The Honda Civic Hybrid is a hybrid version of the Honda Civic sedan. The Civic Hybrid, a four-seater, features a lightweight, low-friction 4-cylinder engine complimented by a DC electric motor that's less than 2.5" wide.

Power for the motor is stored in a compact battery pack behind the rear seat. The battery comes with an 8-year/80,000-mile (128,000 km) warranty. The car's interior is equipped with an automatic climate control with air-filtration system.

Media reports claim that the car could be launched in India late this year or in early 2009.

The Honda Civic Hybrid at the International Car Show at Heysel in Brussels, Belgium. | Photograph: Mark Renders/Getty Images