For over fifty years, the Honda Civic has been a familiar face on roads worldwide. It’s a true classic, but even icons need to keep up. Now, this Japanese legend has a new trick: a self-recharging hybrid system. It promises not only great fuel economy but also a driving feel that’s still fun and real. Let’s take a closer look at how Honda pulled this off.
In 2022, the 11th generation Civic arrived in Europe. It had a sleeker look, more elegant and refined. But the real surprise was hidden underneath the hood. This new Civic, called the e:HEV, shows Honda’s strong commitment to electric power. And it certainly stands out.
Is Honda’s hybrid system just like all the others? Not at all. This model uses a highly advanced self-recharging hybrid setup. It combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine, which is naturally aspirated and has four cylinders. This engine works hand-in-hand with two electric motors: one for generating power and another for driving the wheels.
Together, these components create a total of 184 horsepower. The engine also delivers 315 Nm of maximum torque. This power is available almost instantly, mostly thanks to the main electric motor. It means the Civic can go from 0 to 100 km/h in about 7.8 seconds. These are good numbers for a family hybrid car. The car uses a fixed-gear transmission. This is different from the usual CVT systems. It gives a more direct and quiet feel. Honda calls it an e-CVT, but it works more like an electric vehicle with direct gears.
Smart and Efficient Driving
The Civic e:HEV was designed with efficiency in mind. Its system switches smoothly between three modes. In EV Drive, only the electric motor powers the car. In Hybrid Drive, the gas engine makes electricity for the electric motor. Finally, in Engine Drive, the gas engine directly powers the wheels, especially at steady cruising speeds.
This clever management helps the Civic get excellent fuel economy. Official combined consumption is around 4.7 liters per 100 km. COâ‚‚ emissions are about 108 grams per km. These figures put it among the most efficient hybrids in its class. It is important to know that this is not a plug-in hybrid. This makes it super convenient for daily city driving or longer trips. There’s no need to plug it in.
Beyond just the numbers, the Civic e:HEV truly impresses with how it drives. Honda strengthened the car’s frame. They also improved the multi-link rear suspension and lowered the center of gravity. What does this mean for you? The car handles well, steering is precise, and the suspension soaks up bumps nicely. It still keeps that sporty feel Civics are known for.
Even with the extra weight from the hybrid system (it weighs about 1,500 kg), the Civic feels nimble. It stays steady in turns and is surprisingly fun to drive. This is great for a family car that also cares about the environment.
A Fresh Look Inside
The inside of the Civic shows a big step forward in quality. You get a 10.2-inch digital dashboard and a 9-inch central touchscreen. This screen works with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The physical buttons are also well placed and easy to use. This shows great attention to detail and how comfortable it is for the driver.
There is plenty of space inside for everyone, both in the front and the back. The trunk offers a decent 410 liters of space. This is impressive, especially with the battery tucked away under the floor.
The Civic comes standard with the Honda Sensing package. This is a full set of driver assistance features. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. It also recognizes traffic signs and much more.
This is not just another hybrid car. It proves that being efficient doesn’t mean driving has to be boring. With its refined design, enjoyable driving, and smart electric powertrain, this Civic shows the best of Japanese engineering for today’s way of getting around.