The answers to your frequently asked questions about the Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda's IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) System.

The answers to your frequently asked questions about the Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) System.
A hybrid car, like the Honda Civic Hybrid, is one that is driven by a petrol engine and an electric motor. The motor, known for its high-torque, kicks in during acceleration while the petrol-driven engine recharges the batteries during highway cruising and braking. Such technology delivers significant boosts in power and fuel economy, while lowering emission.

Do I have to plug it in for recharging of the IMA battery?
Contrary to beliefs, the battery of the Honda Civic Hybrid never needs to be plugged in for recharging. In fact, there isn’t even a plug. The recharging function is completely self-sufficient. The main source of power is still the ultra efficient 3-stage i-VTEC engine. As you drive the car, the Honda Civic Hybrid's Intelligent Power Unit will ensure that the batteries are charged. The IMA battery of the Honda Civic Hybrid is charged when the car is slowing down, travelling downhill or braking.

Do I need to go to a special petrol station to top up petrol for my Honda Civic Hybrid?
The Honda Civic Hybrid is a petrol hybrid. It does not run on an alternative fuel like hydrogen or natural gas. You only need to top up the car with normal petrol. There is no need to go to a special petrol station for a top up. 92RON petrol can be used.

How long can the IMA battery last?
The battery is designed to last the lifetime of the hybrid car. As the battery is constantly charged and discharged, the life of the battery is continually kept in check.

How long is the warranty of the battery?
The factory warranty for the battery is 3 years or 100,000km, whichever comes first.

What happens if the IMA battery is flat? Can I still start the engine of the hybrid car?
The Honda Civic hybrid has 2 batteries - the standard 12V wet cell and the IMA battery mounted in the boot. The engine cannot be started only if the 12V wet cell is flat.

If I run out of petrol, can I just run the Honda Civic Hybrid on the electric motor?
No, you will always need to have petrol in the Honda Civic Hybrid. The engine only runs on electric power when it is cruising. It relies on the petrol engine for acceleration

What kind of fuel economy can I expect to get from the Honda Civic Hybrid?
Tested under the EU combined cycle, the Honda Civic Hybrid returns a staggering fuel economy of 21.74km per litre. And, besides saving you money, the Honda Civic Hybrid has one of the lowest emission levels in production cars.

Does the Honda Civic Hybrid drive differently compared to other cars?
No. However, due to its excellent fuel economy you will experience lower fuel bills and fewer stops at the petrol stations. You will be amazed by the car and the fact that you driving around with one of the world's most advanced engine under the bonnet.

Will the servicing costs for the Honda Civic Hybrid be higher than a normal petrol-driven car?
No, it will not be. The service interval is the same as any other Honda car, with the first service at 1,000km followed by 10,000km, 20,000km and so on. No additional servicing is required on the Honda Civic Hybrid.

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