2012 Civic Hybrid will be first Honda hybrid to get lithium-ion batteries

Earlier this morning we learned that Honda is considering getting rid of the Civic in Japan – but for the rest of the world (especially all of you hybrid lovers), Honda’s got something special up its sleeve. The 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid will lead the new Civic lineup and will challenge the Toyota Prius head-to-head. Basically, Honda will now have two models gunning for Prius’ top-hybrid spot including the Insight and the upcoming Civic Hybrid.

The 2012 Civic will use Honda’s in-house developed IMA hybrid system found in the CR-Z, Insight and current Civic Hybrid. However, next year, the Civic Hybrid will upgrade from 1.3 liters to 1.5 liters and will become the first Honda hybrid to get lithium-ion batteries. The system is expected to significantly improve the car’s all-electric range.

Along with the Civic Hybrid, the United States market is expected to get a sedan and coupe version of the Si.

Sources say that Honda isn’t making any significant changes to the next-generation Civic, meaning you shouldn’t hold your breath for something totally revolutionary. We’ll find out when the car makes its debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Inside Line