Currently reading: New 2022 Honda Civic hatchback goes hybrid-only
Eleventh-generation Civic shown in hatchback guise ahead of a European launch next year

Honda has revealed the first official images of its new Honda Civic hatchback, which will go on sale in Europe in autumn 2022. 

Like the new HR-V and Honda Jazz, the Civic will be a hybrid-only proposition for its next generation, using the same e:HEV gasoline-electric set-up as its supermini and SUV siblings. 

The e:HEV system pairs a 1.5-liter Atkinson cycle gasoline engine with a pair of electric motors, producing 108bhp in the Jazz and 129bhp in the HR-V. In hybrid mode, the gasoline engine is used to generate power for the electric motor, reconnecting to the drive wheels via a single-speed gearbox under higher loads. 

The larger Honda CR-V SUV comes with a bigger 143bhp 2.0-liter gasoline engine as part of its e:HEV system, but it is not yet confirmed which variations of the powertrain will be rolled out to Honda's Ford Focus rival.

The Civic is the final model in Honda's European portfolio to go hybrid-only, in line with its objective to electrify all mainstream passenger cars by the end of next year.

05 2022 Honda civic hatchback   japan market model

The hot Civic Type R, however, will retain a pure-combustion set-up, likely to be based around an evolved version of the current car's 'K20C1' 2.0-liter turbo four, which produces 316bhp - making it one of the most powerful front-drive cars on sale today.  

The Japanese firm has taken an evolutionary approach for the 11th-generation Civic's styling, though notably the new car adopts a fastback-style sloping roofline, ditching the current model's prominent rear wing. The rear hatch itself is said to be lighter, and features smaller hinges for a cleaner roofline, while the A-pillars are two inches further back than on the current car and the wheelbase is 1.4in longer.

The Civic has been revealed in North American specification, but is largely representative of what we will get in Europe next year; the most obvious styling change will be the removal of the amber indicator lenses. The interior will be largely replicated, too, with the Mk11 Civic adopting a minimalistic and "human-centred" cabin design similar to the new HR-V and Jazz.

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A honeycomb-style trim panel with integrated air vents runs the width of the dashboard, while a free-standing 7.0in infotainment touchscreen brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. In the US, top-spec cars get a 10.2in digital display, a Bose sound system, wireless charging and a larger 9.0in touchscreen, but European trim details have yet to be confirmed. 

Rear-seat passengers benefit from 1.4in more leg room, while larger side windows aim to enhance the feeling of spaciousness and the new hatch design preserves head room. 

Honda claims the new Civic brings a 19% improvement in torsional rigidity compared with its predecessor, which is said to bring enhanced ride quality, handling performance and refinement, while new adhesive and insulation methods reduce noise, vibration and harshness. 

The hatchback is also, says Honda, more fun to drive, courtesy of new ball joints and bearings at the front that "improve steering feel and self-centring", a wider rear track that boosts stability and a 1.4in-longer wheelbase for improved ride quality. 

While the new Civic's European launch is still more than a year away, Honda is already gearing up to wind down production of the current car ahead of its departure from its Swindon factory in July. It is thought the new-generation model, and potentially remaining examples of the current car, will be supplied by one of Honda's North American facilities. 

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Felix Page

Felix Page
Title: News and features editor

Felix is Autocar's news editor, responsible for leading the brand's agenda-shaping coverage across all facets of the global automotive industry - both in print and online.

He has interviewed the most powerful and widely respected people in motoring, covered the reveals and launches of today's most important cars, and broken some of the biggest automotive stories of the last few years. 

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