By Ian Strachan.
The excellent Honda Civic – Honda’s longstanding medium-sized hatchback – now comes as a full hybrid. And you don’t have to plug it in.
Honda’s hybrid engine technology means you can run it on electric power only for a limited range. When the 2.0 litre petrol engine kicks in, braking energy is fed back into the battery.
This is the 11th generation of the venerable Civic, and it’s the best yet, with several advantages over some of its hybrid rivals.
Combined, you get 143ps of power and an impressive 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 black alloy wheels.
The inside of the Civic in the Sport specification which I tested is attractive and airy with a powered panoramic sunroof and smart sports seats.
On the road the Civic, with a CVT automatic gearbox, is unruffled throughout. The engine 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 Sport are excellent, with a good 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, and a wireless phone-charging plate.
You also get steering wheel mounted controls, a range of active safety aids including lane keeping assist and cross traffic monitor, 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 Sport eHEV 2.0 with CVT comes at £36,505 on the road. My test car had Platinum White Pearl paint at an extra £650.
