Overview
The current Civic sedan provides an ideal platform for the first application of hybrid technology to an existing, mass-produced model. It offers high levels of passenger car safety, a tight fit and finish, good aerodynamics, a lightweight body and low levels of NVH. The exterior styling concept of the Civic sedan when it was completely redesigned for the 2001 model year, "Solid and Dynamic," formed the foundation for the Civic Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid remains true to these roots and goes one step further with a styling theme of "Solid, Dynamic and Sophisticated." In the quest to achieve this goal, Honda engineers subtly manipulated the body of the familiar Civic Sedan for the Hybrid.
While the 2003 Civic Hybrid shares a majority of its body components with the Civic LX Sedan, a variety of enhancements have been made to the Hybrid's body for improved aerodynamic performance. The Civic Hybrid provides enhanced aerodynamics, unique badging, and special exterior trim and unique lighting fixtures.
Unique 2003 Civic Hybrid Body Features:
- Aerodynamic enhancements include a refined front bumper, engine under cover, rear floor side under covers and a trunk spoiler.
- Unique multi reflector rear combination taillights.
- UV reducing green glass.
- Roof antenna.
- Unique badging including a bigger front grille H-mark and rear Hybrid insignia.
- Body color door mirrors.
- Lightweight aluminum alloy wheels.
- Exclusive color available (Opal Silver Blue Metallic).
Safety Targets
When the engineers and designers created the current Civic
platform,
one of their primary objectives was to obtain a 5-star NCAP
rating
for frontal impact - the highest rating possible. The 2003 Honda
Civic Hybrid is expected to meet the same high targets as other
Civic
models in government and private sector crash testing,
including:
- National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration
(NHTSA).
5-star NCAP rating for frontal impact
4-star SINCAP rating for side impact - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
"Good" IIHS rating for front offset impact (best possible rating)
"Smart-Linked" Body Shell
The body of the 2003 Civic Hybrid has been designed to efficiently absorb the energy of an impact as other Civic models. One way this was accomplished was through the use of multi-directional cross members. Together, these cross members create a "smart-linked" body shell -- providing an even stronger body.
- In a frontal collision, the energy is divided between the parallel side frame and sub-frame.
- For side impact protection, the 2003 Civic Hybrid features a roof gusset and larger high-strength steel cross members.
Aerodynamic Detailing with Under Floor Covers
The current Civic body styling lends itself well to the Hybrid
because it is already aerodynamically efficient. When formulating
the
seventh generation Civic body concept, Civic designers studied
every
aspect of the body in an effort to reduce drag and minimize wind
noise. This included developing the general shape of the body,
refining the front spoiler, adding a rear suspension cover and
refining the shape of the door mirrors. The Civic Hybrid
integrates
several key elements into the Civic's already efficient design to
improve aerodynamic efficiency to 0.28 Cd, an improvement of
0.025
Cd, according to Honda's in-house testing.
- The front bumper has a unique one-piece design and it uses an exclusive grille shape (with a larger center grille slat) to direct air more efficiently over the vehicle.
- Underneath, the Civic Hybrid's aerodynamics qualities are
enhanced through the use of under-floor covers that prevent
turbulence from forming underneath the vehicle. Two covers
comprise the under-floor aerodynamic system. The covers can
be
easily removed for service access.
o Engine cover
o Rear Side covers - A rear spoiler has been added to reduce turbulence behind the vehicle.
Use of High-Tensile Steel
Like the non-hybrid models, the Civic Hybrid makes extensive
use of
lightweight and strong high-tensile steel.
- About 50 percent of the body structure, including the important mid-floor cross members and floor gussets, are made of high-tensile steel.
Tight Tolerances
Honda vehicles have long been synonymous with outstanding fit
and
finish. This attention to detail is evident in the increased body
panel fit accuracy - -making significant reductions in the sizes of
gaps between body panels and interior components.
The entire Civic lineup features what is known as a "0" gap for the front and rear bumpers, or less than a single millimeter. This gives the bumpers a more integrated appearance, yet keeps collision costs to a minimum by isolating various body components so fewer components require replacing in the event of an accident.
Noise and Vibration Dampening
Significant effort to reduce interior noise and vibration has been
put into the current Civic platform. The Civic offers low levels of
passenger compartment engine noise during acceleration. This
is due
in part to the high levels of torsional rigidity the Civic platform
provides along with cross braces and high-energy absorption
materials. At 60 mph on flat road, the Civic Hybrid records a low
66
db sound level.
- The Civic Hybrid utilizes "melt sheets" on the floor, around the tunnel, and around the tire pan in the trunk. This asphalt insulation material is literally "melted" into place on the floor to ensure a precise fit and to help reduce interior noise.
- Rubber-backed floor mat insulators help stop road noise before it reaches the interior.
- A dashboard insulator reduces engine noise in the interior.
- Urethane foam is sprayed into the pillars to fill the gaps and reduce the amount of noise transmitted to the interior.
- The doors have 2-lipped seals for reduced noise intrusion.
Multi-Reflector Rear Combination Taillights
The Civic Hybrid comes with special clear red multi-reflector rear
taillights. The special lenses and housings, which feature
unique
turn lights, stop lights, backup lights and smoked lenses convey
an
upscale and high-tech look consistent with the sophistication
aspect
of the design concept.
High Mount Roof Antenna
The Civic Hybrid has a high mount roof antenna. Its location
helps
prevent interference that may occur from the advanced
electronics in
other parts of the vehicle. The antenna is isolated from
interference
sources and enhances reception. The antenna can pivot 90
degrees on
its center mounted roof mount and quickly unscrews for car
washes.
Non-hybrid Civic sedans and coupes use a rear window glass
integrated
antenna.
Flat Floor
An integral part of all Civic models is its unique flat floor, and
the Civic Hybrid retains this feature. The challenge presented by
a
flat floor is reduced rigidity (because a flat sheet flexes more
readily than a formed one). To overcome this tendency, the Civic
has
a "tunnel side frame" with a large, flat cross section replacing the
usual tunnel structure. This improves torsional rigidity and
makes
the body stronger.
Available Colors
The Civic Hybrid is available in Taffeta White, Titanium Metallic or
Opal Silver Blue Metallic, a special Hybrid-only color. The Civic
Hybrid is further differentiated from the LX Sedan exterior with
body
color door mirrors and body color windshield washer nozzles.