Hybrid 2023 Honda Civic spearheads brand’s electrification push

The European-specification 11th generation Honda Civic has now been revealed, and it will come with a new e:HEV hybrid powertrain as standard. It will form a major part of Honda’s plan to electrify its entire line-up by the end of the year. The latest Civic is already on sale in the US, but the UK variant will arrive this Autumn, with a price tag from around £25,000.

Power will come from a newly developed 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and two electric motors, with a combined output of 181bhp and 232lb ft of torque. As in the Honda CR-V, the electric motors provide the ‘primary drive force’, so around town the Civic should feel a lot like an EV to drive. While WLTP figures aren’t yet available, Honda is targeting CO2 emissions of less than 110g/km. Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual driving modes will be available, so that the driver can adjust the way the Civic delivers its power.

Buyers will be able to pick from Elegance, Sport and Advance trim levels, with the top version featuring a 12-speaker Bose sound system and 10.2-inch digital instrument display. The nine-inch infotainment system is also new and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The Civic is equipped with Honda’s latest ‘Sensing’ suite of safety features, including a new 100-degree wide-view front camera and updated software to better identify pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles and road markings. The Civic gains sonar sensors for the first time, with four at the front and four at the rear, bolstering driver aids such as blind-spot warnings, collision mitigation and Traffic Jam Assist.

Styling is arguably cleaner and less polarising than the outgoing car, especially at the back. Here the European Civic differs from the US car, with a fastback roofline to accommodate a large hatchback to suit buyer’s tastes on this side of the pond. This is now constructed using resin, reducing its weight by 20%. Space is also improved on the outgoing Civic, with more rear legroom thanks to a 35mm increase in its wheelbase. Manufacturing for the Civic will be in Japan, following the manufacturer’s decision to close and sell the Swindon plant where the outgoing generation was produced at up until last year.