Honda has launched its new hybrid model, the Civic e:HEV LX hybrid, into Australia. The new model joins the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo-powered VTi LX and will be followed in 2023 by a high-performance Type R variant.

The Civic e:HEV LX hybrid slots in with Honda’s HR-V and Accord models as having hybrid options and will be fitted with Honda Connect, the company’s mobile app and server platform that allows customers to access vehicle information and interact with their vehicle through a Telematics Control Unit (TCU).

The system enables owners to control and monitor plenty of features from their smartphone – including the remote control of climate control, lights, and the locks; the status of the vehicle and its components, including fuel range, trip log, and battery voltage; and offers notifications and alerts for a variety of circumstances, including a geofence alert that signifies when the vehicle has entered or exited a pre-set region.

The Civic e:HEV’s powertrain combines a lithium-ion battery and two electric motors with a 2-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine. Combined maximum motor output is 135kW and 315Nm. The hybrid is front-wheel drive and has an eCVT transmission set-up. Honda says the powertrain can shift ‘seamlessly’ between Electric drive, Hybrid drive and Engine drive, and there are four drive modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and a new Individual mode which allows separate control of the engine, transmission and cluster gauge display.

The Civic e:HEV LX features Honda’s latest generation SENSING suite of advanced driver-assist and safety technologies which now includes Traffic Sign Recognition, and an Intelligent Speed Limiter which recognises traffic speed signs and sets the speed limit. There are 11 airbags too, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger along with new side airbags for the rear seats and a new front-centre airbag.

Along with these and other safety and tech features, the Civic e:HEV LX has a customisable 10.2-inch high-definition full colour digital driver information display and a digital instrument cluster, panoramic glass sunroof, leather-appointed seat trim, heated steering wheel, 8-way power adjustable and heated driver seat with electric lumbar support, 4-way power adjustable and heated front passenger seat with electric lumbar support, Active Noise Control, two USB charge ports at the rear, and front and rear parking sensors.

The Civic e:HEV LX hybrid will launch with a national drive away price of $55,000 and be available with a choice of three paint colours – Platinum White pearlescent, Premium Crystal Red metallic and Premium Crystal Blue metallic.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (December 2022/January 2023)

21 December 2022