2025 Honda Civic e:HEV L review (video)

As Australia’s choice of small hatches is reduced further by the ambush SUVs and EVs, there is one that still hangs on, the Honda Civic. This time, it is offered only with a new hybrid powertrain called the ‘e:HEV’.

To be honest, our expectations were low. Not because we’re inherently suspicious of hybrids and how some have the excitement factor of a beige cardigan, but because the 2025 Civic walks into a shrinking segment with a price tag north of $49k, and whispers, ‘Trust me, I’m worth it’.

That’s a bold ask for a small hatchback. After spending a week with the Civic e:HEV L, let’s see if Honda defies our hasty judgement with the nitty-gritty details.

2025 Honda Civic e:HEV L: Specifications

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid
Output: 135kW / 315Nm
Gearbox: CVT auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 18×8.0, 235/40
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1465kg
Power-to-weight: 8.20:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 4.2L/100km
Our consumption: 4.4L/100km

Fuel tank/Fuel type: 40L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 25.71kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.51 seconds*
0-100km/h: 7.03 seconds*
60-110km/h: 4.64 seconds*
1/4 mile: 15.27 seconds at 149.6km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.684g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.31m in 3.04s*
Max deceleration: -1.432g*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 76*
Starting price: $49,900

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2025 Honda Civic e:HEV L: How much does it cost?

Alright, let’s just rip off the band-aid. The 2025 Honda Civic e:HEV is limited to two choices; the L and the LX. The L that we have here retails from $49,900 (drive-away). That’s a lot of coin for a small hatch. Then the top-spec LX trim adds $6k to the bill to bring it to $55,900. It’s hard to believe that the Civic range used to start below half this price just five years ago – $23,590 to be precise. But, we’re not in Kansas anymore. So, the pressure is greater than ever for the Civic’s efficiency, oomph, design, feel, and features to save the day.

In contrast, the base Corolla hybrid hatch retails from $32,110 (excluding on-roads), and among non-hybrids, the Mazda3 G20 Pure hatch retails from $31,310, the Skoda Scala Select starts from $33,990, and the Hyundai i30 hatch costs $36,000. Technically, these rivals sit in the non-premium class while the latest Civic has been pushed up to the premium class.

Even so, the Volkswagen Golf, also premium, starts from $38,690. The Civic sits up there with the Cupra Leon’s starting price of $49,190, the Audi A3 from $54,800, and the BMW 118 from $57,600.

All Hondas are sold with an industry standard warranty of five years, with unlimited kilometres and five years of free road-side assistance. An additional three years warranty and roadside is offered when the car is serviced to the schedule at a Honda service centre. Servicing is required more frequently than usual, at 10,000km or 12 months, with a free 1-month/1000km check-up. When carried out at a Honda service centre, the first five services are capped at $199. That is a very competitive after-sales offer.

2025 Honda Civic e:HEV L: Interior & packaging

Inside the Civic e:HEV L, Honda’s design restraint shines. It’s not flashy, but it’s clever and cohesive. The minimalist dash is bisected by a metallic mesh panel that looks a bit like chicken wire – which cleverly hides the air vents – giving the cabin a clean, uninterrupted look. It’s the kind of subtle design feature that feels well thought-out without trying too hard. There is no door illumination, and only a mix of black leatherette and fabric seats and door trims.

But it is rather practical on the run. You get many beverage holders, storage holes, and plenty of space around you in the front and rear, thanks to the Civic’s longer wheelbase than the previous generation. The seats are firm but ergonomic, and they hold you in securely. They are only manually adjustable up front, but they are heated. Honda’s focus on fundamentals is clear; seating position, steering wheel reach and tilt, and visibility are all excellent.

Boot space takes a 40-litre hit with the addition of hybrid form. It’s down to 409 litres from the 449L offered in the deleted all-petrol version. A spare wheel has also been dropped for a tyre repair kit. That’s the price you pay for battery storage. Still, it’s a generously usable boot with that long hatch opening, four cargo restraint hooks, a luggage hook, and even a 12-volt outlet in addition to the one up front.

Infotainment is looked after by a 9.0-inch central touch-screen and accompanying 10.2-inch digital driver display. Both are clear, responsive, and logically laid out. Connectivity is smooth – mostly. One odd software glitch to mention; once you’ve maxed out the number of paired phones, you can’t delete them unless you’re connected to one of those previously paired phones. It’s a small UI oversight, but one Honda could fix with an over-the-air update.

You also get a quality 12-speaker Bose premium sound system with subwoofer, Honda Connect’s telematics, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and built-in Google with Google Assistant, Google Maps and more from Google Play.

