I spent a full week driving the new Honda Civic e:HEV Advance recently and what struck me most was how thoroughly it excels across the board. It never tries to grab headlines. Instead, it quietly delivers intelligent efficiency, real-world comfort, and polished dynamics – exactly what Irish drivers are looking for in a compact hybrid.
The Civic’s 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine works with a pair of electric motors and a lithium-ion battery in Honda’s clever e:HEV system. Around town, it almost always starts in electric mode, and the switch to the petrol engine is seamless—no jerks, no hesitation. Out on the fast roads, it unleashes a surprising amount of eagerness, making overtaking feel assured. The hybrid’s 315 Nm of torque translates into immediate response, whether merging or climbing hills. There’s no multi-speed gearbox to fuss with – just a clean, easy flow from the e-CVT-style transmission. Overall impression: this powertrain is refined and responsive, and perfect for Ireland’s mix of urban and rural driving.
From city centre lane ways to trickier country roads, the Civic handles it all with poise. Steering is accurate and light, yet never vague—good for threading into tight spaces or laying it on through sweeping country roads. The ride strikes a pleasing balance: firm enough to feel locked in, but compliant enough to smooth over potholes. On a 320 km Summer road trip, it felt settled and quiet – even over rough surfaces. Fuel economy came in around 5.5 L/100 km, just a hair above the official 5.0 L/100 km, which to me speaks of real-world efficiency without micromanaging your throttle. It’s a car that feels rewarding to drive and decently economical over longer distances.
Honda’s redesign isn’t loud, but it’s well executed. The front end is clean and modern, with a long bonnet and smart LED light signatures. My test car, dressed in a restrained metallic paint, looked quietly sophisticated – no overdone lines or forced drama. I’d go so far as to say this is a Civic design that will age gracefully.
Inside, the cabin feels airy and well thought out. The i-Cockpit layout – with its raised digital display and compact steering wheel – does take a moment to adapt to, but once you do, she’s a gem. The materials feel durable, and the heated sport-style seats are genuinely comfortable for long drives. Rear legroom is more than adequate, and the 311-litre boot swallows what most families throw in on a weekly run. I appreciated small practical touches like deep door bins and a cleverly integrated wireless charging pad. It’s a cabin that doesn’t just feel practical – it feels intentionally designed.
Honda has stuck to the essentials. The 10-inch central touchscreen is responsive and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Physical climate controls remain, which is a big plus when driving on uneven roads. The interface is smooth, logical, and free from delays or confusion. The digital cluster is likewise well laid out – clean and customisable. It all just works intuitively; no need to wade through menus to perform simple tasks.
The Civic comes loaded with Honda Sensing, including blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. In my experience, the system strikes a fine balance – helpful but not intrusive, proactive but not overbearing. It’s confidence-inspiring, especially on motorways.
Irish Pricing and Trims
Here’s how the Civic lineup looks for 2025 in Ireland, carrying just one trim for the hybrid:
Civic e:HEV Advance – From €48,995. Key inclusions: twin curved displays, LED lighting, wireless smartphone integration, dual-zone climate, heated seats/steering wheel, adaptive tech, and more. Road tax remains low at €190 due to a CO₂ rating of 114 g/km.
The only other Civic option is the Civic Type R, starting from €85,000, aimed squarely at the enthusiast segment.
This Advance-spec hybrid delivers an unusual level of equipment for the price – comfort, safety tech, and genuine hybrid efficiency all in one package.
Conclusion
The 2025 Honda Civic e:HEV Advance represents a high-water mark in small-hatch evolution. It’s refined without trying to impress, efficient without compromises, and practical without feeling pedestrian. For anyone in Ireland looking for a hatchback that balances daily usability with modern hybrid efficiency and build quality, it’s hard to find a better all-rounder. At €48,995, it’s not cheap—but it delivers on every promise. Consider this: for a compact car, it simply lives in a different league.
