Honda Civic Hybrid Launched
Japanese car maker Honda Motor Co has introduced the first hybrid vehicle in India by launching its sedan Civic, equipped with a petrol engine and an electric battery. Honda said that the Civic Hybrid would cost Rs 21.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). The import duty on a completely built unit (CBU) is 104 per cent. The company will import the CBU from Japan, where it produces the hybrid car for its global markets. However, it is also exploring alternatives through which it can import the engines and parts and bring the car as a semi-knocked down unit.
The Honda Civic Hybrid System features a 3-stage i-VTEC + IMA that employs Honda's 1.3L i-VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) engine to provide three stages of valve timing (low-speed, high-speed, and cylinder idle mode), combined with a compact and efficient electric motor, Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) system. Together with the CVT transmission, the system provides a company-claimed 47% enhanced fuel efficiency over a regular 1.8l Civic AT.