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.
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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.