It has become abundantly obvious to the majority of the world that we are running out of oil, and by proxy, out of gasoline. With every automaker scrambling to find a way to get cleaner and greener cars, the are surprisingly few marques trying to perfect the art of alternative fuels.

Honda->ke34 is on the cutting edge of alternative propulsion. Cars like the FCX Clarity prove that Honda has that ability, guts and know how to produce and sell a production version of a hydrogen->ke4485-powered vehicle.

Honda is taking that same drive and innovation to its Civic->ke236 line, and now you can purchase a new 2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas. With an updated exterior, and better nationwide availability, the Civic Natural Gas is proving that you don’t necessarily need gasoline to get your motor running.

Learn about the new Civic Natural Gas and where you can buy one below in our review.

2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 110 @ 6500
  • Torque: 106 @ 4300
  • Transmission: Five-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The Honda Civic Sedan saw a huge visual refresh last year, but the Natural Gas model was left out. Now for 2014, the CNG-powered Honda sees the same design additions as the rest of the sedan lineup. The new, sharper grille and chrome touches do much to enhance the overall visual appeal of the Civic.

Unfortunately, the tiny 15-inch wheels return. We understand the inherent benefit for power delivery, fuel economy and NVH that comes with using a smaller diameter wheel, but the 15-inch rollers just look undersized in the larger fender wells of the Civic.

2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas - Standard Exterior Features

- Integrated Rear-Window Antenna

- Security System with Remote Entry and Trunk Release

- Body-Colored Power Side Mirrors including Expanded View Driver's Mirror

- 2-Speed/Intermittent Windshield Wipers

- Impact-Absorbing Body-Colored Bumpers

- Multi-Reflector Halogen Headlights with Auto-On/Off

- Body-Colored Door Handles

2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas - Exterior Specifications

Wheelbase (in.)

105.1

Length (in.)

179.4

Height (in.)

56.5

Width (in.)

69.0

Track (in., front/rear)

59.0 / 60.2

Curb Weight (lbs)

2,933

Weight Distribution (%, front/rear)

59 / 41


Interior

The CNG Civic’s outside changes are fairly minimal compared to the overhaul that has been given to the inside. The standard interior trim of the Civic Natural Gas has been fitted with new material for the seats that is much nicer and higher quality than before. The door panels also get the nicer cloth.

Every Honda Civic Natural Gas Model also gets Honda’s new Display Audio touchscreen stereo with 7-inch screen and HondaLink capability.

A new Leather Navi model for the CNG Civic adds heated leather seats, heated side mirrors, a six-speaker setup for audio and a navigation unit. The 2014 Natural Gas is easily the nicest and most refined version of the CNG Civic to date.

2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas - Standard Interior Features

- Air Conditioning with Air-Filtration System

- i-MID with 5-Inch LCD Screen and Customizable Feature Settings

- Honda LaneWatch

- Bluetooth HandsFreeLink

- SMS Text Message Function

- Power Windows with Auto-Up/Down Driver's Window

- Power Door Locks with Auto-Lock Feature

- Cruise Control

- 160-Watt AM/FM/CD Audio System with 4 Speakers

- 7" Display Audio with High-Resolution WVGA (800x480) Electrostatic Touch-Screen, Rearview Camera with Dynamic Guidelines and Customizable Feature Settings

- HondaLink Next Generation

- USB Audio Interface

- Speed-Sensitive Volume Control

2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas - Interior Dimensions

Headroom (in., front/rear)

39.0 / 37.1

Legroom (in., front/rear)

42.0 / 36.2

Shoulder Room (in., front/rear)

56.6 / 53.3

Hiproom (in., front/rear)

50.5 / 51.4

Cargo Volume (cu. ft.)

6.1

Passenger Volume (cu. ft.)

94.6

Seating Capacity

5


Drivetrain

The engine of the 2014 Civic Natural Gas is based on the same 1.8-liter engine found in the standard sedan. Much of the engine is design is exactly the same, but there are some notable features that make this engine perfect for running purely on CNG all the time.

One of the bigger adjustments is the compression ratio. At 12.7:1, it is much higher than the 10:6 in the gasoline engines. This increased compression pressure helps the engine complete the combustion cycle when using a gaseous fuel like CNG. To increase engine longevity while dealing with such a high compression ratio, the Civic NG’s engine features exclusive intake and exhaust valves, different valve seats and stronger connecting rods.

The only transmission choice is Honda’s longtime workhorse; their in-house 5-speed automatic.

Engine Type

In-Line 4-Cylinder

Engine Block/Cylinder Head

Aluminum-Alloy

Displacement (cc)

1,798

Horsepower @ RPM (SAE net)

110 @ 6,500

Torque (LB-FR @ RPM, SAE net)

106 @ 4,300

Redline (RPM)

6,700

Bore and Stroke (MM)

81 x 87.3

Compression Ratio

12.7:1

Valve Train

16-Valve SOHC i-VTEC

Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined)

27 / 38 / 31

Fuel (Gasoline Gallon Equivalent; GGE)

8.03 @ 3600psi

Required Fuel

CNG


Pricing

Model

Price

EPA Fuel Economy Ratings (city/highway/combined)

Civic Natural Gas Sedan 5AT

$26,640

27/38/31

Civic Natural Gas Sedan Navi 5AT

$29,290

27/38/31


Competition

Volkswagen Golf TDI

As the only sedan in the U.S. that is sold powered exclusively by compressed natural gas, the Civic Natural Gas has no true rivals. When it comes to shunning gasoline though, the Golf TDI is a perfect choice. With a 42 mpg highway rating, 6-speed manual transmission option and impeccable build quality, there are few cars on the road that are better alternative-fuel choices.

Nissan Leaf

Representing the other side of the alternative-propulsion scale is Nissan’s 100-percent electric Leaf. As an EV, the Leaf doesn’t have the range of Civic NG, but you need not be concerned with trying to locate a CNG fueling station. Thee both have a type of range anxiety associated with them, but each has unique drawbacks. Either is a great choice if you are attempting to shun gasoline.

Conclusion

The 2014 Honda Civic Natural Gas has made huge leaps and bounds in giving the United States an alternative to the gasoline powered car, but it has some massive hurdles to overcome. First the availability of CNG is still not as widely spread as it needs to be for most buyers. Second, Honda still is not selling this car in all 50 states. The new car will go on sale the day after Valentine’s Day, but only if you live in the 37 selected states. Surprisingly, some of the most natural gas-rich states are the ones left out of the sales plans.

Most of the Midwest has been cast aside with Kansas, Nebraska, Montana, Wyoming, North and South Dakota, Idaho and Iowa on the no-sale list. Buyers in Hawaii, Maine, West Virginia, Kentucky, Vermont and South Carolina are also left out.