CR-V 6th gen Hybrid: why the engine cuts in and out at low speed (and when it shouldn't)

On the RS Hybrid, the gas engine cutting in and out under 30 mph is the i-MMD system doing exactly what it's designed to do — at low speed the car runs on the electric motor alone, with the engine kicking in only to recharge the battery or when demand rises.

It becomes a real problem when the engine cuts in constantly even with a healthy battery and light throttle, or when the transition is accompanied by a harsh clunk — both point at the hybrid system's power control unit or the engine mount rather than normal operation.