Honda New Zealand's upgraded Civic SR (formerly called "Sport") brings the maker's high-tech e:HEV hybrid powertrain and new features such as a built-in Google Assistant, making it one of the more advanced mainstream small cars on the market. But it all comes at a price.
The single-specification Civic SR is now $59,000, a substantial jump up from the $47k the 11th-generation was launched at in 2021 (there was also a special-edition Mugen model at $52k).
This is the first time Honda NZ has offered the e:HEV powertrain in Civic, and it's the larger-capacity 2.0-litre version (Jazz gets a 1.5-litre) in a similar state of tune to the CR-V RS: 104kW/182 for the petrol engine and 135kW/315Nm from the electric component. Honda does not quote combined outputs, thanks to the unique way its hybrid technology works.
The hybrid powertrain is matched to four drive modes: Economy, Normal, Sport and Individual, which allows drivers to mix and match various settings to achieve their preferred configuration.
This is a substantial refresh of the 11th-gen model rather than an all-new Civic; but in addition to the restyled front, Honda claims improved visibility through a wider windscreen.
The interior features leather upholstery elements and a full-length panoramic glass roof. Wireless phone projection is standard for both Apple and Android (previous Hondas have required a cable for Android) and the built-in Google Assistant allows occupants to operate navigation, climate control and other functions by voice control.
