A DASH OF CIVIC PRIDE
JusT how does one best celebrate the landmark anniversary of a rock-solid paragon of civic duty? not the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations but, rather, of the honda civic, which this year marks its 50th anniversary with a new hybrid-only incarnation.
First launched in 1972, the new 11th generation civic e:hEV will be available to order from July from about £23,000.
It features honda’s award-winning e:hEV full hybrid powertrain — which shifts seamlessly between pure electric EV, hybrid and engine driving with no need for input from the driver — and fulfils the Japanese car maker’s plans to electrify all mainstream models by the end of this year.
The self-charging hybrid set-up combines a new 2-litre petrol engine with two electric motors to produce 181 bhp.
It promises more than 50 mpg and cO2 emissions of 108 g/km.
styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but there is more of a fastback look with a sloping roof and an extra 35 mm on the wheelbase.
There are three trim levels: Elegance, sport and Advance. honda promises it will also be more fun to drive thanks to a series of engineering tweaks. Inside is a practical interior with a free-standing 9-inch infotainment system.
The civic was built at honda’s swindon plant in the UK until it closed in 2019 and is now built in Japan for the European market. since its launch, the civic has sold more than 27.5 million models across 170 countries.
To help celebrate the civic’s 50th anniversary, honda teamed up with Magic Radio’s home Run DJ presenter simon Phillips to compile the ultimate driving playlist, featuring a track from every year through the five decades since the original version was launched.
The full line-up of 50 tracks is available on spotify.
next year, honda is set to launch a small all-electric SUV, a compact hybrid SUV and a new generation CR-V 4x4.