing you to enjoy the Civic GX’s other liberating characteristics. Like the fact that it relies on North American supplies of natural gas, not imported oil. That it’s been certified by the EPA as the cleanest internal-combustion vehicle in the world-10 years running. And that you can fill up the tank right at home with the Phill refueling system. And since GX is a dedicated alternative-fuel vehicle, you could qualify for a federal tax credit, up to $4,000. An exhilarating characteristic every time you pass the pump.

Convenience – Open to saving time
Despite new restrictions on carpool-lane eligibility, alternative-fuel vehicles like GX are still welcome in select markets. Even with only the driver aboard. Proof that owning a GX opens up opportunities. No matter what the traffic.

Fun
It’s an instant reaction, thanks to GX’s highly responsive 1.8-liter i-VTEC engine. GX-specific technologies include special high-strength forged pistons that help raise the compression ratio to a race car-like 12.5:1. And special low-friction fuel injectors that deliver longer life and cleaner operation. Of course, GX is all Civic at heart, so it offers bold new styling, a spacious interior and sporty handling. Safety features such as six airbags and Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure helped Civic earn a 5-star frontal crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Green starts at home

Pair your GX up with phill, an easy-to-use refueling system, and you can tap right into your home’s natural gas line. Developed by FuelMaker, Phill is the world’s first certified in-garage natural gas refueling appliance. But the Convenience of in-home refueling is only part of the equation. Phill also offers impressive savings. Domestic natural gas typically cost significantly less than an equivalent quantity of gasoline. And with the possibility of additional incentives, including a $1,000 federal tax credit when purchasing Phill, going green never felt smarter. Or more fulfilling.

EXTERIOR
The Civic GX has an updated look for 2009, including a redesigned natural gas vehicle (NGV) logo.

Sporty Style
A new six-sided grille and front bumper give this year’s GX a refreshed appearance. Alternative fuel never looked better.

Badge of Honor
The uniquely redesigned Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) decal lends a little more visibility to your smarter choice of ride.

INTERIOR

The Civic GX NGV combines comfort and convenience with the greatest of ease.

Get Inside

The interior of the Civic GX can only be described as intuitive. Controls are well-placed, and a flat rear floor provides ample room. The futuristic cockpit design features a two-tier instrument panel that provides a unique view of all instrumentation.

Listen In
A 160-watt AM/FM/CD audio system that’s MP3- and Windows Media® Audio (WMA)-capable will provide the perfect soundtrack for your ride.

PERFORMANCE
The future is closer (and more powerful) than you think.

Powerful Alternative
A Drive-by-Wire throttle system and 113-hp, 16-valve i-VTEC® engine give the 2009 Civic GX its get-up-and-go. This clean natural-gas-fueled vehicle also features the latest, next-generation i-VTEC® technology, offering up more power than you’d expect from a smaller engine.

Technologically Advanced
California Air Resources Board named the GX an Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV). Honda’s Civic GX is the world’s cleanest internal-combustion vehicle. The 5-speed automatic transmission also enhances fuel economy.

1.8-Liter, 16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC® Engine
The GX engine achieves 24 mpg GGE city and 36 mpg GGE highway/ 28 GGE combined (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent). A host of sophisticated technologies include special engine mounts, crankshaft, engine block, pistons and connecting rods to help achieve remarkable smoothness.

5-Speed Automatic Transmission
This electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission* offers more gear ratios for quick acceleration and enhanced fuel economy. You get more power, smoother upshifts and downshifts and quieter operation.

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.

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 emission equipment.

CNG

The compressed natural-gas (CNG) fuel tank is almost as impressive as the engine. The tank is lightweight, strong and built for safety. And for extra peace of mind, we’ve equipped the tank with an in-tank solenoid valve that will cut off the flow of gas if the system is compromised, or when the engine is turned off.

Flat Floor
Much of the increased legroom comes from the rear suspension’s highly compact design, which frees up more space for passengers and cargo. Along with a compact exhaust system, this makes it possible to seat five people in the GX and to eliminate the floor hump for a roomy, flat rear-floor area.

SAFETY
The Civic GX is the result of extensive research in safety design from Honda.

Working Together
Sophisticated active and passive safety features work in concert to help keep you and your passengers safer in an unpredictable world.

Illumination
The Civic GX enhances your visibility to others by incorporating Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Confident Stopping
To help you maintain steering control during hard stops, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard. The Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) system in the Civic GX takes into account how the car is dynamically loaded, and apportions braking force appropriately.

