The new Honda Civic grows up gracefully and gets clever along the way.
Mention the Honda Civic in any conversation, and you’ll probably see a nostalgic smile or two. It’s a name as familiar to Singaporeans as char kway teow or chicken rice, reliably serving generations as the default choice for those seeking an affordable, sensible, and dependable car.
But with electrification steadily reshaping the automotive landscape, even steadfast heroes like the Civic must adapt.
That’s where this Honda Civic e:HEV comes in, a smarter, sharper Civic, and Honda’s take on modern motoring wrapped in a reassuringly familiar package.
Sensible elegance
Styling-wise, the new Honda Civic e:HEV is perhaps the most grown-up iteration of Honda’s beloved family saloon yet. Gone are the flamboyant, overly aggressive lines of the previous generation, yet there’s enough subtle sportiness in its stance and silhouette to remind you of its heritage.
The LED headlights are sharp, purposeful, and modern, while the clean side profile and gently sloping roofline give it a genuinely upmarket feel.
Cabin serenity
Step inside, and you’ll instantly notice the substantial upgrade in cabin ambience. The dashboard exudes an uncluttered, minimalist charm that wouldn’t feel out of place in a car twice the price.
Pride of place on the dashboard is a clear and crisp 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, flanked by clean horizontal lines and soft-touch materials. While some manufacturers have gone touchscreen crazy, Honda has thankfully kept essential functions like climate controls as physical dials.
This is practical simplicity at its finest: intuitive, user-friendly, and refreshingly free of needless digital gimmickry.
As a family-friendly sedan, the Civic e:HEV naturally excels at the basics: space, comfort, and practicality. Rear-seat passengers benefit from ample legroom and headroom.
Boot space stands at a useful 410 litres, slightly reduced by the hybrid’s battery packs, but still spacious enough for weekly grocery runs or even the occasional furniture adventure.
Honda hasn’t forgotten about active safety either, with Honda Sensing as standard. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking, all of which make navigating Singapore’s crowded streets significantly less stressful.
Clever hybrid tech beneath familiar skin
The real story of the Honda Civic e:HEV lies beneath the bonnet, where Honda’s clever hybrid drivetrain works quietly to deliver an impressive mix of performance and efficiency. The system pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors, collectively producing 181bhp and 315Nm of torque.
Don’t mistake this for one of those mild hybrids that merely play a token role, Honda’s e:HEV system is genuinely sophisticated. At lower speeds around town, it runs predominantly on electric power. Pick up speed, and the petrol engine smoothly kicks in, working alongside the electric motors without the slightest fuss.
Honda claims the Civic e:HEV can return 21.7km/litre, and during my own city-centric test drives, I managed a commendable real-world figure hovering around 20km/litre. Remarkable for something that also feels punchy and eager on the expressways.
Surprisingly dynamic, genuinely composed
The Civic does not disappoint in the handling department either. With instantaneous torque from the electric motors, it responds enthusiastically to the slightest prod of the accelerator pedal. The century sprint is done and dusted in 7.8 seconds.
The cabin remains impressively hushed, with minimal road and wind noise intruding even at speed. Suspension is tuned just right, absorbing bumps and potholes without wallowing excessively.
Through corners, the Civic remains composed and predictable. Steering is accurate if somewhat lightly weighted, offering just enough feedback to entertain enthusiastic drivers. While it doesn’t have the visceral engagement of a sports car, there’s a satisfying fluidity to its handling, a clear reminder of Honda’s decades-long mastery of front-wheel-drive dynamics.
Sensible gets stylish and smarter
The Civic e:HEV is Honda’s carefully considered step into electrification without losing sight of what has made the Civic an enduring favourite. It’s a genuinely grown-up car; stylish, refined, practical, and now impressively efficient too.
Admittedly, some may lament the Civic’s newfound maturity, recalling the more flamboyant and energetic models of the past. But in an era when sensibility and sustainability increasingly trump raw horsepower, Honda has cleverly evolved the Civic without losing its fundamental appeal.
Technical Specifications
Honda Civic e:HEV
Engine: 2-litre in-line 4 i-VTEC, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
Gearbox: E-CVT (A)
Power: 141 bhp (engine)
Power: 181 bhp (electric motor)
Torque: 315 Nm
Fuel Economy: 21.7 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$227,999 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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