Its exterior dimensions stayed similar to the outgoing predecessor, with interior space significantly increased, bumping it up to the compact car size designation.

The electric motors are powered by a battery array which is charged by regenerative braking during deceleration, thus reducing exhaust emissions and extending fuel mileage to 46 mpg city / 51 mpg highway with the manual transmission according to EPA fuel mileage estimates.

[3] The Hybrid also had unique lightweight wheels, a rear spoiler, different front bumper, folding mirrors, and aerodynamic enhancements underneath.

In Japan, a VTEC-E equipped 1.5-litre version was marketed with a CVT transmission called "Honda Multimatic".

Then Honda of Japan marketed the EP3 Civic Type R using the more powerful DC5 Integra Japanese-spec K20A powertrain and an electric steering rack.

The LX, EX & RAJ Special Edition included a six-disc changer, rear spoiler, ABS, larger 15-inch wheels and a more powerful engine (see below).

The body shape of this model was based on the "New Bullet-Form" concept, which aimed to create a more dynamic look and provide greater stability while travelling on highways or winding country roads.

[8] With a redline of 6,800 rpm, the Si distanced itself from the narrow, high-rpm powerband engine of its predecessor, and as a result saw a 20 percent increase in torque.

[11] Other factors adversely impacting performance included the lack of a limited-slip differential, having to shift into third gear to get from zero to 60, and increased curb weight due to a stiffer chassis.

[13] Cosmetic changes included revised headlight (dual bulb setup) and tail light designs, standard side skirts, and an option for a HFP (Honda Factory Performance) upgrade.

For the interior, Honda included Mugen carbon fiber and Kevlar race seats covered in red Alcantara suede with 6-point racing harness, a sport 3-spoke steering wheel, aluminum pedals and shift knob, Mugen high performance LCD screen gauge package and center mounted information display.

The seventh-generation Civic was introduced in Malaysia in February 2001 where it was only available with the sedan body style powered by a 1.7-litre engine with two variants:[16] EX-i and VTi.

There was another seventh-generation Civic in Pakistan, which is known as EXi, the non-VTEC variant equipped with a D15Y3 capable of producing 115 to 117 HP (86 to 87 KW) at 6200 RPM.

The seventh-generation North American Civic DX/LX/Value Package (VP) engines were the last Hondas not to use the company's variable valve time system (VTEC); the second to last was the 1996-2004 Acura 3.5RL.

Model with manual transmission was rated city 46 mpg‑US (5.1 L/100 km; 55 mpg‑imp) / highway 51 mpg‑US (4.6 L/100 km; 61 mpg‑imp) according to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel mileage estimates,[27] about the same combined mileage as for the Toyota Prius, and became the most fuel-efficient five-passenger sedan ever sold in North America at the time.

[28] The following is a list of its technical features:[29][30][31] An electric motor is sandwiched between the gasoline engine and the transmission, providing up to 13 horsepower and creating a parallel hybrid drivetrain.

Through improvements to the magnetic coils of the DC brushless motor, it achieves 30% greater assisting and regenerative torque than the previous model without increasing the size.

The battery can charge and discharge more rapidly and efficiently, though the total capacity is reduced from the Insight's (6.0 versus 6.5 Ah).

During deceleration, the synchro piston disengages the lift-mode rocker arm so that the valves remain at rest, effectively sealing off the cylinder.

An idle-stop feature shuts off the engine automatically when stopped, then restarts immediately when the driver removes their foot from the brake.

[32] With assistance from the electric motor, the combined torque at below 3,700 rpm is greater than that available from the non-hybrid Civic's 1.7-liter engine.

Fuel efficiency is further improved by 6% by utilizing a new front air dam and rear spoiler, along with revised underbody panels, reducing the drag coefficient from 0.30 to 0.28; replacing traditional power steering with electrical power result as reduction in parasitic losses and special lower rolling resistance tires.

The Dunlop tires improve ride quality and reduce road noise compared with other hybrids like Insight and Prius.

[33] There was a minor refresh of the design between the 2003 and 2004 model years which affected the front and rear bumper covers, hood, and headlights.

On the interior, a small center console replaced the driver's armrest and the rear seats got adjustable headrests.