Honda’s Safety Philosophy
Honda is committed to providing safety for everyone—not only for our own drivers and passengers, but also for other vehicle occupants and pedestrians. The knowledge gained from our studies helps us identify new technologies and ultimately helps provide safer vehicles on roadways for everyone.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
This system monitors the pressure in all four tires and alerts the driver before pressure in any tire becomes significantly low.

Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps you maintain steering control during hard stops. Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) balances braking forces at each wheel according to how the car is dynamically loaded.

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

Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Active Head Restraints
In a significant rear-end impact, the active head restraints move forward and up to help reduce the likelihood of neck injury.

Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
Dual-stage front airbags (SRS) deploy at one of two rates and thresholds, depending on the severity of impact and seat-belt use.

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.

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.

Side Curtain Airbags
To help lessen the likelihood of head and neck injuries in side collisions, all Civic models feature standard side curtain airbags. The side curtain airbag module is positioned along the side of the headliner. In the event of a significant side impact, this system will activate to help provide protection for both front and rear outboard passengers.

ENVIRONMENT
For three decades, Honda has played a leading role in meeting environmental challenges.

The Natural Choice
Nothing but clean natural gas powers the Civic GX, making it nearly free of emissions. And you never have to stop at a regular gas station—unless you need a snack.

Smiling Skies
The stringent California Air Resources Board (CARB) calls the GX an Advanced Technology Partial-Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV).

High Score
The Civic GX has received top honors, including a high score from the American Council for Energy-Efficient Economy, which awarded the 2008 GX the distinction of being “America’s Greenest Car.”

Future Benefits
With the CNG-powered GX, you can tap into North America’s fuel supply. So you’ll be able to demonstrate your responsible attitude toward both the planet and your budget. The technology and learning from the GX has also helped enable our dream of a real-world fuel cell vehicle, the FCX Clarity.

REFUELING

Meet Phill®*, the first home refueling appliance available to owners of natural-gas vehicles. Phill® is a compact unit (30″ x 14″ x 14″), manufactured by FuelMaker, that’s easily installed to your home gas line, inside or outside your garage. This is the very same gas line you use to fuel appliances such as your gas stove. Phill® is as safe and quiet as a clothes dryer. It’s equipped with several built-in features like a methane detector, which can monitor for unlikely leaks and automatically shut down the system if necessary.

Refueling the GX may take up to 16 hours if the tank is near empty. (A consumer who drives approximately 100 miles a day can refuel overnight.) This process might actually be more convenient than going to a gas station if you fill up each night when you come home. Phill® is designed not to need any service or maintenance, but should you experience any problems, Phill® Technical Support is standing by to help.

On the road

When you’re out and about, please consider the following. A full tank of natural gas supplies the GX with a driving range of approximately 225-250 miles.† In most cases, this will allow you to travel to your destination and back home to refuel with Phill®. But sometimes you’ll need to fill up on the road.

At times like these, you can refuel in mere minutes at the numerous fast-fill compressed natural-gas stations throughout California. Check out the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition Web site for a complete list of locations. Please note that most stations accept common forms of payment like Visa or MasterCard; however, a few stations require payment with a special “credit card” authorized by the station owner.

*Phill® is a registered trademark of FuelMaker Corporation. Phill sold separately. Visit myphill.com for more details.

†Your actual driving range will vary, depending on driving habits, fill pressure, “fast fill” effects and how you maintain your vehicle.

INCENTIVES

Besides caring for the environment, there are several other factors that make purchasing the Civic GX NGV even more attractive. With the purchase of a Civic GX, drivers may be eligible for a Federal Tax Credit. Learn more about the Federal Tax Credit here.

Its clean, sleek exterior is the perfect match for its environmentally responsible engine. Not to mention the goodwill that can be engendered when you drive a socially and environmentally conscious vehicle. Plus, alternative-fuel vehicles are allowed to use HOV (carpool) lanes in some states, including California, if they display an HOV decal on their vehicle.

Civic GX drivers in California can obtain their decal here.

Check your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles requirements for additional HOV carpool information.

You may also visit the Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center to learn about various state and federal incentives.

California drivers can learn about additional state and local incentives here. (And you’re always welcome to contact your local Honda dealer for additional information.)

