Honda's eleventh generation Civic family hatch embraces full-Hybrid tech. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

This eleventh generation Honda Civic switches to e:HEV full-Hybrid power in its mainstream form - and adopts a lower key look. It's slightly larger than its direct family hatch rivals and delivers everything its brand knows about petrol/electric technology. Which turns out to be quite a lot.

Background

The Honda Civic, one of the global motor industry's most enduring model lines, has moved on. It's no longer built in Swindon. And mainstream versions of this eleventh generation version no longer use a conventional engine, instead adopting a 2.0-litre e:HEV full-Hybrid petrol powerplant. There's been a return to the more mature look of earlier generation Civic designs too; gone are the slashes and fake vents of the old MK10 model. Instead, the replacement liftback 5-door hatch design adopts a more conservative, but still sophisticated look. This car completes the shift of Honda's entire model line to e:HEV Hybrid technology. Well, almost the entire model line anyway. The company, thankfully, couldn't quite bring itself to abandon the Civic Type-R hot hatch, so that continues with an evolved version of the previous model's 316bhp 2.0-litre turbo powertrain. But the Civic e:HEV is our focus here. Take a look before you sign up for the Toyota Corolla it's directly aimed at.

Driving Experience

The Civic e:HEV is a curious confection: an EV - but not an EV. There's certainly an engine - a 2.0-litre normally aspirated petrol unit - but its main role is to generate energy for a little 1.05kWh lithium-ion battery that drives two electric motors. Unlike Toyota or Hyundai full-Hybrids, this one has no gearbox between the powertrain and the wheels. Instead, the e:HEV system itself shifts seamlessly between 'EV', 'Hybrid' and 'Engine' drive phases as you move along. 'EV' drive propels you from start off and at low speeds and 'Hybrid' drive cuts in when extra acceleration is called for. Only at steady high speeds does 'Engine' drive kick in, but that happens only briefly because as you approach top speed and the required drive energy becomes higher again, the system switches back into the 'Hybrid' phase to re-unleash the full output of the electric motors. Honda promotes this as a 'driver's Hybrid', based around the fact that a lot of the stuff you can't see was engineered around the high performance needs of the new 'FL5'-series generation Civic Type R hot hatch, a 315hp manual gearbox shopping rocket which is determinedly un-electrified and isn't our focus here. This Hybrid Civic is of course a very different kettle of fish but it's still decently rapid, making 62mph in around eight seconds if you engage 'Sport', the most urgent of the three provided drive modes. You might want to as well because unlike other Honda e:HEV models we've tried, this one actually responds to your right foot, instead of merely considering your request with infuriating slowness, as is the case with brand's Hybrid SUVs. Thanks to a stiffer chassis, a wider rear track and revisions to Honda's 'Agile Handling Assist' torque vectoring system, it goes round corners with surprising agility and we've appreciated Honda's re-tuning efforts with the more feelsome steering rack.

Design and Build

Clearly customers have told Honda that they want the Civic to look a little more conservative because that's what we've got here. The previous model's prominent rear wing disappears and this replacement car adopts a fastback style sloping silhouette across a rear hatch that's lighter and features smaller hinges for a cleaner roofline. Up-front, the A-pillars are set 2-inches further back than on the previous car and if you take a look in profile, you might notice that the wheelbase is 35mm longer. Inside, Honda has adopted the minimalistic and 'human centred' cabin design approach it pioneered with its current HR-V and Jazz e:HEV models. There's a honeycomb-style trim panel with integrated air vents which runs the width of the dashboard and the company has at last upgraded its infotainment set-up, with a much more sophisticated freestanding 9-inch centre screen which of course incorporates 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' 'phone connectivity. Through the wheel, you view a 10.2-inch digital dial display. On the back seat, passengers get 1.4 inches more legroom than was possible before and there are larger side windows to increase the feeling of spaciousness, while the different rear hatch design improves headroom. Previous Civic models always had spacious boots and this one continues that trend: the 410-litre capacity isn't quite up to the level of a Kia Niro Hybrid, but it's way bigger than the 313-litres you get in a comparably-priced Toyota Corolla 2.0-litre Hybrid.

