Atkinson Cycle is a specific fuel-saving combustion cycle, which leaves the intake valves open a fraction of a second longer than normal, resulting in an effectively shorter engine stroke, and therefore fuel savings. The fact that Atkinson Cycle isn't as good at producing power isn't a problem here, as the holes in the power delivery are covered up by the electric motor and battery.
That battery is a lithium-ion one, which puts Honda a tech step ahead of rival Toyota's nickel battery hybrid setup. The hybrid CR-V also lacks a gearbox. Instead, the front wheels are driven directly by the electric motor, and a single reduction gear links that to the engine, so there's no need for actual gears, nor a CVT. Honda claims that this setup makes for a smoother transmission of power.
The system has three modes; EV Drive in which the wheels are driven only by the motor and battery; Hybrid Drive in which the engine and motor work together; and Engine Drive, in which the electric motor is turned directly by the petrol engine, via a lock-up clutch mechanism.
Honda claims that when driving the CR-V hybrid, you'll be running on electric power for as much as half your driving time, when in town, and up to a third of the time, when on faster roads. You'll be able to monitor the flow of power through the in-car displays.
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