Honda Civic (MY 2022)
lone warrior
Honda Civic (MY 2022)
© press-inform – the press office
Honda uses a sporty look and electrification for the new Civic. The Japanese golf opponent only comes as a five-door model with a full hybrid drive and 134 kW / 185 hp.
The Civic is to Honda what the Lancer was to Mitsubishi: a perennial favorite with a large following. Since its introduction in 1972, Honda has sold more than 27.5 million units in over 170 countries worldwide. Now the eleventh generation of the Nippon Golf, which will be launched in the fall, is set to continue this success story. However, this Civic pulls as a lone fighter in the competition for the favor of customers. As the name Civic e:HEV shows, Honda’s compact model will only be available in Europe as a hatchback and full hybrid.
The drive train basically corresponds to that of the Honda CR-V e:HEV, delivers 135 kW / 184 hp and has a maximum torque of 315 Newton meters. The Japanese are also turning the interaction between petrol engines upside down in the compact car and assigning the drive task to the electric motor. According to the Honda technicians, this has advantages in terms of efficiency. Nevertheless, the engineers have lent a hand in some areas and optimized the drive train. The new two-liter four-cylinder operates in the Atkinson cycle, in which the fuel is injected into the combustion chambers several times at high pressure. The thermal efficiency of the combustion engine is an impressive 41 percent. The battery has also been improved and still consists of 72 cells, but with a higher energy density than before. Since the capacity remains at 1.5 kilowatt hours, the weight is reduced by one kilogram and the height by 23 millimeters. The fact that the battery is stowed under the rear seat bench benefits the compact design, above all for the passengers in the rear, as the first seat test shows.
Power is transmitted via an E-CVT transmission. But the name is deceptive. In the Honda Civic, the torque is continuously varied by varying the current strength that is applied from the generator to the electric motor. The top speed is only 180 km/h and consumption is said to be less than 5 liters per 100 km/h. The purely electric range is around two kilometers. According to Honda technician Kotaro Yamamoto, the Honda Civic e:HEV should be around 90 percent electric in city operation and offer four driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and an individual driving program.
In addition to the technical optimizations, something has also happened with the optics. The Honda Civic 11 is significantly stockier than its predecessor due to the 35 millimeters longer wheelbase (which fully benefits the rear passengers) and the wider track at the rear. The typical Honda face radiates more dynamism even when stationary. It also fits that the Civic is the first Honda to get the adaptive high beam. “The Civic should offer the driver as much everyday use as possible,” says Kotaro Yamamoto, outlining the overall concept. That’s why the Asian technicians fine-tuned the little things. The bonnet is 25 millimeters lower than on the predecessor and the A-pillar has moved back 50 millimeters. This increases the driver’s field of vision.
It is also supported by a whole range of assistance systems. These include an active traffic jam assistant (up to 65 km/h), a blind spot warning system and a new 100-degree wide-angle camera that identifies pedestrians, lane markings and even motorcycles. Despite the coupe-like roofline, the interior is airy. You sit sportily deep in the front. The virtual instruments are displayed on a 10.2-inch monitor and the touchscreen is now nine inches. The inductive charging cradle offers enough space for large smartphones, which can then be connected wirelessly via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Those who prefer the traditional form of mobile phone charging will find two USB-A ports on the front and back. The trunk lid is made of plastic and the trunk has a capacity of 404 liters. That’s 74 liters less than before.
What about the Civic Type R? Unlike Mitsubishi, which put the famous Lance Evolution on the parking lot too quickly, there will also be a version in the tenth generation and a thoroughbred combustion engine will take care of the longitudinal dynamics.