Following a lengthy period of speculation, Honda has finally revealed the details of its Civic e:HEV hybrid, along with first images of the model.
The model makes use of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, dual electric motors, and a 72-cell lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the back seats. The brand expects the hybrid Civic to achieve WLTP C02 emissions figures of less than 110g/km.
Power and torque are rated at 135kW and 315Nm, respectively, sent exclusively to the front wheels. This compares favourably to the current 1.5-litre model’s 131kW/240Nm.
Honda New Zealand currently only offers the Civic in the single trim with the single powertrain. However, with the Clean Car Discount scheme set to kick off in just a few days, it’s tipped that the marque will be keen to add the e:HEV to the local line-up as an electrified option.
Honda New Zealand will be keen to add the model to its range given that the Civic e:HEV’s sister product, the Jazz e:HEV, gets one of the largest new-car rebates of any hybrid on sale; $4,140.
FleetTalk has asked Honda New Zealand for comment on the e:HEV and has yet to get a response.
The e:HEV’s exterior is almost identical to that of the rest of the Civic hatchback range. The main differentiators are the lack of exhaust pipes and the addition of an e:HEV badge.
The interior is similar, too, carrying over the petrol model’s handsome layout and 9-inch touchscreen (a 10.2-inch digital cluster is available in some models). The model also comes with Honda’s full safety suite and 11 airbags.
Civic e:HEV deliveries in Europe kick off in late 2022, meaning it’s unlikely to appear in New Zealand until 2023.
