Wonder why Honda HR-V becomes more powerful and fuel-efficient? Take a look at the Honda i-DCD hybrid system on the HR-V Hybrid!

Honda's Hybrid technology is composed of three different drive systems: i-DCD (intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive), i-MMD (intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) and Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All-Wheel Drive).

Honda's i-DCD is a one-motor hybrid system designated for small vehicles. Its internal combustion engine belongs to Honda Earth Dream Technology Series, which employs direct injection technology, i-VTEC and DOHC dual camshaft technology as the base. The “EDT” engine is claimed to combine excellent driving performance and high levels of fuel economy.

The 1.5-litre i-DCD system adopts Atkinson Cycle engines owning to its increased compression ratio and excellent thermal efficiency. Albeit the typical Otto Cycle engines perform better under low-speed or high-speed output, the fuel-efficient of the Atkinson Cycle engines is remarkable. That is the reason why manufacturers used to cooperate the Atkinson Cycle engine with Hybrid System, same as the case of the i-DCD system.

Producing only 110 PS and a peak torque of 134 Nm, the 1.5L Atkinson Cycle engine on the Honda Jazz Hybrid can generate up to 137 PS and a maximum torque of 170 Nm by adding in the electric motor. This output figure is close to what 1.8L i-VTEC natural aspirated engine’s model has, but then the Jazz Hybrid won a round on the acceleration performance thanks to the i-DCD engine.

Similar to Jazz Hybrid, HR-V Hybrid is powered by the 1.5L engine, but the GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) technology it gained from Honda allows a better output of 132 PS and 156 Nm for the engine alone, and a combined system output of 152 PS and 190 Nm.

In general, the Hybrid engine is powered by a CVT gearbox, which will greatly reduce the sense of pleasure while driving. To maintain the driving experience that owners enjoy, Honda matched the i-DCD with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. In principle, the DCT (Dual-clutch Transmissions) is more fuel-efficient and quicker for switching gear with. In real-life performance, such combination does offer the Jazz Hybrid with 4L / 100km fuel consumption; as for another heavier SUV, the HR-V Hybrid, the fuel consumption can be scored to an impressed 3.7 L / 100km.