A Japanese stalwart of the car industry celebrates its half century with a nod to the future. By John Challen.

Launched 50 years ago, the Civic is now into its 11th generation

At a time when so many car model names have gone to the ICE scrapheap in the sky, it is heartening to see Honda keeping faith with the Civic. Launched 50 years ago, the car is now into its 11th generation, having racked up 27.5 million sales around the world since 1972.

The latest incarnation of the Japanese hatchback does, admittedly, look unrecognisable compared with the Mk I Civic. Delve a little deeper and it’s obvious that the step changes are not only found on the outside. The Japanese have really pushed the boundaries on not only the design, but also the technology, comfort and performance characteristics of the new car.

There’s no choice of powertrain – it’s a hybrid or nothing – something that would have been unheard of to the development team of the 1970s car. In fact, the new Civic is the last car in Honda’s range to get the hybrid treatment. The company set itself a goal to electrify all of its mainstream European cars by the end of 2022, which has now been achieved.

The setup is a departure from traditional approaches, with a 2.0-litre direct-injection Atkinson-cycle engine working alongside two electric motors (powered by a lithium-ion battery), a newly developed power control unit and an ‘intelligent power unit’.

The Civic’s e:HEV powertrain generates 181hp and 315Nm of torque. Performance-wise, that setup enables a sub-eight second zero to 62mph time. At the same time, the car will return fuel economy of 50mpg (WLTP) and emit 108g/100km. Town driving typically uses all-electric power, while higher speeds see Hybrid Drive take over, where the wheels are propelled by the electric motor, with the engine generating the required electric power. Head out onto motorways and Engine Drive takes over, the petrol unit in control and assisted by the electric motor when necessary.

Elsewhere, there is a big focus on the driving dynamics of the new Civic. In comes upgraded suspension and steering for a more driver-focused offering. Specifically, the power steering and Honda’s Agile Handling Assist have been tuned for European roads and drivers. The stability is improved thanks to a 35mm-longer wheelbase and 18mm-wider rear track, compared with the outgoing car. Other positive changes have been made in body rigidity, a lightweight aluminium subframe and new front dampers.

There are three grades available – Elegance, Sport and Advance – with prices beginning at £29,595 or from £349 a month through Honda Finance. All models come complete with Honda Sensing, the company’s safety technology package. Elegance drivers get 17-inch wheels, a 7-inch infotainment display and navigation as standard. Move up to Sport and Honda adds in seats that are a fabric/synthetic leather combo, sports pedals, LED gos lights and gloss black mirrors. The range-topping Advance showcases a 12-speaker Bose sound system, panoramic sunroof and a larger 10.2-inch screen.

It might be in a shrinking segment – Honda is managing expectations and expects between 8-10k UK Civic sales – but the new model is a huge improvement on the outgoing one. Even aside from the clever hybrid system, the Honda is refined, spacious and features a wide range of clever functions. Whether drivers will be willing to pay the price premium over some of the Civic’s competitors remains to be seen, but it puts up a compelling argument.

IN BRIEF

Honda Civic H:EV

WHAT IS IT? C-segment hatchback

HOW MUCH? From £29,595

ECONOMY? 60.1mpg

EMISSIONS? 108-114g/km

Key fleet model: 2.0-litre Sport

Thumbs up: Refinement, dynamics, interior quality

Thumbs down: Limited powertrain options; big rivals

Seven-word summary: Driver-focused upgrades and clever hybrid tech

Also consider: Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf