Now in its 11th generation, a new upgrade has benefited the Honda Civic range with more features and hybrid power trains. It also looks more aggressive now thanks to a redesigned front fascia with a front lower spoiler, darker taillights and black 18-inch wheels.
The quietly sensible range continues to be offered as either a sedan or hatchback in four trim levels, though Honda SA markets the Civic in RS sedan and Type-R hatch guise exclusively. Other markets get a mix of body shapes, including an entry-level LX trim sedan. The rest of the available trims are Sport, Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid.
Kicking off with the highlight feature, which is the hybrid system comprising a 2.0l four-cylinder engine mated with twin electric motors for a total system output of 149kW and 315Nm. Quick, effortless acceleration and outstanding fuel economy as low as 4.6l/100km are the mentioned attributes of this new motor.
Civic LX and Sport trims use the non-hybrid 2.0l four-cylinder engine, but the Japanese brand expects the hybrid models will represent more than 40% of total Civic sales seeing that new-energy models accounted more than one-quarter of its overall brand sales in 2023.
Power is transferred to the front wheels via a CVT transmission, and the Civic hybrids gain four levels of regenerative-braking selected through paddles on the steering wheel. These are joined by selectable drive modes listed as “Econ” and “Normal.” Hybrid models gain a “Sport” mode.
The preset performance settings tweak the power train response, steering assist level and gauge cluster layout in reply to a selected mode. The Civic Sport Touring hybrid models get an “Individual” mode that enables a more customised driving experience.
A polished ride quality and good handling dynamics remain important for Honda. The company says it has optimised the spring and damper settings and fitted specifically developed tyres. All new Civic models are equipped with a comprehensive list of active safety systems.
These include collision mitigation braking, pedestrian detection; forward collision warning; road departure mitigation; lane departure warning; lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. The Sport models benefit from a blind spot detection system with rear cross traffic alert.
The airy, solidly-built cabin with dark trim is refreshed, though the hybrid models are now separated by a grey interior colour with active noise control. Wheel resonators are fitted on the Sport Touring trims.
The Sport hybrids come standard with a sunroof, heated front seats and dual zone climate control as standard while the Sport Touring hybrids specifically, add leather upholstery, a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a larger, nine-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connection plus a wireless smartphone charger. All Civic models now upgrade to USB-C ports.
The top-line Sport Touring Hybrid trims also feature the range’s first integration of Google built-in with numerous applications. The ability to use voice commands to control the infotainment, including telephone calls and texting, or even changing the temperature in the car is now possible. A complimentary three-year unlimited data plan is thrown in the offer.
Passenger safety in all Civic models includes pre-tensioning front seat belts, and front, side, knee and side-curtain airbags. This is enhanced further with driver and passenger front airbags designed to minimise injuries through a doughnut-shaped structure, to cradle the head to reduce rotation in a crash.
The new Honda Civic is available with four new colours including Solar silver metallic, Urban grey pearl, Blue lagoon pearl exclusive to Civic sedan and Sand dune pearl exclusive to Civic hatchback. Honda SA says that local market introduction of the refreshed Civic is not confirmed at this stage.
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