Refreshed two-motor car with good fuel economy

THE Honda Civic has been with us since the Seventies, so it has been a tried and tested model through time.

My most pleasant memory of the Civic was driving it at a launch one year in Madeira, the highlight of which — apart from driving this staple of family hatchbacks — was a stay at the famous Reid’s Palace Hotel.

This historic hotel, located to the west of Funchal Bay, was the brainchild of William Reid, the son of a Scottish crofter, who originally arrived in Madeira in 1836. Unfortunately, Reid died before his hotel was completed.

But a stay at Reid’s with Honda, though brief, evoked an age past of British splendour. The car — the Civic — was the perfect timepiece itself for pottering around the island of Madeira. We even took a hamper from the hotel one day and had lunch, served from the hatchback of the car.

I’m sure many people have numerous untold stories and anecdotes about owning a Civic, because more than anything long-established models have myriad tales to tell.

I wonder if generations to come will treasure memories of their cars that are fast becoming indistinguishable from mobile phones. The refreshed Honda Civic e:HEV is equipped with an advanced suite of Honda Sensing active safety technologies — one of the “most comprehensive safety systems in its class”.

This includes the Forward Collision Warning System, designed to detect the presence of vehicles in front, issuing audible, visual alerts for the driver when approaching too fast.

A wide-angle, high-definition camera continues to deliver improved awareness of road lines, verges, motorcycles and cyclists.

Alongside this is a high-speed processing chip that ensures the detection, performance and control of the system, meaning it can identify objects accurately, including pedestrians in both light and dark environments.

Elegance models will now include an auto dim feature on the rear-view mirror, which previously came as standard in the Sport and Advance grades — providing clearer vision for improved safety and confidence when driving.

In short, the refresh or improvements in this Civic introduce updated interior styling and exterior design changes, alongside “unchanged” hybrid performance. “The Civic, in its 11th generation, delivers the dynamic performance, adaptability and style that Honda customers have come to expect,” said Rebecca Adamson, head of automobile at Honda UK.

“With performance that excites, along with an updated interior styling and exterior design, the all-new Civic with its advanced hybrid powertrain is the perfect mix of efficiency and driving pleasure.”

Every Civic grade now features a redesigned, more assertive front upper and lower grille, highlighted in black gloss and finished with a new grille and headlight garnish for a sharper, sportier look.

The sculpted front bumper incorporates bolder character lines and a new body colour lower bumper spoiler, giving the model a more premium, athletic stance.

New 18in two-tone, diamond cut alloy wheels in grey for Advance grade and black in Sport grade models add a further dynamic edge to the Civic’s striking exterior, alongside the high black gloss finish of the door garnish.

In addition, all grades will no longer have front fog lights to further streamline the design, made possible by improved LED headlight technology.

To complement these upgrades, a new exterior paint option is now available in Seabed Blue, replacing Premium Crystal Blue. This is in addition to the colour options previously available — Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl and Premium Crystal Red Metallic. Plus, new optional accessory accent colours include Berlina Black, Nordic Silver and Patina Bronze.

Inside, all grades will feature a new black interior roof and pillars to create a more premium feel. These are complemented by matte chrome detailing around the air vents to add a subtle touch of sophistication.

Advance model will now include interior illumination and footwell lights, while the Sport grade features a new heated steering wheel for improved driver comfort during colder drives.

It also receives a 10.2-inch Digital Driver Display to offer clearer graphics and improved visibility, ensuring key information is easier to read. All Elegance models offer wireless charging within the centre console.

The latest Honda Civic continues to deliver an outstanding balance of practicality and driving fun with its responsive hybrid powertrain.

The current two-motor e:HEV hybrid system remains unchanged, providing refined performance and fuel economy.

The on-the-road price for the updated Honda Civic starts from £33,795.