Test Honda Civic e:HEV Advance

At automotive sector there are two "sayings" that cannot be complementary because they are opposites. The first says "If something works, don't touch it." The second "Adapt or die." Both one and the other can be applied to the new Honda Civic e:HEV that we have tested these days. Yes, because it is one of the longest-lasting compacts on the market and at the same time one of the ones that has best adapted to continue being one of the references...

In case you forgot el Civic was born in 1972 and throughout these 5 decades we have known 10 iterations. Next October the eleventh will arrive in our market and it will do so with renewed arguments. Only in this way will you be able to increase your sales, with an accumulated volume that exceeds more than 27,5 million units sold in 170 countries. Take note of its evolution because even if you don't believe it, its hybrid technology e:HEV will set a trend...

The aesthetics of the Honda Civic e:HEV is more mature and "global"...

Before telling how well the new Honda Civic e:HEV is doing, we'll do a brief review of its aesthetics. As you well know, because we have talked about him, his lines do not represent the same revolution as his predecessors. And the result, although it may seem bland, once you have it in front of you, things change. His style is more mature and although it may not seem like it, because it is a global model, the design team has looked a lot at Europe to shape it.

Together we have a body that grows up to 4,55 meters long. The width becomes 1,80 meters and the height 1,40 meters. For its part, the wheelbase, with 2,73 meters, is one of the most generous in the C-segment. Honda now presents a more elegant and sporty silhouette with a 2,5 centimeter lower hood line and lower window area along with a more defined beltline than the previous generation.

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Thanks to this combination offers great visibility to second row passengers. But there are even more novel design features, such as slanted LED optics or a more restrained front grille. If we go to the side view we cannot ignore the marked drop of the roof line, bringing it closer to the fastback coupé style. Finally, at the rear we have some renewed optics that are attached in the center or the sporty cut diffuser.

High quality cabin, well executed, technological and with a lot of space...

If the exterior is more an evolution than a revolution, something similar happens inside. The Honca Civic e:HEV is no longer the spaceship of yesteryear, but it doesn't look lacking in personality either. You just have to see the way they have combined the lines that shape the dashboard, instrument panel, steering wheel and central tunnel. The result is very satisfactory, at the level of ergonomics and quality it is at the height of premium rivals...

Among the outstanding elements we can mention the new configurable digital instrument cluster. It comes to life thanks to a 10,2-inch display, which is standard on the Advance level, with a high resolution. The steering wheel, unlike many of its rivals, is not flattened at the bottom and the boom controls are intuitive. From them the painting is governed as well as part of the infotainment system. Which is also simpler and easier to read.

Here we have a 9 inch touch screen with connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired). Its graphics are fresher, even so compared to its rivals, it sins of being more classic. All in all, it is a success that the system to manage the air conditioning is manual and has such a good touch. Further down the center tunnel are the controls for the eCVT transmission, the driving mode selector (Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual) and the electric parking brake...

Very generous habitability, although with shadows in the trunk...

As we have said before, the new Honda Civic e:HEV reaches 4,55 meters in length. Compared to its direct rivals, it makes it longer by about 15 to 25 centimeters. Therein lies the first key so that your space is one of the most generous in the compact segment. But it also hides an "ace up its sleeve" or rather, between its wheels. Yes, because the wheelbase compared to its predecessor grows by 3,5 centimeters to reach 2,73 meters.

So when you open the driver's door and sit in your seats you perceive space in all dimensions. I measure 1,65 meters but in the case of colleagues who are over 1,80 meters the feeling is the same. In addition to the fact that visibility has improved compared to its predecessor. This is because the "A" pillar is further back and, above all, because the rear window is no longer split as before. But this sense of space increases when we pass behind.

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The space available for the legs of the passengers in the second row is enormous. In fact, it is 3,5 centimeters more generous than before because the growth of the battle has gone to this section. For its part, the width does not detract either, being able to accommodate three adult passengers without many drawbacks. Where perhaps "more burden" is noticed is in the height dimension, because people of 1,80 or 1,85 meters will already rub against the softness of the ceiling...

Improved safety thanks to renewed Honda SENSING and a more rigid platform…

If the quality, space and on-board technology of the new Honda Civic e:HEV are premium, its safety is up there with the best on the market. First of all the architecture platform changes the distribution of certain mechanical organs to reduce the center of gravity. In addition, it introduces new materials and technical improvements that give it a 22% higher structural rigidity than its predecessor. But it is not the only weapon in his favor...

La latest evolution of the Honda SENSING safety system It gives renewed driving aids. The innovations that it includes are many, but we can mention elements such as the wide angle front camera with improved recognition ability to detect different elements on the road. In addition, it adds 8 sonar sensors, which replace the previous millimeter wave radar, to detect non-metallic objects more accurately.

