While non-GM hybrids are selling as fast as companies can build them here in the U.S., buyers in India have yet to be able to sample the dual drive vehicles. That's all about to change as Honda's Indian venture, Honda Siel Cars India, is about to become the first company to offer a hybrid car in that market. HSCI will shortly start importing the Japanese-built Civic hybrid for sale in the sub-continent. The Civic hybrid for India gets the same powertrain as everywhere else, including a 1.3L four cylinder with the i-VTEC variable valve timing system and the integrated motor assist (IMA) system. The IMA has an electric motor that can't really drive the vehicle independently of the engine. When driving at a moderate, constant speed, the fuel can be shutoff to all four cylinders allowing the motor to propel the car while still turning the engine over. No information is available yet on pricing in India.

[Source: Honda]