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May 17, 2022
Test drive the Honda Civic e:HEV—Does it retain the fun-to-drive character of its ICE counterpart? | HONDA
HONDA CIVIC e:HEV | The Honda Civic e:HEV
Test Drive: The Honda Civic e:HEV
The Honda Civic underwent a full model change to its 11th generation in 2021. In 2022, marking the 50th anniversary of the first generation's debut in 1972, the release of the top-tier Type R and the hybrid e:HEV model was promised. First, a preview test drive event for the e:HEV was held at the Izu Velodrome, and I participated to assess its performance.
Text & Photographs by HARA Akira | Photographs by HONDA
A Significant Evolution from the Current Insight e:HEV
The new Civic's hybrid system is Honda's unique two-motor "e:HEV" system for mid-size models. It employs a "series-parallel switching system" that optimally utilizes both the motor and engine. As you know, this differs from Toyota's THS "series-parallel system," which blends power from the motor and engine, and Nissan's "series system," which uses the engine solely for power generation and the motor for driving.
Exterior differences from the gasoline engine model are subtle, maintaining a high degree of understatement. These include the blue-trimmed Honda emblem, a rear muffler integrated into the diffuser to minimize its visibility, and a change in tires from Goodyear Eagle to Michelin Pilot Sport. Inside, the most significant changes are the replacement of the shift lever in the center console with a button-type selector for P, R, N, and D, and the adoption of a hybrid-exclusive instrument cluster.
The powertrain consists of a DOHC 2.0-liter DI (direct injection) Atkinson cycle engine producing a maximum output of 104 kW (141 ps) and a maximum torque of 182 Nm, combined with a drive motor generating 135 kW (184 ps) at 5,000–6,000 rpm and 315 Nm of torque from 0–2,000 rpm, and a generator motor.
The engine achieves a world-class thermal efficiency of 41% through its high-pressure direct injection system and multi-stage injection. Furthermore, quietness and a pleasing sound are realized by adopting features such as an all-urethane engine cover, a high-rigidity crankshaft, and a secondary balancer. Significant advancements have been made compared to the current "Insight e:HEV," which shares a similar size and is sometimes referred to as the Civic sedan, including a higher output and lighter PCU (Power Control Unit), increased capacity of the IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) due to enhanced energy density, and a CVT using HEV-exclusive fluid.