Consumer Reports weighs in on Honda's CNG-powered Civic
Honda's alternative-fuel efforts are focused on compressed natural gas, not ethanol. Consumer Reports has just released its test of the Honda Civic GX, which is priced about $7,000 more than a standard Civic. But the benefits include much cleaner emissions and energy cost that is about half that of gasoline.
CR tried out the home refueling station called Phill and said Honda can apply what it learns about CNG refueling to its future hydrogen efforts. The big problem, of course, is that natural gas is not available everywhere.
CR didn't notice a difference in driving the vehicle and acknowledged that some states allow CNG vehicles in the HOV lane.
The EPA says the Civic GX has the cleanest internal combustion it has ever tested. That draws the attention of lawmakers who offer federal and sometimes state tax credits.
Other notes from the CR test: range was about 220 to 260 miles. Natural gas in your home isn't pressurized, so it takes Phill all night to fill up the tank. The federal government says CNG vehicles are as safe as gas vehicles.
Bottom line: CNG has its advantages and disadvantages.
[Source: Consumer Reports]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris B 11:29AM (10/03/2006)
We have had the similar LPG (liquid propane gas) in use in Australia for years. Its cheaper, cleaner, and safe. You can even retrofit you old gas burning clunker to use LPG or switch it back to regular if you want. the Aussie government now even offers a $2000 dollar tax break for those going to a LPG car, and rebates to those converting older cars. Just for the record practically every Taxi in Australia is a LPG car. In a time when a liter of gas run about $1.12 a alternative which is running about $0.58 a liter is highly attractive.
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MikeW 11:17PM (10/03/2006)
The gasoline civic is very talled geared with the automatic. The engine runs basically 'lugging' all the way, while the torque converter lockup clutch continously slips to reduce the vibrations.
With reduced power with the CNG engine, Honda should have: shortened the axle ratio, used the long stroke of the R20A to recoup the missing power, use a CVT instead of 5 speed auto, used the 3 stage intake manifold of the R20A on the CNG R18.
Honda did nothing.
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