Fifty years after its global launch, Honda introduces the 11th generation of the Honda Civic, a compact model that has sold more than 27.5 million units worldwide since 1972. The new Honda Civic e:HEV will be available only in hybrid variant and can be purchased in Europe from next fall.
The new Civic Hybrid completes Honda’s first phase of electrification and joins the line-up alongside the Honda-e, Jazz and Jazz Crosstar, Honda CR-V and Honda HR-V e:HEV. From 2022 it will continue to expand its range and announces three new models that will arrive in 2023: a B-segment electric SUV that has just been presented as the e:Ny1 prototype, a hybrid SUV for the C-segment, and the new Honda CR- V which, for the first time, will be available in a hybrid and plug-in hybrid variant. Honda has committed to carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as to abandoning the sale of internal combustion engine cars by 2040.
Honda Civic, more elegant and sporty
Designers manage to give the Civic a sleeker, sportier look by lowering the hood line by 25 millimeters from the previous generation. The body design is highlighted by cleaner and more refined surfaces, with more defined center lines and belt line.
Its appearance is more robust with a shoulder line that enhances the height of the car, as well as giving greater visibility to the occupants traveling in the rear seats. Compared to the previous generation Civic, the base of the A-pillar has been moved further back to be in line with the center of the front wheels, providing a more balanced profile. Another notable detail is that the highest point of the roof line has been moved forward creating a slight slope towards the tailgate. This, together with tighter wheel arches and a wider track, manages to increase its sporty image.
More news: the exterior mirrors are now fixed directly on the front doors, a solution that reduces blind spots; and the tailgate is made of resin, which has reduced its weight by 20% and makes it easier to open and close. In addition, the support hinges have been moved to the ends, so that the roofline is more elegant.
Wider and better quality
As for the interior, it increases thanks to a 35-millimeter longer wheelbase, which results in more space for all occupants, better dynamic performance and greater stability.
The dashboard has been given a horizontal style that enhances the width of the cabin while providing a wider field of vision and a greater sense of space. It has also opted for the use of higher quality materials. As a novelty, a metal ‘honeycomb’ air outlet system is used that extends across the entire width of the dashboard.
The driver will also be able to count on a 10.2-inch high-definition color LCD panel for the instrument cluster (standard on the Advance version). The central screen is touch screen with a size of 9 inches and has been placed higher than that of the previous generation to avoid diverting the view of the road too much.
The new Civic e:HEV can’t be without a wireless system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. As for the sound equipment, the Elegance and Sport versions have eight speakers, while the Advance has twelve premium BOSE speakers.
Only with 184 hp hybrid engine
The hybrid technology of the new Civic is made up of a new 2.0 Atkinson cycle petrol engine with direct injection and two electric motors that combined produce a power of 135 kW or 184 CV and a torque of 315 Nm. The set is completed with a new power control unit, located in the engine compartment with the rest of the components, whose mission is to control the engine; and with an intelligent power unit developed by Honda, smaller and lighter, but with higher energy density.
The system automatically switches between hybrid or electric driving, in addition, the driver can choose between four driving modes, Eco, Normal, Sport and the new Individual mode that allows independent control of the engine, transmission and instrument panel. instruments.
As explained by the brand, the new version of the combustion engine has several new elements within its architecture that contribute to achieving a thermal efficiency of 41%, one of the highest figures in the sector for a production model. Another key aspect of the e:HEV system is the fixed gear transmission, designed to minimize mechanical friction. Consumption below 5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions below 110 g/km are announced.
According to the brand, the new Civic has improved handling, stability and performance in a straight line and in curves thanks to a 35-millimeter longer wheelbase and a wider rear track. Something to which the new low-friction ball joints and the renewed front shock absorbers also contribute.
New security features
With the Honda Civic e:HEV, the Honda Sensing safety package is expanded with new advanced safety and driver assistance features, such as a new 100-degree panoramic view front camera with enhanced recognition technology (identifies pedestrians, pavement lines, limits and other vehicles, such as motorcycles and bicycles). For the first time, the new Civic is equipped with sonar sensors, four at the front and another four at the rear. The impact prevention and mitigation, warning and prevention of involuntary lane departure systems and the i-ACC adaptive cruise control technology are improved, in addition to the information systems for blind spots, supervision of cross traffic and jam assistance.
And to meet the stringent Euro NCAP testing requirements, additional door bars, safety plates on the front bumper bars that absorb impact energy reducing leg and knee injuries; eleven airbags – side airbags in the rear seats, knee airbags in the front seats and a front center airbag.
The new Honda Civic e:HEV will go on sale in European markets from the fall of this year. Prices will be announced later, as the date of commercialization approaches.
If you don’t want to wait for the new Civic, you can find your car among a wide range of brand new Honda Civics and used Honda Civics.
