Honda has just unveiled the European version of the new Civic that is exclusively available in hybrid form, wearing the e:HEV badge. The model is celebrating the 50 years of the Civic hatchback, while completing the electrification of the European range.
The Civic’s e:HEV powertrain is different from the smaller Jazz and HR-V models, being closer to the one from the CR-V. It consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine working on the Atkinson cycle, dual electric motors mounted at the front, and a lighter 72-cell lithium-ion battery with increased density mounted under the rear seats. The petrol engine is controlled by a new power control unit resulting in thermal efficiency of 41%. The powertrain is shifting automatically between EV, Hybrid, and Engine Drive modes without input from the driver, who has access to the Eco, Normal, Sport, and Individual settings.
The combined output is 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 315 Nm (232.3 lb-ft) of torque, sent to the front wheels through a fixed-gear transmission. This makes the hybrid incrementally more powerful and significantly torquier than its predecessor’s 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo which produced 180 hp (134 kW / 182 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft), with the same engine still available for the US-spec model. At the same time, the targeted WLTP CO2 emissions are less than 110 g/km, helping Honda comply with the strict EU emission regulations.
See Also: 2023 Honda HR-V For North America Will Debut On April 4
Visually, the EU-spec Civic Hatchback looks identical to the US-spec model, setting aside the absence of the headlight reflectors, the removal of the visible chrome-finished tailpipes at the back that are replaced by black trim on the diffuser, plus the addition of the e:HEV badge communicating its electrified nature.
The same applies for inside the cabin with the honeycomb pattern on the dashboard, and the 9-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Advance grade also comes with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster and a fancier 12-speaker Bose sound system. Cabin space has been increased compared to the previous generation thanks to the 35 mm (1.4 inches) longer wheelbase. Coincident with Honda’s strategy, the Civic e:HEV comes equiped with the Honda Sensing ADAS suite and 11 airbags.
The Honda Civic e:HEV will be available in Europe starting from Autumn 2022. Prices will be announced closer to the market launch.
