Since its debut in 1972, the Honda Civic has been a benchmark of reliability, innovation, and style, gaining an iconic status worldwide. Now in its 11th generation+, the 2025 Honda Civic continues this legacy while introducing a bold, forward-looking approach to automotive design and technology, setting a new standard for compact hatch. We were invited to Nelson to find out more (including the price) and of course, DRIVE it.
As a cornerstone of Honda’s lineup for over five decades, the Civic boasts cumulative global sales exceeding 27.6 million units (in over 130 countries and territories) and production in eight factories worldwide. The Civic remains a favorite among drivers from all walks of life, with the 2023 model alone achieving annual sales of over 450,000 units.
Honda has always emphasised practicality and adaptability in the Civic, appealing to diverse lifestyles and needs, and while the 2025 Civic is only available in SR, it caters to virtually everyone, from daily commuters to driving enthusiasts.
While the 2021 model promoted a design philosophy inspired by friendliness and inclusivity, the 2025 Civic charts a new path grounded in boldness and innovation. One of the defining features of the 2025 Civic is its alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Honda has incorporated cutting-edge technology to enhance environmental sustainability while maintaining its signature innovation. The 2025 Civic embodies a “car that gives back to nature,” distinguishing itself as not just a vehicle, but a model for responsible progress in the automotive industry.
The design of the 2025 Civic takes a premium, sporty turn. From its sleek, clean lines to the upgraded premium textures in the interior, the car exudes sophistication and elegance. Visibility has been enhanced, creating a more refreshing and intuitive driving environment. The new signature blade bumper accentuates the Civic’s sharper, sportier appearance, giving it a bold and fearless personality. Gloss-black accents on the grille, window linings, and wheels, along with new details like body-colored light coverings and the striking Ocean Blue Pearl color option, elevate the Civic’s aesthetic appeal.
Performance enhancements also shine through, offering a more exhilarating driving experience. Updated features, such as an advanced 100-degree wide-angle camera for improved safety and functionality, showcase Honda’s commitment to innovation and practicality.
Under the bonnet lies Honda’s very clever two-motor e:HEV hybrid system. It’s a blend of dynamism and efficiency, with a 2L engine, a powerful electric motor, a 1.01kWh battery and an e-CVT transmission. Together they provide 149kW of power and 315Nm of torque. No plugs required (except the plug of how good it performs).
The interior combines comfort and sophistication, with luxurious leather finishes adding a touch of elegance and refinement. The sunroof stretches helps give the cabin natural light, creating an airy, open feel, while the expansive windscreen not only enhances visibility but also amplifies the sense of space, making every journey feel more connected to the world outside. Honda has also added ‘Active Noise Control’ that detects indoor noise with a microphone and outputs the noise and the sound of the inverted layer, and thus cancels noise, making for a quieter, more relaxed driving experience.
And while on that subject, let me tell you about the drive.
In true Honda ‘road trip’ style, we embarked on a near 5 hour drive from Nelson to Hokitika, with a pit stop at Berlin’s Cafe along the way (which I noted was up for sale). The drive included some epic scenery, sprawling and tight turns and the odd area (or two) to get up to the national speed limit.
With the Ocean Blue model taken, I opted for premium crystal red, and we all know that red cars go faster. The first thing we did was connect the phone, did I mention that the 2025 Honda Civic now comes with Google? So not only does the 9-inch display screen provide their suite of driver assists, but you can now control things like cabin temperature through your phone, plus play your favourite music app too. I went with YouTube music and turned the Bose stereo up LOUD.
Another new addition to the 2025 Civic is an extra drive mode, along with Econ, Normal and Sport, you have Individual, where you can set the Engine (Driving force characteristics), steering, Engine Sound (ASC) and gauges to suit you. Although, to be honest, I just flicked between Econ and Sport.
The roads themselves were and much fun as expected, and with the Civic being 10mm closer to the ground, (along with the centre of gravity), let’s just say that ‘a spirited drive’ prevailed. The acceleration is great and the hatch itself is nimble, meaning that the driving experience was ‘involving’ both on the straights and around the beads. Overtaking manoeuvres are a simple affair and it’s easy to stay ahead of the pack when things get all bendy.
The clever e:HEV system goes about its business well, being frugal when it can but not at the expense of driving fun, In simple terms, it’s a bloody good ride.
For the more mundane times (aka tourist traffic), the adaptive cruise control is a breeze to engage, and the lane keep assist does let you know when you stray a little – but not aggressively so.
As for fuel economy, the team posted numbers that ranged from 5.3-5.8L/100km (I was at the latter end), but some did spend a lot of time using the regenerative braking paddles, which in hindsight I probably should have done more of too.
I arrived in Hokitika in good time and more importantly, in good spirits, I could have gone on and on – don’t worry, there will be a follow up drive.
Last but not least, the price. The 2025 Civic Hatch SR is priced at $59,990 (plus orc), which does raise a few eyebrows, however, there is a lot packed into this hatch and did I mention it is a great ride?