Other standard inclusions comprise of a heated steering wheel, ‘Honda SENSING’ safety suite, which includes forward collision warning and braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping aid, traffic jam assist, road departure mitigation, adaptive cruise, traffic sign recognition, auto high-beam, eleven airbags, blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, and a multi-angle reversing camera with dynamic guidelines.

The LX variant adds wireless charging, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a panoramic sunroof, black leather seats, an 8-way power adjustable driver seat with lumbar adjustment and a 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat, some minor door trim and illumination upgrades, and a driver seat back pocket.

Stepping back and taking a look at the exterior, it is clear Honda’s designers have hit their stride. The new Civic looks fantastic – sleeker, sportier, and more sophisticated than the previous generation. Gone are the bulky shapes and awkward angles; in their place is a clean, streamlined silhouette with a lower, wider stance that hints at the Civic’s athletic capability. It’s a genuinely handsome hatch that could almost pass as a sedan, which turns heads without shouting for attention – something not all hybrids can claim.

2025 Honda Civic e:HEV L: Powertrain & handling

Under the bonnet, the Civic e:HEV L houses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors, delivering a combined output of 135kW to the front wheels. This setup ensures this isn’t just about fuel efficiency, it also offers zippy performance that’s both engaging and responsive. With that instant nudge of strong torque of 315Nm straight off the mark, it leaves the all-petrol Civic of yesteryear a small dot in the rear-view mirror. We tested 0-100km/h in an almost hot-hatch-like 7.03 seconds.

The transmission is still a constantly variable one. But it has been refined to provide a more conventional driving feel with staged gear shifts that mimic traditional gearbox ratios, reducing the droning noise often associated with CVTs. We found it to be a step in the right direction. When gingerly rolling around, it sinks into a steady engine speed. But when you punch it, steps like gear ratios come to life. You feel a stronger sense of progression.

In terms of fuel economy, the hybrid setup excels. In urban driving conditions during our week of testing, we saw an impressive average of 4.4L/100km – close to the official average of 4.2L/100km. Though, like with all hybrids, freeway driving will push this figure higher, closer to 5L/100km in this case. As a bonus, it can also sip lower 91 RON petrol, which saves a smidge more money at the bowser.

In action, the e:HEV hybrid system is especially skilled in managing power delivery, seamlessly switching between electric and petrol power to optimise efficiency. If you drive with a light foot, there is enough electric power to take off without any petrol engine assistance. But you will run out of juice fairly quickly. The two power sources together present a silent and smooth driving experience.

On the road, the Civic impresses with its balanced handling and exceptional on-road manners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering a connected feel for the driver. A wider spread footprint makes the Civic feel confident and well-centred for a small hatch.

The suspension strikes a commendable balance between comfort and sportiness, absorbing bumps exceptionally well while maintaining composure during spirited driving. And it is notably quiet when bouncing over bumps abruptly. MacPherson struts are up front with multi-link at the rear. However, the efficiency-biased Michelin tyres limit ultimate grip levels, especially during aggressive cornering.

2025 Honda Civic e:HEV L: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Fuel efficiency: With a combined fuel consumption of 4.2L/100km, the Civic e:HEV powertrain stands out from its all-petrol predecessor and in its class for fuel economy.
• e:HEV increases performance: Not only is the powertrain economical, it also rewards you with more power.  It feels effortless in getting the job done.
• Interior quality: It’s not a dazzling space inside, but materials feel strong and of premium quality, and it doesn’t take much to get familiar with the clean design and layout – typically with Honda.
• Modern tech inside: The inclusion of a 10.2-inch digital driver’s display, a 9.0-inch touch-screen with inbuilt Google and Google Play Store access, wireless app connect, and a Bose 12-speaker sound system, all enrich the experience for the modern driver.
• Impeccable road manners: Bumps are quietly and comfortably cushioned, the steering offers a weighted and planted feel, and its cornering ability makes the Civic feel light and athletic. One of the best in its class.

2025 Honda Civic e:HEV L: Key considerations before you buy

• Upfront cost: At $49,900, the Civic e:HEV L is priced significantly higher than its predecessors, even for among hybrid standards. It now shares pricing with the likes of BMW’s 118, Audi’s A3, and Cupra’s Leon. And this isn’t even the top-spec model.
• Limited grip: The efficiency-biased Michelin tyres may limit ultimate grip levels, especially during aggressive cornering.
• Interior could do with some more glam: For the price, the interior is all about being functional, comfortable and easy to use. And for some buyers, that is what will appeal. But for others, newcomer brands are sweeping them away with slicker design cues and LED mood lighting.
• Low volume seller: We hope it’s not the case, but our suspicions are that after many joyous decades with the Civic, it will continue to slide into a low-selling, fading nameplate, probably due to that high price tag. (Just 382 units sold in 2025 to the end of May)

2025 Honda Civic e:HEV L: Video