Honda Civic Hybrid e:HEV LX 2023 Review

Honda Civic Hybrid – Small hybrid sedans and hatchbacks should be more popular. This is my thought after driving the Honda Civic hybrid last week.     Honda Civic is a stylish smaller hatchback that has lost a bit of popularity over the last few years. That’s a shame as it’s really very good.

With sleek styling, long wheelbase for its size and low profile it has some presence.

Inside the Civic is well laid out and comfortable for the driver and passengers.

I like the steering wheel and driver instrument layout. The dials are large and full of information.

The large central touch screen stands out a little but is user friendly and practical. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is a bonus.

Rear seats are as you would expect for this size car and the boot is spacious and practical.

The standout feature is the hybrid engine. It’s quiet, responsive, and economical.

We were using around 5.4 litres per hundred kilometres around town. That’s outstanding.

We drove all week, had a couple of longer trips, and barely used any petrol at all.

Overall, I liked the Hinda Civic Hybrid hatch. Well worth a look, especially at around $55,000 drive away.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Brianna Fraser

TO LISTEN TO THE CIVIC HYBRID RADIO REVIEW, CLICK BELOW

Quick thoughts about the Civic Hybrid e-HEV

• Honda Civic is a stylish hatch design.
• It looks good from pretty much any angle.
• Interior impression is minimalist and spacious.
• Inside the front seats are comfortable and supportive
• Rear seats are as you would expect. A little restricted in space but inviting. Better for two not three people.
• I like the internal feel and layout.
• It is driver focussed and the steering wheel and drivers’ instruments all are clear and easy to read.
• Steering wheel is thick and fits in hand easily.
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and charging is a nice touch.
• I am a fan of the digital dash. Also, a fan of the central screen
• Not a fan of the window wipers with washer in the blades.
• Overall visibility is good.
• Walk away locking is not too sensitive which is good.
• The engine is smooth, zippy, and exceptionally economical.
• There is a selection of drive modes, and the hybrid system is invisible. You can’t really feel when it slips in and out of EV mode.
• Hybrid is the best balance between EV and fuel driving. Economy was about 5.4L/100K and that’s outstanding.
• I think I would prefer an automatic transmission but the CVT does a good job.
• There is zero range anxiety as I can just fill up when needed in five minutes and be on my way.
• I particularly like appreciate the hatchback design. It makes so much more sense than a sedan, and looks better as well
• There is plenty of boot space for weekends away of longer trips.

Honda Civic Hybrid e-HEV LX features

The e-HEV sits on and adds even more luxury equipment and high-tech features.

In addition to the extensive list of premium features and technologies already fitted to the Civic VTi LX, the new Civic e:HEV LX includes:

• e:HEV powertrain with 2.0-litre direct-injection Atkinson cycle engine and eCVT
• Customisable 10.2-inch high-definition full colour digital driver information display
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Leather-appointed seat trim
• Heated steering wheel
• 8-way power adjustable & heated driver seat with electric lumbar support
• 4-way power adjustable & heated front passenger seat with electric lumbar support
• Active Noise Control
• Front centre airbag
• Rear side airbag
• Traffic Sign Recognition System
• Intelligent Speed Limiter
• Auto up/down power windows front and rear
• White ambient lighting
• Rear USB charge ports x 2
• Seat back pocket – driver seat
• Coat hook x 2
• Sunvisor slide extension
• Passenger sunvisor ticket holder
• Cargo area accessory power outlet
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Bright door moulding
• High gloss black door sash garnish

Civic VTi LX’s standard specification:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Auto LED headlights with auto-levelling
• Auto high-beam
• 0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• 12-speaker Bose sound system
• Wireless phone charger
• 0-inch digital instrument cluster
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Leather-wrapped shifter
• Leatherette upholstery with red-accented suede
• 8-way power driver’s seat
• 4-way power passenger seat
• Heated front seats
• Rain-sensing wipers with integrated washer nozzle
• Power retractable exterior mirrors
• Auto up/down power windows (front)
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Paddle shifters
• Alloy sports pedals
• Dual-zone climate control
• Rear air vents
• Tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment

Infotainment connectivity and technology

The new Civic e:HEV LX brings the introduction of Honda Connect. This is a mobile app and server platform that allows customers to access vehicle information and interact with their vehicle. This is through a Telematics Control Unit (TCU).

