HYBRID CIVIC MAKES A RETURN

It’s been several years since the Honda Civic range has included a hybrid.
But it’s back, as promised, boasting fuel consumption of 4.2L/100km and CO2
emissions of 96 g/km.

Oddly, in releasing the car, Honda makes no mention of the fuel or emissions figures
— one needs to consult the specifications to extract those details.

If those numbers are of interest, then you might also be interested to learn the price,
at $55,000 driveaway ($8000 more than the petrol only model).

The hybrid Civic e:HEV LX is the second stage of a three-phase rollout for the new
generation of Honda’s iconic small car. It joins the 1.5-litre turbocharged VTi LX and
will be followed soon by a high-performance Type R version in early 2023.

Civic is the third mainstream Honda model to be offered with an electrified
powertrain in the Australian market, following HR-V and Accord.

The new Civic e:HEV LX has been engineered to ensure that its powertrain, steering
and suspension deliver the engaging levels of performance, dynamic response and
feedback that have always been central to Civic’s appeal.

Honda says the result is a vehicle that blends a rewarding driving experience with
high levels of real-world efficiency and refinement.

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 to direct injection system, 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 ever offered on a Civic with the exception of Type R,
ensuring Civic e:HEV LX delivers a compelling driving experience.

Four drive modes — Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode — that allows
separate control of the engine, transmission and instrument cluster. 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.

The arrival of new Civic e:HEV LX also marks the introduction of Honda Connect, a
mobile app and server platform that allows customers to access vehicle information
and interact with their vehicle like never before, through a Telematics Control Unit
(TCU).

Five years of Honda Connect services is included in the price and features
“Geofence alert” that notifies anytime the vehicle enters/leaves a pre-set region.

A total of 11 airbags are fitted, including knee airbags for the driver and front
passenger, 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.

Civic e:HEV LX, comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year
premium roadside assistance and five low-priced services.