Market and Model

Expect your Civic e:HEV to start from just under the £34,000 mark. That's a little more than you'd pay for Toyota's rival Corolla Hybrid. Here though, there's just a single 5-door body style. Honda has no plans to re-introduce the estate model of the MK9 Civic generation. There won't be a return for the saloon body style of the MK10 design either. There are two trim levels to choose from - 'Sport' and top 'Advance'. The flagship 'Advance' variant gets a 10.2-inch driver's display LCD panel and a BOSE 12-speaker audio system. All versions of this Civic get the latest version of Hondas 'SENSING' camera safety package. This gives you a 100-degree front wide view camera, enhanced recognition technology, blind spot information, low speed braking control and Lane keep assist. Infotainment and connectivity benefit from a much improved voice command system, the Honda 'Personal Assistant', first seen on the little Honda e. This is basically a next-generation voice control system in that it can respond to multiple commands: for instance "OK Honda, find me an Indian restaurant with WiFi and free parking". With this car, Honda is also offering the latest version of its Honda+ smartphone app, which includes remote vehicle locking and unlocking, plus 'intelligent geofencing', which alerts an owner if the vehicle breaches a pre-set 'geofence' zone. Plus there's the ability to send journey information from the app to the car's navigation system.

Cost of Ownership

Honda's e:HEV technology has clearly progressed a lot in the short time since the HR-V e:HEV was launched. As you can see from the fact that this faster, larger-capacity 2.0-litre 181hp Civic e:HEV easily betters its smaller sibling's showing, recording a combined cycle figure of 56.5mpg and 113-114g/km of CO2 for the 'Sport' and 'Advance' versions. These would probably get close to the readings of a rival Toyota Corolla 2.0 Hybrid (which manages 62.8mpg and 102g/km in mid-range 'Design' form) were it not for Honda's insistence on fitting large 18-inch wheels. Basically, you're probably looking at the kind of real life running cost figures that you'd have got from the previous generation Civic diesel model. But without the kind of tax disincentives that apply to lap pump fuelled cars these days. Many customers will want to budget ahead for scheduled maintenance with fixed-price scheme called 'Five'. It includes five years' worth of maintenance, an extended warranty for this period and roadside assistance breakdown cover should the unexpected happen. This can be transferred to a new owner if you sell the car before the service plan has expired. The three year 90,000 mile warranty is better than the package you get from many competitors too. In addition, surface corrosion is covered for three years, exhaust corrosion is covered for five years, chassis corrosion is covered for ten years and structural corrosion for twelve years.

Summary

In half a century of Civic model line history, it's difficult to remember as much of a shift of emphasis as is evident with this eleventh generation design. It seems difficult to believe that this is the first Hybrid Civic hatch available in the UK - the sort of thing rivals Toyota have been offering for over a decade. Yet history suggests that when Honda does eventually catch up to a prevailing market trend, it does so in a way that introduces something new - something better. Which might just be what we have here. The Civic e:HEV feels like a slightly larger, more mature car than its direct rivals. It's priced at the kind of level that with quite a few other brands in the family hatchback sector would only get you relatively ineffectual mild hybrid technology (think Focus or Golf). It promises to be safer too. All of which might be enough to allow this MK11 Civic to reach out beyond its traditional customer base. But will that happen? It'll be interesting to see.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Privacy glass

Variable front intermittent wipers

Automatic rain sensing wipers

Electric front and rear windows

Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System + Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Brake assist

Hill start assist

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Collision mitigation braking system

Brake hold function

Collision mitigation throttle control

Low speed brake system

Regenerative braking/deceleration paddle control

Chassis/Suspension

Vehicle stability assist

Communication

Bluetooth hands free telephone connection

Wireless apple carplay

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Rear parking camera

Lane departure warning system

Lane keep assist

Front and rear parking sensors

Emergency stop signalling system

Forward collision warning

Traffic sign recognition

Adjustable speed limiter

Road departure mitigation

Idle stop

Electric power steering wheel with variable gear ratio steering

Low speed following

Agile handling assist

Adaptive motion for electric power steering

Intelligent speed limiter

Driving modes

Honda sensing

Driver Convenience

Tailgate

Power meter

Driver Information

Economy mode

Traffic jam assist

Smartphone wireless charging plate

7" Multi information display screen

Emergency call service

BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross Traffic Monitor

Honda CONNECT with Navigation 9" touchscreen, AM/FM/DAB, Apple Carplay and Android Auto, live traffic info

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Electric adjustable heated door mirrors

Electrically folding door mirrors

Aspherical driver door mirrors

Entertainment

Front tweeters

8 Speakers

Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB) Tuner

'Shark fin' mobile antenna

Steering wheel mounted audio controls

2x USB Front socket (1 data & 1 charge)

