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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
Excellent Ride Quality Maintained in the Hybrid Model
Upon starting, the car moves off silently and smoothly in the default "EV Drive" mode. If you continue driving gently without accelerating, the electric-only driving range, which is 20% longer than the Insight's, suggests it will last longer in urban environments.
On winding roads with significant elevation changes, switching the drive mode from "Normal" to "Sport" activates "HYBRID Drive," enabling powerful acceleration by using the engine for power generation. Simultaneously, the instrument cluster turns red-based, and the power steering becomes heavier.
Interestingly, at this point, the ANC (Active Noise Control), which cancels noise by detecting interior sound and emitting an inverse phase wave, and the ASC (Active Sound Control), which enhances the engine's natural sound, work to their full potential. Although the overall volume is lower than in a gasoline engine car, the "Honda Music"—the engine revving smoothly to high RPMs through repeated gear shifts—is clearly audible, stimulating the hearts of car enthusiasts.
The needle on the power meter to the left of the dual-gauge cluster swings up and down like a tachometer in response to acceleration and deceleration. Furthermore, it's a clever idea that when you pull the paddle-style deceleration selector before a corner, the meter displays the changes in regenerative braking strength across M1 to M4 levels.
Additionally, in situations like highway cruising, which could not be tested on this closed course, the "ENGINE Drive" mode automatically engages, directly connecting the engine and tires via a clutch. This mode compensates for the motor drive's inefficiency at higher speeds.
The excellent chassis dynamics, which were evident when I test-drove the gasoline engine versions (CVT and MT) last year, remain a strong point in the hybrid model. Despite the expected increase in overall weight due to the integration of various electrification systems, the center of gravity has been lowered by 10mm thanks to the IPU mounted low beneath the rear seats. Furthermore, enhancements to rear body rigidity and dedicated damper tuning have been implemented, indicating thorough refinement.
As a result, the car's nose points cleanly towards the exit of corners, whether it's a tight hairpin at low to medium speeds or a high-speed curve with a large radius. In S-shaped transitions, the rear follows precisely, allowing for accurate line tracing as intended. This level of performance should satisfy even discerning European drivers.
The Civic e:HEV, soon to debut as a nimble hybrid model, offers a driving experience distinct from the tall SUVs that are common these days. While details such as pricing and full specifications are still pending, the finished product appears to meet expectations.