SPECIFICATIONS
Engineering

• Engine Type : In-Line 4-Cylinder
• Engine Block/Cylinder Head : Aluminum-Alloy
• Displacement (cc) : 1799
• Horsepower @ rpm (SAE net) : 113 @ 6300
• Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) : 109 @ 4300
• Bore and Stroke (mm) : 81 x 87.3
• Compression Ratio : 12.5:1
• Valve Train : 16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC®
• Multi-Point Natural-Gas Fuel Injection
• Drive-by-Wire™ Throttle System
• Front-Wheel Drive
• CARB Emissions Rating : AT-PZEV
• Direct Ignition System with Immobilizer
• Battery : 12V-36Ah/5Hr
• Alternator : 12V-90Ah

Transmission

• Compact 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
• Gear Ratios: 1st: 2.666, 2nd: 1.534, 3rd: 1.022, 4th: 0.721, 5th: 0.525, Reverse: 1.957, Final Drive: 4.440

Body/Suspension/Chassis

• Unit-Body Construction
• MacPherson Strut Front Suspension
• Multi-Link Rear Suspension
• Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering
• Steering Wheel Turns, Lock-to-Lock : 2.7
• Steering Ratio : 13.7
• Turning Diameter, Curb-to-Curb (ft.) : 34.8
• Power-Assisted Ventilated Front Disc/Rear Drum Brakes (in., front/rear) : 11.1 / 8.7
• Wheels : 15″ with Full Covers
• All-Season Tires : P195 / 65 R15 89H
• Compact Spare Tire

Interior Measurements

• Headroom (in., front/rear) : 39.4 / 37.4
• Legroom (in., front/rear) : 42.2 / 34.6
• Shoulder Room (in., front/rear) : 53.7 / 52.4
• Hiproom (in., front/rear) : 51.9 / 51.0
• Cargo Volume (cu. ft.) : 6.0
• Passenger Volume (cu. ft.) : 90.9
• Seating Capacity : 5

Exterior Measurements

• Wheelbase (in.) : 106.3
• Length (in.) : 177.3
• Height (in.) : 56.5
• Width (in.) : 69.0
• Track (in., front/rear) : 59.0 / 60.2
• Curb Weight (lbs) : 2910
• Weight Distribution (%, front/rear) : 59 / 41

EPA Mileage Estimates/Capacities

• 5-Speed Automatic Transmission (City/Highway/Combined) : 24 / 36 / 28
• Crankcase (qt.) : 4.7
• Coolant System (qt.) : 7.0
• Fuel (gal.) : 8.03 GGE @ 3600psi
• Required Fuel : CNG

Safety

• 3-Point Seat Belts at all Seating Positions
• Front 3-Point Seat Belts with Automatic Tensioning System
• Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Seat Belt Reminder
• Adjustable Front Seat Belt Anchors
• Dual-Stage, Dual-Threshold Front Airbags (SRS)
• Front Side Airbags with Passenger-Side Occupant Position Detection System (OPDS)
• Side Curtain Airbags
• Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Active Head Restraints
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure
• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
• Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
• Side-Impact Door Beams
• Outboard Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH)
• Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
• Immobilizer Theft-Deterrent System
• Emergency Trunk Release

Exterior Features

• Integrated Rear-Window Antenna
• Security System with Remote Entry
• Body-Colored Power Side Mirrors
• 2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers
• Impact-Absorbing Body-Colored Bumpers
• Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights
• Tinted Glass
• Body-Colored Door Handles

Comfort & Convenience

• Air Conditioning with Air-Filtration System
• Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver’s Window
• Power Door Locks with Auto-Lock Feature
• Cruise Control
• Steering Wheel-Mounted Controls
• Tilt and Telescopic Steering Column
• Beverage Holders
• Center Console with Sliding Armrest and Storage Compartment
• Front Door-Pocket Storage Bins
• Satin-Finish Door-Handle Pulls
• Coin Tray
• Remote Fuel Filler Door Release
• Remote Trunk Release with Lock
• Headlights-On Reminder
• Driver’s and Front Passenger’s Vanity Mirrors
• Map Lights
• Rear-Seat Heater Ducts
• Floor Mats
• Driver’s Footrest
• 12-Volt Power Outlet
• Rear Window Defroster with Timer
• Cargo Area Light

Seating

• Driver’s Seat with Manual Height Adjustment
• Reclining Front Seatbacks
• Adjustable Head Restraints

Audio System

• 160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 2 Speakers
• MP3/Windows Media® Audio (WMA) Playback Capability
• MP3/Auxiliary Input Jack
• CD Text Display Capability
• Speed-Sensitive Volume Control (SVC)

Instrumentation

• Two-Tier Instrument Panel
• Blue Backlit Gauges
• Tachometer
• Digital Odometer and Digital Trip Meters (2)
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Indicator
• Maintenance Minder™ System
• Exterior Temperature Indicator
• Fuel and Coolant Temperature Indicators
• Door/Trunk-Open Indicators
• Low-Fuel and Low-Oil Pressure Indicators
• Passenger-Side Side Airbag-Off Indicator
• Front Passenger Airbag-Off Indicator

My-Dream-Cars : Honda Civic GX Natural Gas Vehicle