Review: Honda Civic

When the Honda Civic recently received a mid-life update it felt as though this was the brand reminding us that its showrooms feature a class-leading hybrid hatchback.

The changes were modest but little needed changing about a car that grew in scale and considerably shrunk its fuel consumption when it launched with the Japanese carmaker’s e:HEV drivetrain in 2022.

Prices are now £32,325 for Elegance trim, £34,945 for Sport and £39,925 for the range-topping Elegance tested here.

There are few other choices, a standard hatchback body providing space beyond a C-segment billing which casts it against the smaller Volkswagen Golf and Mercedes A-Class.

At launch, the current Civic was 31mm longer, 27mm lower and had a rear track some 18mm wider than its predecessor.

Inside that makes for a sporty driving position, but there is also lots of rear legroom and a wide and commodious, 404-litre boot.

All Civics feature keyless entry and starting, heated front seats, parking sensors and reversing cameras, adaptive cruise control and a wireless phone charger.

Elegance trim adds a heated steering wheel, an excellent 12-speaker Bose sound system, a panoramic sunroof and leather seats.

Ahead of the driver is a 10.2in instrument display, with a modest-by-modern-standards nine-inch infotainment screen.

This sits atop a dashboard spanned by a mesh grille which gives the impression of extensive ventilation and emphasises the width of the car. Neat toggle controllers adjust the vents within. There is a pleasing number of physical controls in what is a stylish cabin.

The climate control functions are covered by a panel featuring three user-friendly dials. And, while the infotainment system’s graphics look a little rudimentary and its lack of wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto was notable, its straightforward functionality is aided by a volume dial.

However, the real highlight of the Civic hybrid has always been its handling and drivetrain.

The e:HEV drivetrain utilises electric power at low speeds, using the petrol engine as a generator. Only under heavy loads does the engine power the front wheels directly.

With 181bhp and 315Nm, the Civic feels smooth, endowed with ample torque and faster than Honda’s claimed 8.1-second dash to 62mph, yet it also has an uncanny ability to home in on 60 miles per gallon.

Drive-by-wire steering – there is no physical connection to the front wheels – is nicely weighted and accurate. Meanwhile, a clever e-CVT system and some sound trickery synthesise the power delivery of a dual clutch gearbox.

It sounds complex but works a treat.

Honda may have missed a trick in failing to add wireless smartphone connectivity with its Civic update. However, the hybrid hatchback remains a class act. I am glad Honda made the effort to remind us. Honda Civic hybrid Advance Price: £39,995 Engine: two-litre petrol hybrid Power: 181bhp Torque: 315Nm Transmission: e-CVT Top Speed: 112mph Economy: 56.5mpg (WLTP combined) 0-62mph: 8.1 seconds CO2 emissions: 114g/km