mReview: Honda Civic e:HEV EL – Same Icon, More Accessible

The minor change version of the latest Honda Civic e:HEV may have seen some feature trims, but it undeniably retains the full "CIVIC" DNA that fans adore.

What’s Great

• The Powerhouse: The 1,993cc e:HEV engine, paired with a 135 kW motor, delivers a thrilling 315 Nm of torque, outperforming many EVs in the same segment.
• Efficiency Meets Sportiness: Despite the Civic’s sporty character, it achieves an impressive fuel consumption of 23.3 km/L.
• Practicality: The 60:40 split-folding rear seats finally make this compact sedan a practical choice for hauling larger gear.

What’s Good

• Signature Handling: Precise and engaging, staying true to the familiar Honda driving dynamics.
• Safety First: The full suite of Honda Sensing (all 6 systems) comes standard.
• Comfortable Cabin: The interior dimensions are well-balanced, providing a comfortable ride for 4 adults without feeling cramped.

What’s Not Great

• Feature Trims: The omission of front and rear parking sensors is a bit disappointing for this price point.
• Fabric Seats: The standard fabric upholstery lacks water-repellent coating, so extra care is needed to avoid stains.
• Tech Trade-offs: This model still uses “Honda LaneWatch” instead of a Blind Spot Indicator (BSI), and the wireless charger has been removed.

Driving the Civic e:HEV EL remains a benchmark experience.Whether cruising at high speeds or navigating urban traffic, the car feels nimble and composed. The suspension has been tuned specifically for Thai roads, effectively soaking up bumps without the "floaty" feeling that causes motion sickness.

The heart of the Civic has always been its engine. This latest e:HEV unit acts primarily as a generator to feed the battery and the 135 kW (180 PS) electric motor - the same setup found in the CR-V and Accord, but tuned for a "fun and punchy" delivery.

The rear design lines feel compact and sleek, complemented by 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. Interestingly, these wheels offer a "supple yet firm" ride quality that feels more forgiving and comfortable for daily use compared to the larger 18-inch rims found on the top-tier RS model.The foldable rear seats are a standout feature for us. It transforms the Civic from just a "fun-to-drive" car into a truly practical companion, capable of supporting a much wider range of lifestyles and cargo needs than ever before.

Up front, the console retains Honda’s signature user-friendly design. 

You get intuitive physical buttons alongside the Advance Touch screen, which comes fully loaded with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. However, do note that the EL trim skips the wireless charging pad and opts for a sleek, all-black interior finish instead.

In typical Honda fashion, space management is top-notch.

While the entry-level fabric seats might seem like a compromise, they have a hidden advantage: they don't bake you under the scorching Thailand’s sun.

In terms of actual seating comfort, the front seats are incredibly supportive, whereas the rear is decent, though it might feel a bit cramped on long-distance trips. But then again, that’s quite standard for a car with this sporty silhouette.

The Honda Civic e:HEV EL is the perfect entry point for those who want the full Civic experience.

At a more "friendly" price, Starting at 949,000 THB, you get a high-performance engine, instant throttle response, and the bonus of 23.3 km/L fuel efficiency.

If you are a Civic loyalist who doesn't mind trading leather seats or red stitching for a sub-1 million Baht price tag (or if you plan on customising the car anyway), Motorist highly recommends this EL trim. You won't be disappointed.

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