New hybrid-only Honda Civic completes brand's electrified line-up
Eleventh-generation family hatchback uses 2.0-litre petrol engine plus two electric motors
The new hybrid-only Honda Civic has been revealed for Europe ahead of its autumn on-sale date, completing Honda's plans to electrify all its mainstream European models by the end of 2022.
The eleventh-generation family hatchback was first revealed for the American market at the Los Angeles motor show late last year.
Alongside the Civic unveiling, Honda confirmed that it will launch a small electric SUV, a new hybrid compact SUV and a new-generation CR-V SUV in 2023.
The new Civic’s e:HEV powertrain pairs a newly developed Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to produce 181bhp and 232lb ft of torque.
Honda said it's targeting official CO2 emissions of less than 110g/km.
The hot Honda Civic Type R will retain a pure-combustion set-up, likely to be based around an evolved version of the current car's 'K20C1' turbocharged 2.0-litre four, which produces 316bhp - making it one of the most powerful front-wheel-drive cars on sale today.
The Japanese firm has taken an evolutionary approach for the 11th-generation Civic's styling, although notably the new car adopts a fastback-style sloping roofline, ditching the current model's prominent rear wing.
The rear hatch itself is said to be lighter and features smaller hinges for a cleaner roofline, while the A-pillars are two inches farther back than on the current car and the wheelbase is 35mm longer.
The Mk11 Civic adopts a minimalistic and "human-centred" cabin design similar to the new Honda HR-V and Honda Jazz.
A honeycomb-style trim panel with integrated air vents runs the width of the dashboard, while a free-standing 7.0in infotainment touchscreen brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
There will be three trims available: Elegance, Sport and Advance. There’s no confirmed specification yet for the UK, but top-spec cars in the US get a 10.2in digital dial display, a Bose sound system, wireless smartphone charging and a larger (9.0in) touchscreen.
Rear-seat passengers benefit from 1.4 inches more leg room, while larger side windows aim to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and the new rear hatch design preserves head room.
Honda claims the new Civic brings a 19% improvement in torsional rigidity compared with its predecessor, which is said to bring enhanced ride quality, handling performance and refinement, while new adhesive and insulation methods reduce noise, vibration and harshness.
It's also said to be more fun to drive, courtesy of new ball joints and bearings at the front that "improve steering feel and self-centring", a wider rear track that boosts stability and a 35mm-longer wheelbase for improved ride quality.
The Civic was built at Honda’s Swindon plant until that closed in 2019. It's now produced at Yorii in Japan for the domestic and European markets. For North America, it's built at the Honda plant in Indiana.
No pricing has yet been announced for the new Civic, but it’s expected to command a slight rise over the current car's starting price of £22,730.