WLTP fuel consumption from just 4.7 l/100 km
Honda Civic e:HEV Hybrid
The new Honda Civic has been developed to ensure that its e:HEV powertrain, steering and suspension deliver the good levels of performance, dynamic response and feedback that have always made the Civic so attractive. The result is a car that combines a rewarding driving experience with highly competitive efficiency and emissions.
- e:HEV powertrain delivers exceptional efficiency and responsiveness
- High body rigidity for maximum stability and manoeuvrability
- Steering and suspension configured to balance driver satisfaction and comfort
- The single-hybrid Civic is the last mainstream Honda model to be electrified
- WLTP fuel consumption from just 4.7 l/100 km and CO2 from just 108 g/km
Available in late 2022, the 11th-generation Civic will be the last mainstream Honda model to be electrified, following in the footsteps of the CR-V, Honda e, Jazz, Jazz Crosstar and HR-V. The car will feature the most advanced version of the brand’s award-winning e:HEV all-hybrid powertrain. Combining a high-performance lithium-ion battery and two compact, high-performance electric motors with a newly developed 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine, the powertrain delivers the industry’s best performance, equivalent to 41% thermal efficiency, and features a direct injection system that is optimized for faster and more efficient combustion and increased torque. In addition to the direct injection system, a number of technologies, such as a low-temperature active catalytic converter and an intake port with a modified design, contribute to lower fuel consumption while achieving specific power.
The result of these technological advances is a WLTP score for ‘combined’ CO2 emissions of just 108 g/km (WLTP), with fuel consumption of an equally impressive 4.7 l/100 km. This exceptional efficiency is combined with a maximum power of 135 kW/PS and 315 Nm maximum torque, making the new Civic an attractive car for drivers in the C-segment.
This superior efficiency and exceptional energy management have been achieved through the application of innovative new technologies. For example, the latest version of Honda’s Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) is 23mm flatter and 1kg lighter than previous iterations, but with a higher cell count of 72 – the largest in Honda’s current e:HEV range. The sleek IPU sits under the rear seat, maximizing interior space and usability.
Honda Civic e:HEV Hybrid
A new Power Control Unit (PCU) under the hood enables faster battery charging and discharging, contributing to a further 12% increase in power over previous e:HEV applications. The increase in power density and output of the PCU increases the electrical output, allowing the pure electric driving modes to take more of the load, and is handled by new aluminum core high voltage wiring. The aluminum wiring is 40% lighter than conventional copper wiring.
The advanced powertrain seamlessly switches between EV, hybrid and motor drive without driver intervention. Four driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport and a new Individual mode – can be selected by the driver to tailor the vehicle’s response in terms of powertrain, steering and display.
This high degree of flexibility is supported by exceptional levels of sophistication, with great attention to eliminating unwanted noise and vibration. A secondary balancer shaft and a very stiff crankshaft in the combustion engine ensure smooth operation, while unwanted engine noise is reduced through the use of extra insulation on the intake manifold and under the hood. In addition to these steps, the clever application of Active Noise Control (ANC) limits any noise that could resonate in the cabin, while Active Sound Control (ASC) enhances the sporty tones of the internal combustion unit.
The chassis design complements the exceptional power. The Civic e:HEV has been developed with particular attention to steering response and feedback, enhancing the driver’s sense of belonging to the car. Improved straight-line and uneven road stability is achieved thanks to a 35mm longer wheelbase and 18mm wider rear wheelbase compared to the car’s predecessor. Cornering stability and overall response have been further improved with increased body stiffness and the use of low-friction ball joints and revised front dampers that combine to enhance the dynamic feel.
To enhance driving pleasure and response, a new control logic, ‘winding control’, keeps the combustion engine running when cornering on winding roads. This allows the car to accelerate immediately, giving a real dynamic feeling when accelerating. On the highway, the extra torque and electric drive provide powerful acceleration when overtaking at high speeds, but at a lower revs for less engine noise and a relaxed ride over long distances.
“This is the latest generation of our industry-leading e:HEV technology, itself the culmination of more than 20 years of experience designing, building and refining hybrid powertrains,” said Tomoyuki Yamagami, Large Project Leader for the new Civic e :HEV. “By carefully assessing the wide range of use cases and operational environments, we have been able to take a ‘whole vehicle’ approach, making it a fun and highly engaging hybrid for the driver.”