Honda Civic first drive | e:HEV marks a step toward electrification

Honda describes the new Civic hatchback – the car that signals the electrification of the brand’s full UK range – as “the driver’s hybrid”.

As it prepares to swell its offering from four to nine models in 2023, the dynamics of the Japanese manufacturer’s 11th generation Civic form a statement of intent for a new era.

A healthy 31mm longer and 27mm lower than the outgoing model, with a rear track 18mm wider, it is larger than most C-segment hatchbacks, yet low and sleek. The result, Honda claims, is a platform perfectly suited to a new e:HEV hybrid drivetrain promising efficiency and performance.

Emitting 184PS and 315Nm of torque, it combines a 2.0-litre direct injection petrol engine and a powerful electric motor to deliver 7.3-second acceleration to 62mph and a 112mph top speed.

Honda claims fuel economy of 56.5-60.1mpg and CO2 emissions of 108-114g/km across Elegance (£29,995), Sport (£30,595) and Advance (£32,995) trims. The new Civic’s retail/fleet sales split is expected to be 80/20 in the UK, with BIK tax rates of 26% for the Elegance (108g/km CO2 emissions) and 27% for the Sport and Advance (113g/km and 114g/km).

Order books are expected to open in July, with deliveries from October.

At the Civic’s international launch, Honda Motor Europe technical advisor Korato Yamamoto explained that its e-CVT transmission is “not a transmission at all”, rather an electrical control unit that meters the drivetrain’s output. It forms part of a drivetrain which predominantly powers the front wheels with its electric motor, petrol power only directly helping to propel the car at high speeds or under heavy loads. The Civic feels more natural to drive than any true CVT-equipped car, though, its hybrid drivetrain proving refined, the e-CVT effectively mimicking the feel and sound of a dual-clutch gearbox.

Engaging and poised, the new Civic serves up excellent refinement and feels like a car from the class above. It’s a feeling furthered by impressive cabin space, though a 400-litre boot (to the window line) is smaller than many C-segment rivals. Notable improvements in cabin design and quality build on
themes seen in the new HR-V.

A mesh grille spans the dashboard, adding a key styling feature, while a centre console houses gear selector buttons and a smartphone stowage tray at its front edge (a wireless charger in certain trims). Elegance trim features fabric seats, while Sport adds part-synthetic leather and Advance a combination of leather and synthetic leather.

Honda’s HMI touchscreen infotainment system tops the dashboard and incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. While Elegance and Sport trims get a seven-inch instrument cluster, Advance adds a 10.2-inch customisable digital panel, a panoramic sunroof and an upgraded 12-speaker Bose sound system.

All Civics feature the Honda Sensing safety tech, including lane-keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control which operates to a standstill in traffic.

After time driving the new Civic it’s easy to subscribe to the brand’s view that it’s a model with the qualities needed to win customers from rivals.