IndiBlog

Honda's Civic Hybrid has been finally launched in the Indian market at a price of Rs. 21.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The Civic hybrid is being imported as a CBU from Japan and Honda would be testing the waters before starting local assembly. As a result the hybrid Civic attracts 104% cutsoms duty pushing up the price to nearly double of what a regular Civic 1.8 costs. Technically the hybrid civic is a marvel, with a 1.3 litre petrol engine mated to an electric motor. When the car is idling and when it is crusing at speeds between 40-50 kmph, it runs only on electric power thus saving fuel. At other times, both the engine and the electric motor are running giving decent performance and a linear torque curve.

I expect the Civic Hybrid to become an environmental fashion accessory in India bought by those who want to potray a green and socially responsible image (actors, corporate honchos etc.). For most the Civic hybrid would prove to be poor value at this price point and even it's improved mileage figures cannot justify the stratospheric price of the car. Honda is also planning to launch a hybrid hatchback in Japan next year but it's unlikely to make its way to India.