Honda Civic hybrid review finds impressive performance … at a cost

The Honda Civic hybrid doesn’t need to be plugged in, yet combines best of electric and petrol power.

The new Honda Civic e: HEV.

Not so long ago hybrids were the realm of tree-huggers and Hollywood A-listers.

Celebrities were proud Toyota Prius drivers keen to showcase their green lifestyle choices.

With the battery electric vehicle market rapidly expanding, so too is the hybrid world and manufacturers are offering the alternative powertrain source on a range of vehicles.

Honda has joined the party with not only the HR-V compact SUV, but also the Civic compact hatch.

Those chasing fuel efficiency will be wooed by sub-five litres per 100km, but there is a hefty price to pay for a fully equipped Civic with the e: HEV drivetrain.

Starting from about $55,000 drive-away is the hybrid Honda Civic e: HEV.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Previous Honda Civics have been bland in my design book, this one looks to have taken a step forward in class and prestige.

GRANT: While not a drop-dead stunner, I agree there’s an aura of quality. Nice external proportions and the 18-inch alloys which nicely fill out the wheel arches accentuate the appeal.

KEL: Before seeing the new Civic, it conjures a buyer image in my mind. While I’d hate to stereotype, I feel like the brand appeals to older folk.

GRANT: Apart from the raucous Civic Type R which has the boy racers salivating, I think you’re on the money – quite often the reliable reputation and conservative design appeals to those around retirement age. Talking of money, prepare yourself: $55,000 drive-away.

KEL: That’s a surprise. Inside it feels nice with leather trim, sunroof and a touchscreen, but I would have estimated far less.

GRANT: The base model with a turbo petrol engine is the VTi LX for $47,200. Our test experience was in the flash hybrid variant which for the extra investment combines battery and petrol power without any need to plug in.

KEL: Our personal car is a top-spec Kia Cerato that costs about $20k less and has similar features.

GRANT: It doesn’t have the same performance abilities (nor is it hybrid) and the Honda boasts far less expensive running costs. But the price does push it above prestige petrol offerings like the Audi A3 ($52,939) or Lexus UX200 ($52,780).

Apart from some hard plastics across the dash, the Honda Civic boasts quality cabin finishes. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

WHAT DID YOU LOVE?

KEL: Cabin features were impressive, I was especially appreciative of the heated steering wheel on some of those cold wintry mornings, along with the heated seats, the sunroof, leather trim and the awesome Bose stereo which sounded amazing when the beats were pumping.

GRANT: Build quality felt impressive as well. Doors closing delivered a nice “thunk” which was Volkswagenesque.

KEL: The honeycomb finish which ran across the dash looked cool. It’s always nice to have the wireless charging and Apple CarPlay, while the dual cup holders in the console and door bottle holders were also handy. All our weekly groceries also fit in the boot easily.

GRANT: With more than 400 litres of space it’s surprisingly large for a compact hatch. One trade-off is no spare, just a repair kit in case of a flat. I also appreciated the driving position. It was simple to get comfortable with great unimpeded vision.

The Honda Civic e: HEV boasts impressive boot space for a compact hatch.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Phone connection caused frustration on occasions. Whether it was tethered or not, sometimes the Apple CarPlay refused to work.

GRANT: I experienced the same issue. Throughout the test I also struggled with the transmission buttons, I constantly tried to put the Civic into drive using the reverse toggle rather than pushing the ‘D’ button … the way it’s set up just felt counter-intuitive, unlike the Nissan Qashqai return to centre shifter or the stubby toggle found in a Volkswagen Golf.

KEL: For this kind of investment, I missed having a bird’s-eye view camera for parking along with electric boot opening.

GRANT: There are three different reversing views but not one that pieces all aspects together. Also absent is a head-up display which is becoming commonplace on the top-end mainstream models.

Among the interior features is a digital instrument set-up for the driver.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Super quiet, the Civic was beautiful in all conditions. It was also quick and responsive from a standing start.

GRANT: Composed and confident, it’s a wonderful steer. Handling rapid changes in direction, it shifts the weight beautifully as you saw left and right with the steering wheel.

KEL: Sometimes small cars can feel underpowered on challenging hills but I found the Civic never felt out of breath, nor did it struggle when I wanted to overtake.

GRANT: The combination of electric and petrol power worked seamlessly and the additional torque provided by the hybrid set-up meant power was always at the ready. Best of all was the fuel consumption – we managed 4.7 litres per 100km with a lot of stop-start activity and it runs on standard unleaded. With a 40-litre tank and easy highway travels you could get close to 900km between servo visits.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Great looks and a beautiful drive, the biggest stumbling block would be the price. The $55,000 investment is hefty for a small car and the brand alone is not enough to sway me for the money.

GRANT: Low running costs are pivotal in the equation, with not only outstanding fuel economy but the first five services are $199 each. Without doubt the hybrid Civic is one of the most complete small cars on the market but it’s priced beyond the means of many buyers.