In the automotive realm, there are few nameplates as successful as the Honda Civic. Since its introduction in Japan in 1972, more than 30 million units have been sold across the 11 generations. If the Super Cub was the bike that built Honda’s motorcycle division, the Civic was the car that established its automotive one. That’s saying something considering that this is the brand that also sells the Accord and CR-V, both long running and immensely popular nameplates in their respective categories.
The Civic’s success has come from its versatility, being manufactured and sold across the globe where it has appeared as a hatchback, sedan, wagon, hybrid and performance car courtesy of the Type R. However, it is most recognizable as a medium to large size hatchback in our market and the recent debut of the 11th generation SR e:HEV comes at a crucial time for this category of vehicle, it needs to be damn good if it is to lure away SUV buyers from their high horses.
Debuting a new hero colour, Ocean Blue Pearl is one of five choices available to New Zealand buyers. Yes, you can have white, black or grey, the three most popular paint choices for any vehicle. If you are a little more daring, there is also a ‘Premium Crystal Red’ but that’s the extent of it. Let’s be honest, this is a Civic and its buyers are generally those that exhibit common sense in their colour choices so that’s all Honda needed to offer. Not that these shades are at all underwhelming but still, a choice of Boost Blue couldn’t have hurt!
The selection of colours are very much on brief for a nameplate that is bound to be a sales success, same goes for the dimensions. It measures in at 4.5m long, 1.80m wide and 1.42m tall. That sloping roofline makes this latest generation vehicle particularly sleek looking without compromising on boot space which is a whopping 404L without the inclusion of 45L worth of underfloor storage! That aside, while I initially preferred the styling of the wilder looking FK generation just gone, this current generation FL car is showing it up, without even talking about the Type R! And even though this is not the sporty model, it comes with 235mm wide tyres and 18 inch wheels to boast. The badges though are blue rather than red, suggesting of a powertrain that leans towards frugality.
The interior is anything but conservative in its equipment levels and for $60,000 (incl. ORC), it better not be! That’s right, the Civic e:HEV commands quite a price tag these days but it does offer a lot in return. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are as standard on this hybrid model, as is a dual panoramic sunroof and a premium 12-speaker Bose audio system. The upholstery is leather appointed too with the two front seats receiving electronic adjustment. In addition to this long list, you also get Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Google built in to the 9 inch infotainment screen.
Yes, checking off the above boxes is important for the Civic but part of its success historically has come from its refinement and quality. This car doesn’t lack in either department, it all feels very well screwed together and you get a resounding feeling that it will go the distance. On top of that, the cabin is beautifully insulated from the outside world. Roll up the windows and you can barely hear the hiss of cars, conversation or anything else, it’s astonishing.
The ride is equally as hushed with the suspension being compliant at all times, soaking up whatever the cruel Auckland roads had to throw at it. Potholes, drain covers and speedhumps were of no moment to this Civic e:HEV, it made for a comfortable drive both in traffic filled commutes as it did on longer motorway stretches. That’s not to say it isn’t responsive as it handled incredibly well, this current generation FL5 Type R consumes corners in a physics defying way so it should come as no surprise that even in its hybrid guise, it hugs the road. Having resided in one of Auckland’s most Western suburbs during my review period, I regularly ‘tested’ the Civic’s handling on those winding roads and was impressed.
When you’re not trying to emulate the Type R around twisty roads, the e:HEV is incredibly sensible. Drive comes courtesy of a 2L petrol engine with hybrid power, the whole operation runs on an Atkinson Cycle through an e-CVT gearbox. In fact, it’s actually a dual motor system so the car can run as a pure petrol, pure EV or as a hybrid. Maximum power is 149kW with max torque rated at 315Nm. While Honda claim an efficiency figure of 4.2L/100km, it delivered 5L/100km on a WLTP cycle, I measured 4.5L/100km across my 600km of mixed driving. That’s seriously impressive!
The Verdict
As car reviewers, we can often get wrapped up in the world of 0-100 times, power stats, handling, technology etc. Truthfully speaking, most people don’t really give a toss about any of that stuff. The overwhelming majority generally want a car that will take them from A to B, reliably, comfortably, safely and efficiently. A brief that a car like this Honda Civic SR e:HEV was made for and as you have just seen, it excels at doing so. As the world continues to go SUV crazy, it’s easy to forget that the humble hatchback hero still exists and if this latest generation Civic hybrid is anything to go by, this category still has so much more to give.
If I’m being pedantic, yes, this Civic is low so getting in and out can be tricky for the elderly and its high beams are a little too keen to turn on at night. It isn’t terribly exciting either but really, these are trivial things, I for one, couldn’t fault it.
2025 Honda Civic Hatch SR e:HEV: 5/5
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Car courtesy of Honda New Zealand. Words and photos by Matthew D’Souza.
