Control system and method for a hybrid vehicle using regulation of intake valve lift

A control system for a hybrid vehicle is provided which includes controller (17) for stopping engine (31) during standstill and low seed running of the vehicle and starting engine (31) by means of a first generator/motor (32) when the vehicle is in a predetermined running condition or when the amount of electric energy stored in electric energy storage device (41) is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, actuating, after engine (31) is restarted, one of first generator/motor (32) and second generator/motor (36) to generate electric energy in response to the amount of electric energy stored in electric energy storage device (41), and regulating a lift, operation angle and maximum lift phase of intake valve (4) of engine (31) to predetermined values matched with an engine load for generation of electric energy and an engine load for driving the vehicle. A control method is also provided.