HONDA CIVIC E:HEV REVIEW

EV Channels Review

Rob Wilson of Buckle Up delivers a highly positive review of the 11th generation Honda Civic e:HEV, positioning it as a potential new king of family hatchbacks. He praises its grown-up, sleeker design, improved interior materials, and particularly highlights the practicality of the boot space and the innovative sideways-opening parcel shelf. The rear seat space is deemed generous for a hatchback, with good knee and foot room, though headroom can be tight if sitting bolt upright. A major win for Honda, according to Wilson, is the retention of physical climate controls, which he finds intuitive and safer than screen-based systems. On the driving front, the Civic e:HEV impresses with its well-tuned chassis, direct steering with feel, and excellent damping, offering an engaging experience despite the unique e:CVT hybrid system. While the absence of a manual gearbox (except on the expensive Type R) is noted as a detractor for driving purists, the hybrid powertrain is acknowledged for its efficiency, with a real-world achievable figure around 50 MPG. Wilson concludes that the Civic e:HEV surpasses key rivals like the Golf, Focus, and Astra in driving dynamics, aesthetics, and infotainment usability, making a strong case for its segment leadership.