In terms of autonomous driving, the Civic e:HEV is equipped, for the first time, with the jam assist system. In this way, in situations of traffic congestion, the vehicle takes control and keeps it centered in the lane and at the appropriate speed. It also includes the involuntary lane departure warning and prevention system or a new adaptive cruise control system which works thanks to the wide-angle camera.

The hybrid technology of the Honda Civic e:HEV is one of the best on the market...

As we have said before, the powertrain of the new Honda Civic e:HEV is exclusively hybrid. You can no longer choose between gasoline or diesel engines as in the tenth generation. Still, although limited to a single power unit, the technical level and the result achieved is remarkable. To take into account we can cite data such as a thermal efficiency of 41% or a compression ratio of the gasoline engine of 13,9:1.

In this case we are facing a 2.0-liter i-VTEC direct injection Atkinson cycle gasoline engine unprecedented in the Honda range. To it, to configure the hybrid system, two electric motors are attached. The first as a propellant and the second as a generator associated with the latest version of the intelligent power unit (IPU) It has a 72 cell battery. For its management, Honda relies on an e-CVT system with electronic control.

The result? 184 hp (135 kW) of power and 315 Nm of torque. They may seem few, but if we put them in context, the gain over its predecessor is seen. The previous 1.5 V-TEC Turbo block produced 182 hp and between 220 and 240 Nm of torque. This new e:HEV hybrid surpasses it in both data, even making the 1.6 i-DTEC diesel block with 120 hp and 300 Nm of torque pale. In terms of consumption and emissions, the data is more interesting...

honda announces CO2 emissions (according to the WLTP mixed cycle) starting from 108 grams kilometer. If it is about fuel consumption, the brand announces an average that starts in 4,7 liters every 100 kilometers. Both data are pending final approval, but in our test the Civic e: HEV was very restrained when it came to "drinking" gasoline. Although it is not a 5,2% reliable figure, he settled for an average of XNUMX liters...

And how is the hybrid engine of the new Civic e:HEV doing?

Pressing the start button on the Honda Civic e:HEV all you hear is silence. The first meters are covered by electric since by default the EV-mode. In this, the heat engine is off and the wheels are moved only by the electric drive. By joining the normal circulation the Hybrid mode takes charge of the situation. Here the gasoline engine starts and works only as an electricity generator.

However, the wheels are still powered by the electric motor. Finally, if we need a higher power level, we can use the engine mode. Here it is the thermal propellant that moves the wheels while the electric acts to provide extra power. All this without the need to be choosing them because the control unit is responsible for selecting them based on driving or power demand.

Overall, the response behind the wheel of the Civic e:HEV's hybrid system is very satisfying. The acceleration is linear thanks to the smooth running e-CVT transmission. Unlike other hybrids, the slippage and the sensation of lack of power in strong accelerations is very low. It is only noticeable, and in a less pronounced way than its rivals, on steep slopes or fast overtaking where the demand for performance is very high.

For their part, the performance are good with a step from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour encrypted by Honda in 7,8 seconds. This data is very good, favored by a power-to-weight ratio of 8,42 kilos per CV. Lastly, the active sound control (ASC) It generates a better auditory sensation when we activate the Sport mode. To do this, the system equalizes the best frequencies of the heat engine and replicates them inside through the speakers.

It is not a joke! The Honda Civic e:HEV has the feel and ride of a sports car...

When you get behind the wheel of the new Honda Civic e:HEV you have one perception: familiarity.. Yes, because even though the design is completely new, it feels like you've been driving it for a long time. Everything is in its place and from the first moment you know where you have to look to check driving data. In any case, from the moment we press the start button, all his manners feel plumb.

This is the adjective that can best define the dynamic character of the Civic. We are facing a plumb compact that treads well in all circumstances and that to make it uncomfortable we have to force the rhythm a lot. To offer this touch, the engineering team has perfected a perfect weight and assist steering that takes it where you put the eye. The suspensions also do a good job, with a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness.

Another of the sections in which the Civic e:HEV stands out is in loudness. The sound-absorbing material is very well distributed in the engine compartment, wheel arches, exhaust manifold and the urethane engine cover. Hence, noise reaching the cabin from the powertrain, wheels and bodywork is minimal. On the other hand, they have managed to the vibrations are reduced thanks to high rigidity crankshaft and a new secondary balancer shaft.

Finally, we must not overlook the ability to change your personality. Thanks to the driving mode selector we can choose between four: Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual. The first is committed to fuel economy and the second to mixed use. Instead, sport option modifies engine power delivery, address and activate the ASC. And if we want to be exquisite, the last mode can combine all three…

Conclusions

Despite that The Honda Civic is the best-selling model of the Japanese firm in Europe it is still unknown to many. Yes, because although his "fandom" is very vast and powerful, many drivers do not remember him when buying a compact. But that could change with this eleventh generation since it is the most complete and solid that we have known throughout its profuse history. The key is very simple...

