Return of the Honda Civic HF (41 mpg hwy - same hwy mpg as last year's Civic hybrid)

[cfg83]

Hello -

This is my kind of bling!

The 2012 Honda Civic - Official Site

When the all-new Civic arrives this spring, it will continue to be a standout in the compact segment, with all the value, reliability, sporty performance and efficiency you’ve come to expect from this iconic vehicle. The 2012 Civic will offer an unparalleled level of variety, with standard coupe and sedan models, two sporty Si versions, one hybrid, one natural-gas alternative-fuel variant and an all-new model—the Civic HF. In the tradition of the Civic CRX HF of years past, the new Civic HF has a similar goal of high efficiency with gasoline-only power, delivering a targeted EPA-estimated fuel-economy rating of 41 mpg on the highway. Also delivering on the efficiency front is the all-new Civic Hybrid. With its all-new lithium-ion battery, the Civic Hybrid boosts its mpg numbers significantly with a targeted EPA-estimated city/highway combined fuel-economy rating of 45 mpg. The sleek new Si performs an engineering paradox by enhancing efficiency and performance simultaneously with its torquey new 2.4-liter i-VTEC engine. The next-generation Civic brings enhanced styling, performance and efficiency across the model range.

CarloSW2

[SentraSE-R]

Unfortunately, that 41 mpg highway figure is for the AT-equipped HF. We don't know what the city estimate will be, nor the comparable figures for the MT, nor do we know whether there will even be an MT version. Honda's recent history with MT gearing isn't encouraging to hypermilers who've been crippled by the short legs of recent MT Fits & Civics.

[Cd]

Forty one ??

Why does that suddenly sound so unimpressive ?

[SoobieOut]

Seems to me the old Honda HF did better than 41 MPG. But that was 25 years ago, and technology has improved so much...

[Angmaar]

I think any old Civic/CRX HF will get more than 41MPG. Maybe they are keeping the max highway MPG at 41 so it doesn't interfere with the Insight II or HCHII sales.

[KITT222]

Originally Posted by Angmaar

I think any old Civic/CRX HF will get more than 41MPG. Maybe they are keeping the max highway MPG at 41 so it doesn't interfere with the Insight II or HCHII sales.

Same reason the Corolla is kept at mid-30s. Business is truly the enemy of high-efficiency cars. Which I guess is why Chevy Cruze Eco beats most other compact cars at 42 MPG hwy. There are no product overlaps that would make GM want to restrict it. And I hardly consider the Volt an overlapping model.

What I find odd, is this Civic HF gets the Insight IIs hwy ratings without the hybrid system.

[cfg83]

Hello -

EDIT - I GOT MIXED UP BETWEEN HX AND HF, NOW IT'S CORRECT

Keep in mind that the Civic HF is "new EPA MPG". Let's compare the Cruze Eco manual to the 2005 Civic HX manual with Lean-Burn :



The 2012 Civic HF beats the 2005 Civic HX in "New EPA MPG".

I am going to be very interested in the actual MPG figures when they come out. I don't think the HF will employ the HX' lean-burn because of more stringent emission standards, but who knows?

CarloSW2

[Ryland]

I'm hopeful that they will make a version with a 5 speed because if they do it will hopefully be a decent 5 speed if their true goal is good mileage, also the civic hybrid comes with factory belly panels I hear that fits the other civics of the same year so either this new Civic HF will have those or I should hope you could order them.

[ex-x-fire]

They probably only come loaded w/ options.

[Daox]

Originally Posted by SentraSE-R

Unfortunately, that 41 mpg highway figure is for the AT-equipped HF. We don't know what the city estimate will be, nor the comparable figures for the MT, nor do we know whether there will even be an MT version. Honda's recent history with MT gearing isn't encouraging to hypermilers who've been crippled by the short legs of recent MT Fits & Civics.

Agreed. However, I believe the HFs have historically come with taller geared transmissions.