Honda’s Civic Refresh Is More Reminder Than Reinvention

Honda has opened the order books in Europe for its updated Civic e:HEV hybrid, tweaking the familiar formula with subtle design changes and minor comfort upgrades—while leaving the core unchanged.

On the outside, the facelift includes a revised grille and bumpers, the removal of fog lights, and the addition of a new blue paint option. Inside, there’s a new headliner and a scattering of convenience features, but the hybrid drivetrain remains exactly as it was.

All trim levels now feature a black roof lining and matte chrome accents around the air vents, while higher-spec versions gain additional lighting touches and a heated steering wheel. The mid-tier Elegance model finally gets wireless phone charging and an auto-dimming rearview mirror, previously reserved for pricier versions.

The e:HEV powertrain—still built around two electric motors—stays untouched. According to the marketing copy, that means “the same great balance” of efficiency and driving pleasure, though in practical terms it means no real mechanical update. The safety kit also sticks to familiar buzzwords: wide-angle camera, chip-based processing, nothing new beyond the brochure.

Pricing stays largely in line with the outgoing model. The top-tier Advance trim now pushes the Civic into competition with fully electric, far more contemporary rivals. So rather than introducing something new, this updated Civic serves as a polite reminder that the old one is still very much on sale.