[Guest]

I saw a tan Civic Hybrid yesterday, in the underground parking lot at The Great Indoors in Lombard, Illinois.

I was walking to my car and the Civic drove past me. I thought, "Gosh, that car is really quiet!" I could see it wasn't a Prius (like mine), but I got a glimpse of the "Hybrid" designation on the back. It was gone before I could motion for the driver to stop and chat.

One question: I thought that the Honda hybrids didn't have a "stealth" (electric-only) mode when moving. So why did it glide past me just like a stealthy Prius?

Barbara
2002 Prius, Brilliant Blue Pearl
BYOUNG1 (Illinois)

 

[Guest]

Barbara,

You're correct, the Civic Hybrid does not have a stealth mode. But it is extremely quiet for a couple reasons. 1) Its engine is only 1.3 liter to start with and 2) When not loaded with demand, the engine automatically shuts down up to 3 of the four cylinders. This second feature helps mileage out as well as making the car extremely quiet when coasting.

I have also noticed that when coming to a stop, the "auto stop" function shuts down the engine at about 5MPH (ie before the complete stop).

Test drive one with the CVT transmission, "smooth" is the best summary word I can use for the Civic Hybrid.


Dave Conaway
Civic Hybrid (Titanium)
1500mi.
Arizona

 

[Guest]

Thanks, Dave. The Civic hybrid I saw was probably going about 5 MPH, so maybe it really was in stealth mode! I would have thought I'd hear any engine noise, because of being in a low-ceilinged concrete underground lot.

I love the CVT in my Prius. It's one of those things that aren't talked about often, but I sure miss it when I have to drive a "regular" car.

Barbara