Exterior Body Features

Body colour door handles

Pop up hood

Single hidden exhaust pipe

Black window frames

Rear side wing doors

Low gloss black window garnish

Material finish grille

Exterior Lights

High level LED brake light

Automatic coming/leaving home lighting function

LED daytime running lights

LED Headlights

High beam assist

LED rear lights

LED front fog lights

Auto headlights

Auto Headlight Adjuster

Headlight Extension Black

LED front turn type

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Dual climate control air conditioning system

Rear air vents

Interior Features

Leather steering wheel

Tonneau cover

Front accessory power socket

Rear seat centre armrest

Tilt/telescopic adjustable steering wheel

Stainless steel sports pedals

Driver and front passenger seat armrests

Hybrid emblem

Fabric/synthetic leather upholstery

Cargo net hooks

USB Rear number 2 x Charge

Platinum chrome interior door handles

Cargo accessory power socket

Interior Lights

Rear reading lights

Front/rear courtesy lights

Front map lights

Glovebox light

Trunk light

White ambient roof light

Meter Illumination white

Safety

Front side airbags

Passenger airbag deactivate switch

Front and rear curtain airbags

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Rear airbags

Anti-whiplash front headrests

Deflation detection system

Airbags - driver and front passenger

Driver SRS airbag (single stage inflation)

Front and rear seat belts with emergency locking retractor (ELR)

Front centre airbag

Manual child lock in rear doors

Airbags - Knee (DR)

Airbags - Knee (AS)

Seats

Heated front seats

Rear head restraints

Passenger seat back pocket

Driver's seat height adjustment

Driver's electric lumbar adjustment

60/40 split folding rear seat

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Single front passenger seat

Isofix points/i size

Security

Immobiliser

Security alarm

Superlocking

Smart entry + Smart start

Selectable door unlock

Ultrasonic security sensor

Mirrors and windows key fob

Remote central locking with 2 jack knife keys

Tilt sensors

Vanity Mirrors

Sunvisors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Battery Capacity in kWh: 1.05

Emissions - ICE

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High: 101

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 113

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High: 140

CO: 0.14

HC: 0.017

NOx: 0.008

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low: 99

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium: 93

Engine and Drive Train

Fuel Delivery: INJECTION

Gears: 1 SPEED

Transmission: AUTO

Compression Ratio: 13.9:1

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Catalytic Convertor: No

Camshaft: DOHC

Number of Valves: 16

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 96.7

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 81

CC: 1993

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 56.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5

WLTP - MPG - Low: 64.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 4.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 4.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 45.6

WLTP - MPG - High: 62.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 68.9

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

General

Service Interval Mileage: 12500

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Special Edition: 0

Generation Mark: 11

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 28E

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 89

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Badge Power: 184

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 87

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 82

NCAP Safety Assist %: 83

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 90000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Coin Description: eHEV

Coin Series: Sport

Performance

Engine Power - KW: 105

Engine Power - BHP: 143

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - RPM: 6000

Engine Torque - MKG: 19

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.9

Top Speed: 111

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 137

Engine Torque - NM: 186

Engine Torque - RPM: 4500

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Tyre Size Rear: 235/40 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 235/40 R18

Wheel Style: N

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4551

Height (including roof rails): N

Height: 1408

Width (including mirrors): 2082

Wheelbase: 2734

Width: 1802

Weight and Capacities

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1220

Max. Roof Load: 65

No. of Seats: 5

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 415

Max. Loading Weight: 471

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 600

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 750

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 40

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1930

Minimum Kerbweight: 1459

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Premium plus paint

Packs

Premium pack - Civic

Interior illumination white pack - Civic

Interior illumination red pack - Civic

Premium illumination white pack - Civic

Premium illumination red pack - Civic

Black emblem pack - Civic

Carbon style pack light - Civic

Nordic silver pack - Civic

Sport pack - Civic Sport

Ilmenite titanium pack - Civic

Towing pack - Civic

Paint - Solid

Solid - Sonic grey

Paint - Special

Premium plus paint - Crystal blue

Premium paint - Crystal black

Premium paint - Platinum white

Premium plus paint - Crystal red

Trim - Cloth

Fabric/synthetic leather - Black

Wheels - Alloy

18" CI1811 diamond cut A-surface with a shiny clear coat and gunpowder black windows alloy wheels

18" CI1812 diamond cut A-surface with a matte clearcoat and rombo silver windows alloy wheels

18" CI1813 Black Finish alloy wheels with clearcoat and gradient center caps