Honda Civic Hybrid

Japan’s Honda Motor Co would start selling a hybrid version of its Civic sedan in India from the end of this month ( June 2008 ) as it chases Toyota motor corp ( Prius ) in the green car race.

Honda, Japan’s second largest automaker after Toyota, said it would be the first gasoline-electric hybrid car sold in the fast growing Indian market. The Honda Civic hybrid car will be imported from Japan and priced at Rs. 21.5 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Toyota beat Honda to the hybrid market by two years with its Prius in 1997. The improved prius in 2003 became an instant hit helping Japan’s top automaker win a reputation overnight as the leader in green technology cars. But Honda is hoping to change that.

<- Toyota Prius

The new Honda Civic hybrid car promises to cut down your ever-ballooning fuel bill at the right time as fuel is becoming very very expensive - however, it also promises to make a big hole in your pocket in advance Priced at Rs21.5 lakh, the Civic Hybrid is available in one version and two colours - white and silver. Honda Siel claims the car delivers an economic mileage of 17-21 km to the litre. It is 50% more efficient than the petrol version but heavier on the pocket in advance. What makes the car smooth to drive is a combination of a regular engine and an electric motor - while we have not tested the Honda Civic Hybrid yet, the prius hybrid electric car is extremely silent when it runs on electric motor, one feels like the car is just gliding - we suppose it should be a similar cool experience when the Honda civic hybrid runs on electric motor. Overall a cool new car for India and for people who care about the earth. Hope to see you around soon you green cars.