For me, it is the car that has raised the most expectations in 2022, and therefore, I was looking forward to testing the Honda Civic e:HEV Sport. I finally have in my hands the keys to what is the eleventh generation of the successful Japanese model. And I say successful without fear that some other hater will jump on me, because having sold 27.5 million units in more than 170 countries in its 50 years is a sign of success, right?
This new Civic comes with important new features, but the most outstanding, without a doubt, is that it is a hybrid. This is evidenced by its name, in case there were any doubts. But let me tell you about the looks of this hatchback first, and a little later we’ll dive into its powertrain.
design and interior
Let me tell you frankly: I think that for the first time in recent years, Honda has hit the nail on the head. If three generations ago, the Civic was, for my taste, too futuristic, in the last two, the rear uprights, with their respective pilots, did not seem harmonious to me. In this last one, finally, I think that everything is provided, that it is in its place.
The Japanese company has achieved a sporty design, but without exceeding it. Because for that there is already the Honda Civic Type-R, which, by the way, I can’t wait for it!
Elongated and narrower headlights merge with the grille with the blue logo, a statement of intent, to create a completely new front for the brand. For its part, the very pronounced fall of the roof and the wheels of up to 18 inches increase that racing touch that has always characterized this model.
The interior adopts rubbery materials and soft plastics in almost every corner, as the brand has accustomed us, and both the perceived and tactile quality is very high. Just by seeing the tremendous thickness of the parasols you understand the care with which it has been created.
It can also be seen in the touch of the buttons or in the sound of the air conditioning system wheels. By the way, Honda has brought back the physical buttons, as promised. Well done. Let’s see if the rest of the manufacturers take note…
But the highlight, without a doubt, is the work carried out by the designers: outstanding. The ventilation nozzles are striking, which are formed by a strip with a honeycomb pattern, like the exterior grill, which crosses the entire dashboard. Equip two screens, the instrument panel and the infotainment system, which has fast operation and intuitive menus.
Honda has dispensed with a gear lever or Porsche or Audi-type razors and has re-equipped buttons that, when pressed, show the consistency they have. If you continually take cars of other brands, you can get confused until you get the hang of it, because although it is true that to select the D you have to press, for the R you have to press towards you, downwards, like the D of 99% of automatic models.
I continue testing the Honda Civic e:HEV by moving to the second row. To do this, before, I check the good opening angle of its doors. Once accommodated, I verify that those 35 mm more battle are noticeable, and a lot. Because with my 1.78 m, the space for the knees is enormous. Where it penalizes is in the hole for the head, with two fingers due to that sloping coupé-type roof that I told you about before.
Last look before starting your engine, this time to the trunk. I am struck by the lightness of its gate, and it is made of resin. For this reason, since it is not heavy, it does not need the hinges of the previous generation, achieving a cleaner design. It also makes me stop at its double tray for being innovative -one is fixed and goes up with the movement of the gate and the other extends from left to right-.
Engine and performance
Now yes, I press the ignition button of the Honda Civic Hybrid. That it doesn’t sound, I’m not surprised after trying so many electric and hybrid cars. Yes, the horizontal viewing angle has been improved, which is 87° when it was 85 before. It has been achieved by mounting the mirror on the door and not on the A-pillar, lowering the bonnet ribs by 25mm, with a moon with regular corners and with the clean ones hidden.
The non-plug-in hybrid drive system is made up of a 2.0-litre, 143-hp gasoline engine that drives the wheels and also turns a generator that produces electricity, a 184-hp electric motor that can move the front axle, and another of this type that generates electricity. In total it can yield 184 hp.
With this power and having to pull 1,517 kg, the Honda Civic accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h 7.8″. Best of all, it is one of the least expensive hybrids, an example to follow for many cars of this type. Homologates 4.7 l / 100 km, but my week of testing with the Honda Civic e:HEV I have moved with a magnificent 4.5 (4.4 on the highway at 120 km / h) that can become city in! 3.6!
Regarding the sound of the engine, nothing to do with Toyota’s continuous variator, for example. It is different and prettier, and it varies in the sportier way. Of course, I prefer the one with a clean and neat combustion engine; including three cylinders.
Behaviour
The driver has four profiles to choose from, Econ, Normal, Sport and Individual, with which the power delivery and steering varies. The latter has the right feel and weight, and in the most dynamic mode, it increases resistance, so it borders on what for me is perfection.
It treads plumb, has a very good rolling quality and is very well soundproofed. So much so that you have to be careful, because you can immediately get up to speeds where you won’t see some of the points on your license again. Likewise, it is a comfortable car, but it does not roll excessively, so a good balance has been achieved.
I don’t usually do it all the time, but with this new Honda Civic I wanted to take a ride through the mountain passes of the Sierra de Madrid. I loved it. It’s going well. What speed in the corner, increased by the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. What a good chassis; perfect base for the Type R.
Too bad it doesn’t have an automatic transmission in which the driver can decide whether to go up or down with the paddles on the steering wheel – they serve to choose one of the three retention levels, which, by the way, is disconnected after a while. Also that sound, that without being ugly, hearing it without hardly resting having a right leg of iron is not the best. It is what you have to go fast, like its consumption in this type of driving: 14.6 l/100. And the brakes nail, surprisingly being regenerative.
Factors to decide the purchase, equipment and price
The Honda Civic e:HEV is available in three trim levels: Elegance, Sport and Advance. From the access it brings: adjustable speed limiter, adaptive cruise control, involuntary change warning and lane keeping, Honda Connect with Garmin navigation (Apple Carplay – Android Auto), front and rear parking sensors, rear view camera, intelligent opening and starting system, hill start assist, heated seats and 17-inch wheels, among many other elements.
Due to its complete equipment, its starting price of 32,100 euros and its hybrid system, it is probably the best option on the market if you are looking for an efficient and comfortable car with which you can occasionally have fun on a stretch of curves thanks to its great answer.
conclusion
The best
Exterior and interior design. Super adjusted consumption. curved response.
Worst
Headroom in the rear seats. Very sporty driving sound.
