Honda Hybrid technology continues to develop further to reconcile global climate change issues and growing demand for mobility, aiming to manufacture products with the lowest CO2 emissions.

• Diesel Engines (i-DTEC): The basic technology of diesel engines tends to improve efficiency and better fuel economy. In Europe, diesel engines are considered the technology of choice for reducing CO2 emissions.

  Honda has developed an even cleaner next-generation diesel engine, the i-DTEC clean diesel engine. The i-DTEC engine reduces noxious exhaust emissions while boosting power and fuel efficiency.

• Petrol Engines (i-VTEC): Honda is further advancing its Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) technology with the development of an advanced VTEC engine that achieves even more powerful performance, outstanding fuel economy and lower emissions.

  The i-VTEC system allows the engine to retard intake valve closure timing under low engine load driving conditions, ensuring ample low-speed torque combined with outstanding fuel economy

• Honda Hybrid Engines (IMA - Integrated Motor Assist): Honda's approach to hybrid (petrol - electric) engines is borne of the passion to minimise exhaust fumes and CO2 emissions, whilst maintaining exciting performance characteristics.

  The 3 stage Honda Hybrid i-VTEC engine provides three stages of valve control depending on the driving conditions to achieve a combination of responsive driving and fuel economy. Honda's independently developed electric motor allows the i-VTEC engine to be turned off unless the vehicle is starting up, or accelerating. Even then, motor-assisted acceleration minimises fuel consumption and emissions.

The Honda Insight was introduced in 1999, becoming a pioneer for petrol-electric hybrid technology in Europe and North America as the very first commercially available hybrid car and the first mass produced hybrid car with Honda’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) system. Combining superior driving pleasure with world leading eco-friendliness, this model offered the world's lowest fuel consumption for a petrol-powered vehicle.

Taking the form of an ultra-modern, stylish 2-seater that stresses personal-utility space, the Honda Insight was developed around three major themes: an ultra efficient power unit, super-aerodynamics, and an ultra light body.

The all new Honda Insight continues to lead the way, taking hybrid technology into a new era of affordability, enabling people to get behind the wheel of a high quality hybrid vehicle only that Honda can develop. The new Insight is a 5-passenger, 5-door dedicated hybrid vehicle with distinctive styling, packing a 1.3l 4-cylinder i-VTEC engine and the latest generation of Honda's IMA Hybrid System.

The first Honda Civic Hybrid was introduced in 2001 and designed to meet the following three objectives: to achieve the world's highest level of environmental performance; to offer all the practicality of a passenger sedan; and to deliver high-quality, powerful performance.

The current Honda Civic Hybrid was redesigned in 2005, equipped with the new 3-Stage i-VTEC + IMA Honda Hybrid System that regulates the valves to provide three stages of valve timing (low-rpm, high-rpm, and cylinder idle mode) in accordance with driving conditions.

This, combined with a significantly improved IMA system, delivers both spirited performance and an ultra light fuel economy, a contributory factor for today’s motorists.