First introduced in 1972, Honda has always defined their Civic model as a global car. In other words, wherever you are in the world, you know what you are going to get and it comes with built-in reliability, something the Japanese brand is noted for. Now, building on 50 years of heritage and with over 27.5 million units sold across 170 countries, the 11th generation Civic represents a modern evolution of the model’s distinctive shape, and echoes the elegant design that we have seen in recent Honda models introduced to Europe and, importantly in these modern times, it is available as a hybrid.
Honda has given its premium hybrid model, the Civic e:HEV, a refresh, introducing updated interior styling and exterior design changes, alongside unchanged hybrid performance. The result is a clear evolution of Honda’s iconic hybrid hatchback. This excellent car is refined and retains the versatility, efficiency and dynamic performance that drivers expect from this company.
What Is e:HEV?
The e:HEV drive is unique to Honda. It’s a two-motor hybrid system. Unlike traditional hybrids, where the electric motor assists the engine, in the e:HEV, the 2.0 litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine produces electricity which assists the motor. The result? An efficient and crisp acceleration that does not sacrifice the comfort and smoothness of the journey, all thanks to Honda’s unique control technology. Each driving mode is shifted seamlessly and autonomously, so the driver is able to experience his or her joy of driving with no awkward transitions.
This practical vehicle offers a total power output of 181BHP (135kW / 183PS), and a class-leading chunky 315 Nm of torque, accelerating the Civic from standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 7.8 seconds. Notable improvements extend into real-world efficiency, with the updated e:HEV producing CO² emissions from 108 g/km and achieving improved fuel economy. The e:HEV system shifts without notice between EV, Hybrid and Engine Drive with no input from the driver.
This car is good to drive too; For sporty driving on twisting roads, Honda have developed a ‘winding road detection system’. This ensures the vehicle is in the most appropriate drive mode to improve responsiveness and reduce unnecessary and frequent switching of drive modes. In this scenario, a stronger deceleration level is also deployed to increase feedback to the driver. At high speeds, and in ‘Engine Drive’, the system provides responsive acceleration by providing high engine torque at higher loads thanks to the direct-injection technology.
Using a drive selector, users can seamlessly switch between four drive modes: ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Individual’. Sport mode sharpens throttle response and improves performance, while Eco mode adjusts throttle response to improve fuel efficiency. The best of both worlds from the ‘world car’.
A Sharper Design
Every Civic trim level now features a redesigned, more assertive front upper and lower grille, highlighted in black gloss and finished with a new grille and headlight garnish for a sharper, sportier look.
The sculpted front bumper incorporates bolder character lines and a new body colour lower bumper spoiler, gives the model a more premium, athletic stance. New 18 inch two-tone, diamond cut alloy wheels in grey for the ‘Advance’ grade and black in ‘Sport’ grade models add a further dynamic edge to the Civic e:HEV’s striking exterior, alongside the high black gloss finish of the door trim. In addition, all grades will no longer have front fog lights to further streamline the design, made possible by improved LED headlight technology to ensure optimal visibility is maintained. New colour options are also available on this latest model.
Premium Interior Ambience
Inside, all grades will feature a new black interior roof lining and pillars to create a more premium feel. Complemented by matte chrome detailing around the air vents to add a subtle touch of sophistication. In addition, the Advance model will now include interior illumination and footwell lights, while the ‘Sport’ grade features a new heated steering wheel for improved driver comfort during colder drives. It also receives a 10.2 inch ‘Digital Driver Display’ to offer clearer graphics and improved visibility, ensuring key information is easier to read. Finally, all ‘Elegance’ versions will now offer wireless charging within the centre console, ensuring ease of access for both driver and passenger.
Advanced Safety
Every Civic e:HEV is equipped with an advanced suite of ‘Honda SENSING’ active safety technologies – one of the most comprehensive safety systems in its class. This includes a ‘Forward Collision Warning System’, designed to detect the presence of vehicles in front, issuing audible, visual and tactile alerts for the driver when approaching with too much speed.
A wide-angle, high-definition camera continues to deliver improved awareness of road lines, verges, motorcycles, and cyclists. Along with a high-speed processing chip that ensures the detection, performance, and control of the system, meaning it can identify objects accurately, including pedestrians in both light and dark environments.
‘Elegance’ models will now include an auto dim feature on the rear-view mirror, which previously came as standard in the ‘Sport’ and ‘Advance’ grades – providing clearer vision for improved safety and confidence when driving.
The Civic e:HEV is an integral part of Honda’s renowned heritage, and this latest iteration further builds on its award winning and excellent reputation. It delivers the dynamic performance, adaptability and style that Honda customers have come to expect. With performance that excites, along with an updated interior styling and exterior design, the refreshed Civic with its advanced hybrid power-train is the perfect mix of efficiency and driving pleasure.
We export new and used Honda vehicles to New Zealand, Kenya and many other global destinations. See our current stock here. If you don’t see the ideal Honda then please get in touch with our colleagues to find the right car for you. Naturally, we have a wide choice of prestige vehicles available from a broad selection of premium car makers. There are VAT-free qualifying options in certain circumstances and full details can be found on our website.
