Honda Civic IMA Car INSURANCE

The Honda Civic IMA

It has taken 30 years and 6 generations to make the Honda Civic one of the UK's best selling cars. The IMA stands for Integrated Motor Assist, a revolutionary petrol/electric technology which benefits your pocket and the environment. It's just what we've all been waiting for.

The 1.3 litre i-DSI petrol engine is rather cleverly coupled to an electric motor which engages as you accelerate or go uphill. The electric motor boosts the engine power until you reach cruising speed, then it turns itself off. As you brake or slow down, the electric motor acts as a generator, re-charging the battery when necessary, (this is discretely stored out of sight behind the rear seats). This means you never have to charge the battery by plugging into the mains. The instrument panel is informative throughout. A flashing indicator will advise you as to when to shift gears for optimum fuel efficiency, and there is a dial that will let you know whether the electric motor is assisting the engine or charging.

If the engine isn't enough of an environment and penny saver for you, then consider the climate control air conditioning. Very efficient and even has an economy mode for yet more fuel savings, and even includes a pollen filter.

On a practical level, the Civic IMA doesn't compromise on space and though the battery pack sits behind the rear seat, the boot is still spacious with 341 litres of storage. There is remote boot release button inside the car, and you can still use a key to open it, but what is missing is a boot release on the key fob. |There are other storage solutions dotted around the car. Front and rear cup holders, a coin pocket, a seat back pocket on the front passenger seat, door bins in the front door pockets and storage under the audio system. The cabin is uncluttered with a light feel and visibility is good all the way round the car.

The drivers seat is height adjustable, as is the steering column to enable you to find the perfect driving position. The cabin will sit a family of five comfortably in it's all black leather interior. The front seats are heated and have a central armrest. There are electric windows in the front and back, heated electric door mirrors, heat absorbing tinted windows, driver and passenger vanity mirrors, an unlit glove box, remote keyless entry system and stereo CD tuner.

The safety aspects on this car follow Hondas rule book and comes as standard. Included in this are duel side airbags, ABS (anti-lock braking system), EBD (electronic brake force distribution), emergency brake assist, high level rear brake light, front ventilated disk brakes, rear disk brakes, so you know the car brakes reassuringly well, as with most Hondas.

Also included with this car are front seat belt and buckle pre-tensioners, side impact protection beams, height adjustable front seat belts. 5 x 3 point seat belts, ISOFix child seat restraint mechanism, front head restraints, rear outer head restraints, rolling code ECU engine immobiliser, Honda deadlocks, externally visible vehicle identification number (VIN), remote keyless entry, central locking, high security integrated audio, locking wheel nuts, alarm system perimeter monitoring and glove box.

To finalize, the Honda Civic IMA combines impressive levels of safety equipment and luxury features together with ground breaking technology for energy efficiency. It drives like any other saloon car but will definitely not break the bank as far as petrol costs are concerned. Overall opinion is this car is great, green value for money.

Editions: Civic Type R - Civic IMA