Honda Civic Hybrid | Competitive Spirit

It wasn't always clear why the Civic Hybrid left the catalog, but we do know why it's coming back this year. The success of the hybrid variants of the Elantra and Corolla certainly has something to do with this return.

We could politely say that Honda likes to confuse the issue. The truth is probably quite different. Several decisions (the alliance with GM and then with Nissan, Formula 1, IndyCar, etc.) by the Japanese brand often leave us deeply perplexed. The return of the Civic hybrid is another. Abandoned in 2015, then resurrected under another name (Insight), before disappearing again. And returning to us this year, in the guise – and name – of Civic.

The Civic Hybrid is part of a subtly refreshed lineup this year (partially reworked headlights, front and rear fairings). It comes in two versions: Sport and Sport Touring. Both have the same technical characteristics, the same active and passive safety features. The difference is mainly noticeable in the accessories and the size of the infotainment screen.

A proven technique

The Civic Hybrid doesn't invent anything. To exist, it simply had to take over the two-headed engine (half gasoline, half electric) of the current Accord and CR-V. This engine combines a 2-liter 4-cylinder (gasoline) with electric motors. In doing so, there are 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque under the right foot. That's also about a hundred kilos more to move. But the power of the torque that is immediately apparent makes this Civic the fastest of its siblings if we don't take into account the very exclusive Type R. While the latter is the fastest, the hybrid version is by far the most frugal. With an average fuel consumption of 4.8 L/100 km, it is well ahead of the “traditional” Civics (6.6 L/100 km) and naturally the Type R (9.7 L/100 km).

This hybrid engine produces perfectly linear thrust and it is only under strong acceleration that the clamor of the 2-litre 4-cylinder can be heard. As for the transmission, it remains entrusted to a continuously variable gearbox which lends itself to smooth driving and much less to overly frank acceleration.

More responsive and quieter than a traditional Civic, the hybrid version shows infinite flexibility in everyday use and the transition from one mode to another is practically imperceptible. It suffers from its suspension which is a little stiff on damaged roads. The additional weight of this version has virtually no noticeable effect on the dynamism of this car. The correctly weighted power steering helps to give confidence at the wheel and communicates well the work of the front axle (grip). The feel and the rather low driving position also contribute to making the car more agile.

This Honda has not become a more exciting model, but it is no longer boring to drive.

Braking is more delicate and requires a short period of acclimatization. The Civic hybrid has small paddles behind the steering wheel that modulate the rate of energy recovery during braking. Once mastered, they allow the car to be driven without practically using the brake pedal.

A Civic like any other

Out of the corner of your eye, you can watch the onboard computer screen where an animated infographic allows you to follow the distribution of efforts between the two energy sources. For the rest, it's a Civic like any other. A fairly low compact that requires a bit of contortion to get into or out of its cabin. Visibility is good, however, except at the rear. A reversing camera is there to assist you.

The seats offer acceptable comfort, including in the back. The overall finish is good, but not exceptional in the category. Mazda, or even Subaru, does better. The infotainment center is easy to use, but some connectivity is disappointing. This is the case, for example, with the wireless charging pad (discontinuous operation on our test vehicle) or the Google operating system. Two “advances” offered exclusively on the Sport Touring version and which should encourage you to treat yourself to the entry-level model, which also happens to cost less.