Yes, we admit it: a few months ago, the first images and the first information about the new Honda Civic, 11th in its dynasty launched 50 years ago, had not particularly aroused our interest.

First of all, we found its design a little too wise at first sight.

And the single engine (hybrid) which was announced certainly promised excellent consos, in the absence of overflowing character.

But you should never judge a book by its cover.

Not photogenic

First, the Civic has a small problem: it's not the most photogenic.

Because when you discover it in real life, it emerges from it much more personality, muscle and dynamism than the images let you suspect.

The Civic certainly does not reach heights of sex appeal, but there is something attractive about it.

In the cabin, the only thing that could be improved, in our opinion, is the multimedia screen.

Not its quality, nor that of the system to which it gives access, but just… its position, up there, without any apparent search for aesthetic intent.

For the rest, we like the very horizontal design of the dashboard, and the "honeycomb" strip that runs over its entire width.

The seats are excellent, the driving position is perfect, as is the overall quality.

And in terms of habitability (rear seats, trunk), we are in the good average of the compact family.

Clearly, we have already largely reviewed our prejudices.

And that's just the beginning.

Hybrid, with something more

It was the test drive that ended up smashing our last preconceived ideas.

Because the fact is that the hybrid system of the Civic has as many points in common as differences with that of the CR-V, for example, which we know well.

First, the 2.0 liter petrol engine is all new.

Ditto for the majority of the electrical part, with in particular more power for the motor, and more lightness and energy density for the battery.

Several objectives behind these modifications: obviously that of further improving consumption and emissions, but also (especially?) that of creating a classic hybrid engine – not to be confused with a rechargeable hybrid – more reactive than ever.

Indeed, as much as the Civic is capable of bewildering consumption in anticipatory driving (a little more than 4 l/100 km real, and even less in town), as much as it shows a real sporty character when you're in a good mood and that the road lends itself to it.

The system reacts instantly to gas strokes, without delay, without the usual "rubbery" effect of conventional hybrids.

As soon as you push, she pushes, and what's more… she sings!

In short, the Civic accelerates like a normal car, and it is only when you release the accelerator for a turn, for example, that it loses some of its excellent natural feeling.

The icing on the cake, the engineers have given the Civic an excellent chassis, efficient, comfortable, and also a bit playful.

Connoisseurs will understand.

Automotive

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Automotive

At the Goodwood Festival, Ford presented a van of… 2,000 hp!

The Honda Civic in a few figures

  • Engine: 4 cyl., gasoline, hybrid, 1.993cc;

    185hp;

    315Nm

  • Transmission: to the front wheels.

  • Gearbox: 1-speed auto

  • L/W/H (mm): 4.551/1.802/1.408

  • Curb weight (kg): 1,517

  • Trunk volume (l): 415 – 1,220

  • Tank (l): 40

  • 0-100 km/h (sec.): 7.8

  • Maximum speed (km/h): 180 km/h

  • Cons.

    Mixed (l/100 km): 4.7

  • CO2 (g/km): 108

  • Price (€): 29,990

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