The new Honda Civic e: HEV embodies an ‘exciting’ design approach

Honda has unveiled the new Civic e: HEV, the 11th generation of its iconic, global compact model. Based on 50 years of heritage, the new Civic hybrid combines powerful performance and efficiency with improved levels of interior comfort, visual appeal and overall usability. Adopting Honda’s proven e: HEV technology as standard drive system, the new Civic completes the brand’s mission to electrify all of its mainstream European models by the end of 2022.

‘Fascinating’ design approach
In its new version, the Civic embodies a new, progressive, ‘exciting’ design approach. Combined with Honda’s development principle, ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ (M / M), this common philosophy has shaped all aspects of Civic design and development.

The new Civic has an elegant and sporty silhouette, which has been achieved by lowering the hood line by 25mm compared to the previous generation, while its glass surfaces have been increased creating the feeling of a bright and airy interior. Unpretentious, discreet surfaces exude a sense of refined, premium quality, while the more accentuated middle and characteristic lines emphasize the main details.

The lower characteristic line highlights the imposing silhouette of the car, while improving visibility from the rear seats. Compared to the previous generation Civic, the base of the A-pillar has been placed further back to align with the center of the front wheels, which gives the car a more balanced proportion in profile, as well as a wider presence that indicates confidence, under all corners. The highest point of the roofline has been placed further forward compared to the previous Civic, with a slight slope towards the luggage compartment door, forming an elegant appearance reminiscent of a fastback model.

The more elegant profile of the body makes the tires look bigger and in combination with the wider track and the narrower arches of the wheel arches, achieves a sporty silhouette that seems to embrace the road. Despite the new design approach, the famous practicality and anthropocentric philosophy of the Civic family remains a key feature. For example, the side mirrors are now mounted directly on the front doors, helping to reduce unnecessary blind spots and supporting the safety of drivers and passengers.

The Civic is also known for being a hatchback that does everything and the 11th generation is no exception, offering more space and usability than ever before. The larger 35mm wheelbase also allowed designers to create larger and more comfortable spaces in the cabin while improving dynamic performance and stability in a straight line. The rear door is now made of resin, something that is being done for the first time in a Civic. Thanks to the application of a new construction technology, the weight has been reduced by 20% compared to the previous Civic, which makes it easier to open and close. In addition, the support hinges have been moved outwards, contributing to the ‘cleaner’ aesthetics of the roofline and the sleeker design of the rear.

Inside the Civic, the horizontal dashboard design emphasizes the width of the cab, which in combination with a wider field of view, achieves a sense of open and airy environment. Inside, new, high-quality materials are used in terms of their touch, while the metallic detail of the grid-shaped air duct that extends the entire width of the dashboard is particularly impressive. In the Advance version, the driver has a color, high-definition 10.2-inch LCD screen for improved visibility.

The new Civic offers an intuitive information & entertainment package. The size of the central touch screen has been increased to nine inches while, thanks to its more ergonomic position, it is less tiring for the eyes. The system is integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility so that passengers can stay connected on the go.
In addition, aiming to further enhance the customer experience, the Elegance and Sport versions feature eight speakers, while Advance features 12 premium BOSE speakers for a concert hall sound experience.

Advanced and efficient e: HEV system
Honda’s proven e: HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) technology is offered as standard and as part of its Civic application includes: a new 72-cell lithium-ion battery and two compact but powerful electric motors combined with a state-of-the-art 2-liter running engine in the Atkinson circle. Combined, the drivetrain delivers a maximum power of 135kW and 315Nm of torque. The latest version of the internal combustion engine has several new elements in its architecture, which help to achieve a thermal efficiency of up to 41% – one of the highest prices in the automotive industry for a production car

The two powerful electric motors work together to provide the main driving force to the new Civic. The heat engine is controlled by a new, compact unit (Power Control) which is now located under the hood, along with the rest of the transmission. Under the rear seats is the latest version of the Intelligent Power Unit and although it is smaller and lighter, it benefits from increased energy density. This system offers a sense of instant torque and strong acceleration, combined with excellent efficiency.
The advanced system has the ability to alternate seamlessly between EV, Hybrid and Engine modes, without any driver intervention. Four driving profiles – Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode, which allows independent control of the engine, gearbox and display, can be selected by the driver, to adjust the vehicle response according to requirements.

Central to the e: HEV system is the fixed gearbox, which is designed to minimize mechanical friction and is controlled by an intelligent power control unit (PCU), which optimizes the vehicle in any driving scenario. The new Civic targets CO2 emissions below 110 grams per kilometer, which corresponds to consumption below 5 l / 100km according to the WLTP standard.

Particular attention was also paid to the drivetrain and noise management, in order to achieve a quiet and calm environment in the cab, while at the same time improving the overall driving of the vehicle, resulting in a smooth, linear feel when accelerating.

This advanced system is combined with confidence in the straight line that inspires confidence, something that is the cornerstone of the Civic model throughout its history. The 11th generation Civic has a 35mm longer wheelbase and wider rear track than its predecessor for improved straight and cornering performance, while new low-friction couplings and revised front shock absorbers enhance the car’s dynamic feel. The new model will also be the first Civic to adopt a newly designed front seat structure, providing greater body stability and passenger comfort.

Honda SENSING
The new Civic also features the extensive suite of advanced safety features and Honda SENSING driver aids. A new 100-degree front-facing camera and upgraded recognition technology enhance the Civic’s ability to detect pedestrians, road markings, roadblocks, and other vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles. For the first time, the new Civic is equipped with sonar sensors – four front and four rear. In addition to the improved Collision Mitigation Braking System, Lane Keep Assist and i-ACC technology, the Low Speed ​​Braking Control, Blind Spot Information, Cross Traffic Monitor and Traffic Jam Assist systems are the new additions to Civic’s complete active safety systems offering.

In addition to the new active safety technology, new components have also been incorporated to comply with the strict Euro NCAP safety standards. These include: additional door beams that improve lateral impact protection, front bumper absorbing impact absorbers to reduce knee and lower extremity injuries, a total of 11 airbags, including side seats for the rear seats , knee airbags for the front seats to reduce injuries in a frontal collision and a front central airbag for the driver’s seat that prevents the driver from falling onto the front passenger in a side impact.

Combining a sophisticated, unpretentious ‘clean’ exterior design, a premium bright and airy interior, advanced safety and comfort technologies and a perfect blend of reduced fuel consumption and high performance, the new Civic e: HEV is the most dynamic, efficient and safe Civic of all seasons.

Since its release in 1972, the Civic has sold over 27.5 million units in 170 countries. The new Civic builds on the success of previous generations and promises to set new benchmarks in the category when it arrives in Europe by Autumn 2022.

Copyediting

Aris Galanopoulos

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