Honda’s Latest
As with many other automotive manufacturers, Honda is on the hunt for having its fleet become fully electrified. Honda’s vision is to have 100% of its new vehicles with zero emissions by 2040. There are some neat EV models in the pipeline, but also some vehicles that help transition the gap from petrol to hybrid to 100% electric. Honda’s 2022 Civic models are set to be enjoyable.
Honda recently announced that their Prologue SUV, which will be Honda’s first new EV sold in big volume, will be a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) that will go on sale in 2024. It is likely that the Prologue SUV will be an American-only seller first, so how that fits in with Australia remains to be seen. As EV infrastructure expands, and customer interest grows nationwide and globally, the company will expand sales and marketing efforts accordingly. Following the launch of the Honda Prologue, the company will create additional EVs based on the new e-Architecture that is currently being developed and customer demand.
Honda has a long history of being a leader in creating hybrid and electrified vehicles. Honda’s Insight still is a very good example of how a hybrid should perform, and it remains a strong seller with people who are looking for low emissions and frugality in fuel usage. As Honda prepares for the launch of the Honda Prologue for America, the company will introduce hybrid-electric systems to other core models to continue to reduce CO2 emissions while helping create a bridge for customers to move from fossil fuels to hybrid to EVs.
Honda’s management have stated that they are aware that customers who have a good experience with a hybrid vehicle are more likely to buy an electric vehicle in the future. We can see that their hybrid sales have increased over the last few years. Led by models such as the CR-V Hybrid and the Accord Hybrid, Honda just recorded its best-ever first-half year of electrified vehicle sales. The Insight has also sold well.
Now what about now? Let’s take a look at the all-new Honda Civic Hatchback! In 2022, Honda will be selling the latest Civic in Australia. The car is aimed predominantly at young buyers who are captured by its fastback design and sporty driving character. The new Civic will offer a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission as well as an automatic CVT option to go with the 2.0-liter normally aspirated motor or the 1.5-liter turbo engine. High-performance Si and Type R models are to be available, and they are cars I’ll be keeping my eyes out for.
The largest back seat to ever be inside a Civic Hatchback comes with 2022 models, and the cars also features new standards of safety technologies. All 2022 Honda Civic Hatchbacks include Honda’s new next-gen driver and front passenger airbags and an expanded Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive and safety technology that adds Traffic Jam Assist and a smoother, more natural feeling to functions like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and the Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS). It will also include Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, and Road Departure Mitigation (RDM).
2022 Honda Civic EX-L models will boast all the luxury features, so big color touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, push-button start, partial digital instrumentation, blind-spot information (BSI), leather upholstery, an 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, a one-touch power sliding moonroof, dual-zone automatic climate control and LED headlights are the go.
Sportier Civics will have racy looks thanks to things like a short shifting 6-speed manual transmission (or CVT), Berlina Black 18-inch wheels, low-profile 235/40R-18 tyres, black exterior accents, an 8-speaker audio system, sport-specific upholstery, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, paddle shifters (CVT only) and sport pedals.
As the automaker prepares for the launch of the Prologue SUV in America, expect to see more hybrid variants of current core models to ease the transition to full electrification.