Honda has just unveiled the European version of the new Civic that is exclusively available in hybrid form, wearing the e:HEV badge. The model is celebrating the 50 years of the Civic hatchback, while completing the electrification of the European range.
The Civic’s e:HEV powertrain is different
from the smaller Jazz and HR-V models, being closer to the one from the CR-V. It
consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine working on the Atkinson cycle,
dual electric motors mounted at the front, and a lighter 72-cell lithium-ion
battery with increased density mounted under the rear seats. The petrol engine
is controlled by a new power control unit resulting in thermal efficiency of
41%. The powertrain is shifting automatically between EV, Hybrid, and Engine
Drive modes without input from the driver, who has access to the Eco, Normal,
Sport, and Individual settings.
The combined output is 181 hp and 315 Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels through a
fixed-gear transmission. This makes the hybrid incrementally more powerful and
significantly torquier than its predecessor’s 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo which
produced 180 hp and 240 Nm, with the same engine
still available for the US-spec model. At the same time, the targeted WLTP CO2
emissions are less than 110 g/km, helping Honda comply with the strict EU
emission regulations.
Visually, the EU-spec Civic Hatchback
looks identical to the US-spec model, setting aside the absence of the
headlight reflectors, the removal of the visible chrome-finished tailpipes at
the back that are replaced by black trim on the diffuser, plus the addition of
the e:HEV badge communicating its electrified nature.
The same applies for inside the cabin with
the honeycomb pattern on the dashboard, and the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen
with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Advance grade
also comes with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a fancier 12-speaker
Bose sound system. Cabin space has been increased compared to the previous
generation thanks to the 35 mm longer wheelbase. Coincident with
Honda’s strategy, the Civic e:HEV comes equiped with the Honda Sensing ADAS suite
and 11 airbags. The Honda Civic e:HEV will be available in Europe starting from
Autumn 2022. Prices will be announced closer to the market launch.