CHRISTIAN CANONICA
A rising young talent from Ticino Ticino has always had a special relationship with cars and motorsports. Among the young Swiss drivers who have emerged
Even electric skeptics will be won over: hybridization provides the necessary punch for acceleration without sacrificing driving pleasure.
Honda occupies a unique place in the automotive world, and the new Civic e:HEV Sport confirms this reputation. A modern compact, efficient hybrid that remains true to the brand’s sporty spirit, it impresses from the very first miles. With 184 horsepower, it is lively and fun to drive. The precise and balanced chassis offers reassuring handling, without excess weight or a tendency to understeer. This is a rare combination in this category. During our test drive, it was its versatility that impressed us most. In everyday use, fuel consumption proved to be very reasonable: only 4.5 liters on a mixed route. An impressive figure for a sporty compact car—admittedly helped by a route that included a lot of highway driving, but indicative of the efficiency of the hybrid system. And when it comes to overtaking, the Civic responds instantly, with sharp acceleration that is reminiscent of Honda’s DNA. It is this contrast that makes it so appealing: versatile, economical, but always ready to put a smile on the driver’s face as soon as they press a little harder. For fans of lightweight cars with a sharp chassis and neutral handling, the Civic e:HEV Sport is a serious contender. Finally, it’s impossible not to think of Ayrton Senna, three-time world champion with McLaren-Honda. His precision and passion continue to inspire the brand. And this Civic could well be a future Legend.
