New Honda Civic Hybrid offers an Efficient & Refined Drive.
New Honda Civic Hybrid – An Efficient & Refined Drive.
The Honda Civic has been around since the 1970s, which is proof of the car’s popularity as a practical, fuel efficient, and value-for-money family hatchback. Over the last five decades the Civic has grown considerably in size and desirability, but it remains a thoroughly enjoyable car to drive. Now in its 11th generation, the Civic is the true embodiment of Honda’s approach to family car design, with a single powertrain option that manages to be the best of both worlds.
Self-Charging Hybrid.
The Honda Civic is only available in a self-charging hybrid, which uses a 2.0-litre hybrid petrol engine mated to two electric motors and a small battery pack. But like Honda’s other hybrid offerings, the engine doesn’t directly drive the wheels but acts as a generator for the electric motors, which in turn drive the wheels. Together, they pump out an impressive 200hp and 315Nm of torque, with power sent to the front wheels via a continuously variable e-CVT automatic transmission.
Refined & Elegant Design.
Looking at the new Civic’s exterior it is clear to see its refined and elegant design, which balances its sporty DNA with a mature aesthetic. Featuring a sleek roofline, a low-slung stance, and expressive details, the overall look is sophisticated and modern, with striking LED headlights and a minimalistic grille dominating the front end design.
Stylish, Practical Cabin.
There is ample head and leg room in the Civic’s cabin for the driver and up to four passengers, with comfortable and supportive seats provided for everyone. The centre console features a good sized storage binnacle at its base with two USB-C outlets and a 12V power socket, two large cupholders in the centre and a covered bin between the seats. The push-button gear selector is conveniently located on the centre console, as is the parking brake button, and there is great fluidity to the operation of the automatic transmission. The neatly-designed joysticks that stick out from the distinctive honeycomb grille that stretches across the dashboard enable the control of the flow of ventilation from the air vents located within the grille. There are physical buttons and dials in the centre for the dual-zone climate control system, and there is an audio volume control, together with buttons for Home and Back, on the side of the touchscreen. The new Civic Hybrid comes with a 10.2-inch display and a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard with plenty of standard features, including sat-nav, wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring, wireless phone charging, and two USB ports up front. Boot space is surprisingly good at 415-litres, with the option to drop the rear seats in order to greatly expand the space on offer.
Test Car Details.
My Honda Civic Hybrid Advance test car, which is the only trim available on the Irish market, was finished in Platinum White Pearl paintwork with bi-tone 18-inch diamond-cut black alloy wheels. Other key standard equipment includes powered front seats, Adaptive Driving Beam, front & rear parking sensors, rear view camera, along with Honda SENSING, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assist System, Blind Spot Information and Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Following. The Civic’s low seat position gives it a sporty feel, and the comfortable driver’s seat has electrically-adjustable lumbar support as standard. Forward visibility is excellent due to the slim windscreen pillars and low-set dashboard. Over-the-shoulder visibility is good too thanks to the narrow, sloping rear pillars and large side windows that minimise blind-spots. The Civic can run on electric power alone at low speeds, driven by its electric motor and hybrid battery, and when the 2.0-litre petrol engine kicks in, accelerating up to higher speeds is effortless, with the single-speed automatic gearbox maintaining smooth progress at all times. The engine is punchy, fuel-efficient and refined, with very little in the way of wind or road noise disturbing the sense of calm within the cabin. On smooth and uneven road surfaces alike, the Civic Hybrid has a taut yet balanced composure, and the car’s impressive suspension set-up tackles potholes and speed ramps with ease. There is real driver engagement in the way the car rides and handles on challenging back roads, but it is an equally enjoyable performer on long motorway journeys too.
Verdict, Price & Warranty.
Thanks to its sporty exterior design, family-friendly spaciousness and comfort, impressive practicality, refined hybrid powertrain, and latest-generation tech, the new Civic Hybrid is a car that can be immensely proud of its 50-plus year heritage. The New Honda Civic Hybrid Advance is priced at €48,995 (ex-delivery charges) and comes with a 3-year/100,000km manufacturers warranty, and a 5 year/100,000 hybrid powertrain warranty as standard.
Visit www.honda.ie for further information.
