According to a new report, Honda will shake up the small-car segment when it reveals the promised next-generation Civic e:HEV, with the ‘self-charging’ hybrid hatchback set to feature a petrol-electric powertrain that’s more powerful than first thought.
The Civic e:HEV was widely expected to use the already-revealed new-generation HR-V e:HEV small SUV’s hybrid powertrain, which combines a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to deliver 96kW/253Nm.
Those outputs would’ve kept the Civic e:HEV on par with its direct rival, the best-selling Toyota Corolla Hybrid, which instead partly uses a 1.8-litre engine to output 90kW of power. Note its torque is unquoted.
However, Best Car Web now claims the Civic e:HEV will instead take its hybrid powertrain from the current-generation Accord Hybrid mid-size sedan available in Australia and CR-V Hybrid mid-size SUV offered overseas.
Yep, the Japanese publication suggests the Civic e:HEV will actually be motivated by a 2.0-litre engine and two electric motors for a total of 158kW/315Nm, putting it in ‘warm hatch’ territory against the likes of the 150kW/265Nm Hyundai i30 N-Line and Kia Cerato GT.
Best Car Web says Honda wants the Civic e:HEV to be “a sporting concept”, so it’s upping the performance ante, just like how the internal-combustion engine (ICE) version of the HR-V has an 87kW/142Nm naturally aspirated engine instead of the ICE Civic’s 131kW/240Nm turbo unit.
As reported, the ‘regular’ Civic is currently only offered in a single highly specified grade in Australia, with the recently launched VTi-LX priced at $47,200 driveaway.
This positioning suggests the Civic e:HEV will come in around $50,000, making it significantly dearer than the most expensive Corolla Hybrid ($34,695 plus on-road costs).
But if the Japanese publication’s report rings true, the Civic e:HEV’s higher performance will go some way in justifying its premium. Stay tuned for its upcoming official reveal.
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