By materials, adjustments, technological level, elements of active and passive safety or habitability It is at the level of the best compacts on the market. And not only that, it can take a face-to-face look at its premium rivals from Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The reasons for this, in addition to those already stated, have to do with its dynamics and its elaborate powertrain. It steps on and feels premium and the operation of its hybrid train is smooth and spirited at the same time.

When you take a look at their prices you will understand that it will be the revolution in the compact segment. This is the best way for customers to forgive you the occasional "failure." See a trunk that is slightly smaller than on its predecessor or a range in which there are no more engines. For the rest, few more drawbacks can be attributed to a product that, as we saw with the HR-V, takes the brand to the premium spectrum.

Equipment Honda Civic e:HEV

Once you know what the new Honda Civic e:HEV is like and how well it performs, we'll tell you what its range for the Spanish market. Here we can choose between three trim levels: Elegance, Sport and Advance in which no detail of equipment is missing. In fact, from the "basic" version it already includes gadgets that in many of its Bavarian premium rivals you have to pay for by going to its generous list of options...

Elegance

Security

• front center airbag
• Driver and passenger airbags
• Knee airbag for the driver
• Passenger knee airbags
• SRS passenger airbag with deactivation switch
• Rear side airbags
• Side airbags (front)
• Side curtain airbags (front and rear)
• Blind Spot Information System with Cross Traffic Monitoring System Included
• Impact prevention and mitigation system
• Throttle control to mitigate collisions
• eCall (Europe)
• Forward collision warning system
• adjustable speed limiter
• smart speed limiter
• ISO/i-Size attachment points
• Lane departure warning system
• Low speed braking system
• Low speed tracking function
• Automatic lifting hood
• lane keeping system
• Traffic jam assistant
• Traffic Sign Recognition System
• Front head restraints with whiplash protection

Protection 

• immobilizer system
• Central locking with remote control with two keys
• security alarm system
• Selectable door unlock
• Smart access and start
• Tilt sensor
• trunk cover

Operation and technology

• Agile Handling Assist (AHA) maneuverability system
• ECO mode
• Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering System (MA-EPS)
• Electric power steering system with variable gear ratio
• 7″ multi-information display
• Power meter
• Regenerative braking/deceleration control (cam)

comfort and well-being

• Accessory Outlet Location: Front and Trunk
• Front and trunk: Front and trunk
• Adaptive cruise control
• Front seat: driver electric lumbar support
• Front seat: manual driver height adjustment
• heated front seats
• Parking sensors (4 front and 4 rear)
• 60/40 split front seats
• Rear view camera

interior lights

• Ambient lighting (ceiling) white
• courtesy light
• glove box light
• front reading light
• white dashboard light
• trunk light

Audio and communications

• Bluetooth hands-free phone (HFT)
• Honda CONNECT with Navigation System (9-inch touchscreen, AM/FM/DAB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and live traffic information)
• Speakers 8
• Speakers: front tweeter
• Steering wheel mounted audio system controls
• Number of USB inputs on the front: 2 (one for data and one for charging)
• Number of USB inputs on the rear: 2 (charging)
• Apple CarPlay with wireless connection

Body exterior:

• Body mirror color
• Tinted windows
• Chrome window trim

Exterior lighting

• automatic headlights
• Auto headlight on/off timer (come home/leave home function)
• Headlight extension color black
• LED headlight type
• Automatic High Beam System (HSS)

Rims and tires

• Front/rear tire size 215/50 R17 93W
• Alloy wheels
• Wheel size and design: 17-inch two-tone black diamond-cut

Sport (over Elegance)

comfort and well-being 

• Air conditioning: rear outlet
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Audio and communications

• Wireless charging

Body exterior:

• Glossy black mirror color
• Trim on the windows black with a slight shine

Exterior lighting

• LED fog lights

Rims and tires

• Front/rear tire size 235/40 ZR18 91W
• Alloy wheels
• Wheel size and design: 18-inch in gloss black

Advance (over Sport)

Operation and technology

• 10,2″ multi-information display

comfort and well-being

• Front seat: driver's power adjustment (8-way)
• Front seat: power passenger adjustment (4-way)
• Front seat: electric driver and passenger lumbar support
• Front seat: manual driver and passenger height adjustment
• heated steering wheel

Audio and communications

• Speakers 12
• Speakers: BOSE premium sound system
• center speaker
• woofer

Body exterior:

• Body mirror color
• panoramic sunroof
• Chrome window trim

Exterior lighting

• Aluminum headlight extension color

Rims and tires

• Wheel size and design: 18-inch two-tone black diamond-cut

Honda Civic e:HEV Prices

Honda Civic e:HEV Image Gallery

More information about this model

Honda Civic

• Plazas 5
• Power 184 - 329 hp
• Consumer goods 4,7 - 8,2l/100km
• Assessment 4,6