Civic e:HEV LX priced at $55,000 drive-away

HONDA has announced pricing and specification for its new Civic e:HEV LX (hybrid) variant which will join petrol-powered Civic VTi LX in local showrooms from December 1, and will be followed by the hotly anticipated Civic Type R in early 2023.

Priced from $55,000 drive-away, the e:HEV LX introduces the Honda Connect mobile app to the eleventh-generation Civic range, alongside generous standard equipment levels, the latest Honda Sensing safety technologies, and an efficient petrol-electric powertrain.

Shared with the CR-V e:HEV, the hybrid Civic’s 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine and twin electric motor combination develops 135kW and 315Nm – 4kW and 75Nm more than the VTi LX – making it the most powerful Civic yet outside of the Type R range.

Honda says the powertrain is capable of shifting seamlessly between electric, hybrid and petrol propulsion, and is fitted with four selectable drive modes – Eco, Normal Sport and Individual – to tailor the vehicle response required.

Driving the front wheels via a fixed-gear transmission, the Civic e:HEV LX has been tuned to provide a smooth and quiet ride Honda says is paired with reassuring handling and straight-line stability.

The arrival of the new Civic e:HEV LX also marks the introduction of Honda Connect, a mobile application that allows customers to access vehicle information and to interact with their vehicle via an onboard Telematics control unit.

Key features of the system include the ability to cool down or heat up the vehicle ahead of departure, to switch the lights on or off, and to remotely lock or unlock the doors.

It can also let the driver know if the vehicle has been involved in a collision while parked, if the vehicle has been speeding when used by another driver, remotely contact emergency services or roadside assistance, and monitor aspects of the vehicle including battery voltage.

Further, Honda Connect can provide information including distance to empty, the location of the vehicle, recent trip history, access to recall and service information, and geofencing alerts to let the owner know if their vehicle has travelled outside a pre-set region.

Complimentary access to Honda Connect is included for the first five years of vehicle ownership alongside a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance program.

The new Civic e:HEV LX also features Honda’s latest generation Sensing suite of driver assist and safety technologies including traffic sign recognition and an intelligent speed limiter to complement the model’s 11 airbags, front and rear parking sensors, and autonomous emergency braking capabilities.

For the local market, Honda has equipped the Civic e:HEV LX with a generous level of standard equipment befitting its premium price.

Among the kit list is leather upholstery, a panoramic glass sunroof, heated steering wheel, heated front seats, eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, four-way power adjustable passenger seat, active noise control, auto up/down windows and white LED ambient cabin lighting.

Further equipment includes a customisable 10.2-inch high-definition full colour instrument panel, a pair of rear USB ports, cargo area power outlet.

The Japanese-made 2023 Honda Civic e:HEV is offered in a choice of three paint colours: Platinum White, Crystal Red, and Crystal Blue, all featuring bright door mouldings and a high gloss black door sash garnish.

Honda’s new Civic e:HEV will vie against the Toyota Corolla ZR Hybrid (from $37,650 plus on-road costs) Down Under, as well as any number of similar-sized and hybridised SUV rivals, such as the upcoming Nissan Qashqai e-Power..

“The new Civic marked a step change for Honda in the small car segment, with the latest generation elevating key aspirational elements of the Honda brand such as craftsmanship, premium quality and intuitive design,” said Honda Australia director Carolyn McMahon.

“The newest addition to the Civic line-up features the latest iteration of Honda’s proven two-motor e:HEV powertrain technology, representing the next phase in our commitment to introduce hybrid variants of each vehicle line with the arrival of every full model change.”

2023 Honda Civic pricing*:

*National drive-away price.