It’s not surprising that one of the world’s largest engine builders, in 1999, was among the first to bring electric power to the production automobile.
What is surprising is that the company, Honda, persisted with its poor selling petrol/electric powered Insight, whereas rival Toyota’s hybrid Prius went on to capture the world’s imagination and massive sales.
The Insight limped on to a third generation in 2018. Based on the 10th-generation Civic sedan the new Insight used Honda’s third generation two-motor hybrid powertrain, featuring a 1.5-litre Atkinson Cycle petrol engine, combined with an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack.
Honda announced the Insight would be discontinued after the 2022 model year, with production ending in June and replaced by a new Civic Hybrid. Following HR-V and Accord, the new Civic e:HEV LX is a self-charging, full hybrid hatchback that sets the 11th-generation Civic apart with exhilarating, electrified power.
The new Civic e:HEV LX also marks the introduction of Honda Connect, a mobile application and server that allows customers to access vehicle information and interact with their vehicle via a Telematics Control Unit. This includes climate control, lights on/off to help locate the car in a crowd or at night, plus remote lock and unlock.
Five years of Honda Connect services is included with the Civic e:HEV LX, joining the five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year premium roadside assistance and five low-priced services that come with every new Honda vehicle.
The most premium, sophisticated and high-tech Civic yet, the new Civic e:HEV LX comes with a drive away price of $55,900.
STYLING & INTERIOR
There was no denying the original Insight was ahead of its time not only in electrification but in design features which made it stand out on a crowded street. Direct descendant, the e:HEV LX hatch continues the Civic tradition of innovation, design leadership and outstanding driving dynamics.
Honda says: The new Civic marked a step change for the company in the small-car segment, with the latest generation elevating key aspirational elements of the Honda brand such as craftsmanship, premium quality and intuitive design.
Unintentionally, it meant a step down for some, with the low-slung swoopy stance making for a far-from easy entrance and exit to the hatchback.
It boasts a clean, modern design paired with a high-tech, human-centred interior and equipped with the latest technology, as well as advanced active and passive safety systems.
INFOTAINMENT
A virtual dashboard can check fuel range directly with a location finder giving immediate access to vehicle location. A trip log supplies a recent trip history – access to driving history, trip distance, travel time and geofence alert.
ENGINES/TRANSMISSIONS
The newly developed e:HEV powertrain combines a power-dense lithium-ion battery and two compact, powerful electric motors with a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine, which achieves exceptional thermal efficiency and features a direct-injection system optimised for faster and more efficient combustion, and greater torque.
In addition, a number of technologies such as low temperature active catalyst and a modified intake port design contribute to improved fuel efficiency while achieving specific output.
The result is a combined maximum motor output of 135kW of power and 315Nm of torque, the highest outputs offered on a Civic with the exception of Type R, ensuring the Civic e:HEV LX delivers a compelling driving experience.
SAFETY
The new Civic e:HEV LX features Honda’s latest generation Sensing suite of advanced driver-assist and safety technologies, which employs a new 100-degree front wide-view camera and enhanced recognition of road lines, boundaries, pedestrians and other vehicles, including motorcycles and cyclists.
Additional features include Traffic Sign Recognition by automatically recognising and displaying the signs via the 10.2-inch LCD display. An Intelligent Speed Limiter recognises traffic speed signs and sets the speed limit.
With automatic collision detection, in the event of airbag deployment, a notification will be sent to the device logged in to Honda Connect. The app will also alert a Honda Connect Customer Care agent and if a voice call is not answered, emergency services can be dispatched to the accident location.
A total of 11 airbags are fitted to the Civic e:HEV LX as standard equipment, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger (introduced on Civic VTi LX), along with new side airbags for the rear seats and a new front centre airbag to help prevent a collision between the driver and front passenger during a side impact.
DRIVING
The new Civic e:HEV LX has been engineered to ensure that its e:HEV powertrain, steering and suspension deliver levels of performance, response and feedback that, over the years, have been central to the Civic’s appeal.
The result is a vehicle that blends a rewarding driving experience with high levels of real-world efficiency and refinement.
This advanced powertrain is capable of shifting seamlessly between Electric drive, Hybrid drive and Engine drive to ensure optimum performance in both urban and highway driving.
Four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode, which allows separate control of the engine, transmission and cluster gauge display – can be selected by the driver to tailor vehicle response.
Central to the e:HEV system is the fixed-gear transmission (eCVT), which has been designed to minimise mechanical friction and is controlled by an intelligent power control unit that optimises the vehicle to each driving situation.
Careful attention has also been paid to the drivetrain and noise management to create a tranquil, calming cabin environment, whilst enhancing the overall vehicle driveability, resulting in a smooth, linear feel during acceleration. This refined powertrain is paired with reassuring handling and straight-line stability – cornerstones of the Civic model throughout its history.
SUMMARY
The Honda Civic continues at the forefront of technology and design of the small hatchback on the company’s way to full electrification of the brand.
RATINGS
Looks – 8
Performance – 7
Safety – 8
Thirst – 6
Practicality – 6
Comfort – 6
Tech – 8
Value – 7