Key features of the Honda Connect system include:

Remote Connectivity

• Climate control
  • to cool down or heat up vehicle ahead of time
• Lights on/off
  • help locate the vehicle in a crowd or at night
• Remote lock/unlock
  • remotely lock or unlock the vehicle with a simple tap

Safety

• Automatic collision detection
  • In the event of airbag deployment, a notification will be sent to the device logged in to Honda Connect. The app will also alert a Honda Connect Customer Care agent and if a voice call is not answered, emergency services can be dispatched to the accident location.
• Speed Alert
  • Set a speed threshold on Honda Connect app and receive an alert if the vehicle exceeds it
• Vehicle status
  • Key aspects of vehicle are monitored, such as battery voltage, and any abnormal readings can be advised; vehicle button colour will change on app depending on status
• Emergency call button
  • Quick and easy access to contacts, Honda Roadside Assist or emergency services

Vehicle Status

• Virtual dashboard
  • Check fuel range directly from the app
• Location finder
  • Immediate access to vehicle location
• Trip log – recent trip history
  • Access to driving history, trip distance, travel time
• Geofence alert
  • Receive notification anytime vehicle enters/leaves a pre-set region
• Push notifications & messages
  • Receive alerts on vehicle updates, recalls, airbag deployment, battery voltage

Five years of Honda Connect services is included with the Civic e:HEV LX, joining the five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, five-year premium roadside assistance and five low-priced services that come with every new Honda vehicle.

Civic Hybrid e-HEV engine and drivetrain

The newly developed e:HEV powertrain in Civic combines a power-dense lithium-ion battery and two compact, powerful electric motors with a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine.

This provides a combined maximum output of 135 kW of power and 315 Nm of torque. It drives the front wheels through a CVT. Its smooth and seamless. As is the constant movement between petrol and EV drive modes.

What is the Civic Hybrid like to drive

Well economical is the first thing you should know.

Its zippy, not fast, but engaging.

There is a clever transmission button setup. Also, there are four drive modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode. I didn’t try that one, but it apparently allows separate control of the engine, transmission and cluster gauge display – can be selected by the driver to tailor the vehicle response required.

The design is a low and wide set up which lends itself to good ride and handling.

Ride and handling are also on the sporty side. Its smooth but responsive and a bit of fun when asked.

Overall, the Civic Hybrid gets a big tick for drivability.

Honda Civic Hybrid safety

The new Civic doesn’t have a ANCAP rating yet. But the e-HEV LX features Honda’s latest generation SENSING suite of advanced driver-assist and safety technologies.

This has a new 100-degree front wide-view camera and enhanced recognition capabilities to improve identification of road lines, boundaries, pedestrians and other vehicles, including motorcycles and cyclists.

A high-speed processing chip has been used to improve the detection, performance and control of the system, which means the Honda SENSING system can detect objects earlier and more accurately than conventional millimetre radar systems, including pedestrians in light and dark environments.

Additional Honda SENSING features on the Civic e:HEV LX include:

• Traffic Sign Recognition System, which uses the front wide-view camera to detect road signs whenever the vehicle is moving forward. The system automatically recognises and displays the signs via the 10.2-inch LCD display once the vehicle has passed the sign. The system is designed to detect circular road signs displaying speed limits and other information.
• Intelligent Speed Limiter, which recognises traffic speed signs and sets the speed limit. If the traffic sign shows a slower speed compared to the actual vehicle speed, an indicator on the display flashes with an alarm sound and the system gradually decreases the vehicle speed.

A total of 11 airbags are fitted to the Civic e:HEV LX as standard equipment, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger (introduced on Civic VTi LX), along with new side airbags for the rear seats and a new front centre airbag to help prevent a collision between the driver and front passenger during a side impact.

Honda Civic Hybrid final thoughts

I have to say I’m a BIG FAN

Sleek hatchback styling combined with premium interior sets the tone.

The hybrid engine is zippy and economical. Most importantly its easy to drive and fun when asked to be.

Its also staring to be a little pricey, but good value at $55,000 RDAP.

Its an excellent alternative to a full electric vehicle or PHEV and the ever-increasing SUVs that are about.

Also look at.

Hybrid sedans or hatchbacks are a good alternative to either a SUV or EV. But there isn’t a lot of them available.

Buyers could look at the obvious choice the Toyota Camry Hybrid, or the Corolla Hybrid.

Otherwise there is the Audi A3 35 TFSI MH, Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Kia NIRO Hybrid, or the upcoming Peugeot 408 PHEV.

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

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