Honda has just unveiled the European version of the new Civic that is available exclusively in hybrid form, with the e:HEV badge. The model celebrates 50 years of the Civic hatchback, while completing the electrification of the European range. As we can see below, it is a more advanced car, with technical and mechanical advances that place it among the most striking cars of this year and more appetizing for purchase.
The mechanical capabilities of the car
The Civic’s e:HEV powertrain is different from that of the smaller Jazz and HR-V models, as it looks more like the CR-V. It consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powered by the Atkinson cycle, dual electric motors mounted at the front, and a lighter, lighter, higher-density 72-cell lithium-ion battery mounted under the rear seats. The gasoline engine is controlled by a new power control unit that results in a thermal efficiency of 41%. The powertrain automatically switches between EV, Hybrid and Engine Drive modes without driver intervention, which has access to Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual settings.
Combined power is 181 horsepower (135 kW/184 PS) and 315 Nm (232.3 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the front wheels via a fixed gear transmission. This makes the hybrid increasingly powerful and significantly more twisted than its predecessor’s 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo, which produced 180 horsepower (134 kW/182 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft), with the same engine still available for U.S. specifications. At the same time, target WLTP CO2 emissions are less than 110 g/km, helping Honda meet strict EU emissions standards. The EU-spec Honda Civic is distinguished by the absence of visible tailpipes and the e:HEV badge on the tailgate.
What can be seen from the outside
Visually, the EU-spec Civic Hatchback looks identical to the US-spec model, leaving aside the absence of headlight reflectors, the removal of chrome-finished exhaust pipes visible on the back that are replaced by a black trim on the diffuser, plus the addition of the e:HEV badge that communicates its electrified nature.
From the front you can see a sports fascia that features aggressive. The hood is wide, if you want it also has certain pronunciations and lines that culminate in the grille and optics of the car. The grille is black and grilled, with the manufacturer’s slogan right in the center. On the sides of the bumper we have fog lights recessed in striking pieces of black plastic. There is a central air intake in the lower area.
On the sides of the car we have black wheels or wheels, hiding the brake system composed of large calipers and powerful discs. The door locks are the same body color, while the mirror housings come in black.
The rear comes with LED brake or stop lights, shark fin-shaped radio antenna, auxiliary lights embedded in the bumper, and the manufacturer’s slogan right in the center.
Inside the cabin
The same applies to the interior of the cabin with the honeycomb pattern on the dash and the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility. The Advance grade also comes with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a sleeker 12-speaker Bose sound system. Cabin space has been increased compared to the previous generation thanks to the 35 mm (1.4 inch) longer wheelbase. Coinciding with Honda’s strategy, the Civic e:HEV comes equipped with the Honda Sensing ADAS suite and 11 airbags.
The Honda Civic e:HEV will be available in Europe from autumn 2022. Pricing will be announced closer to market launch.
