2022 Honda Civic e:HEV
By Ian Strachan.
The excellent Honda Civic – Honda’s longstanding medium-sized hatchback – has been pitched into the ultra-competitive hybrid sector.
This is the 11th generation of the venerable Civic, and it’s the best yet, with several advantages over some of its hybrid rivals.
For a start, it has full hybrid technology, which means you don’t have to plug it in. It captures energy lost while braking and feeds that back into the hybrid battery. And unlike mild hybrid competitors it can run on electric power only.
It comes with a two litre petrol engine, which combines with the 105 kw electric engine to give 143 ps and a range of 521 miles. Its CO2 levels are just 89g/km and you can expect more than 56 miles to the gallon in mixed driving.
The latest Civic retains the range’s good looks. It has a longer body than its predecessors, giving improved rear legroom and an impressive 409 litres of boot space which can be increased to 1187 litres with the rear seats down.
The Civic’s distinctive side-on view is enhanced with attractive 18-inch alloy wheels.
The inside of the Civic in the top-of-the-range Advance specification which I tested is attractive and airy with a powered panoramic sunroof and full leather upholstery.
On the road the Civic CVT automatic gearbox the engine is unruffled throughout. It never sounds or feels under pressure and delivers power exactly when you want it.
Ride and handling are exceptional, with crisp and positive steering response and nicely damped suspension to give a smooth ride. The Honda’s grip on the road is never uncertain, even when cornering at speed.
Equipment levels on the Advance spec which I tested are good, with an uprated Bose sound system, a 10.2 inch touchscreen for sound and satnav, dual-zone climate control, electric windows and mirrors all round, advanced adaptive cruise control, adaptive automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera, a wireless phone-charging plate and a heated steering wheel.
You also get steering wheel mounted controls, a range of active safety aids including lane keeping assist and cross traffic monitor, digital fuel consumption display, rain sensing window wipers and remote keyless entry with push button start.
This is an easy car to like – particularly with its good looks and practicality – and I was sorry to see it go. The Civic eHEV 2.0 Advance with CVT comes at £34,650 on the road.
