Hatch for Hatch: Future Honda E vs. '90s-Era Civic
Honda has always been known for its quirky, yet charming cars. Its newest hatch is an EV-only, minimalist-inspired cutie set to take on the European urban market. Up against the likes of its own, can e live up to the success and quality of Honda's of the past like the beloved fifth-generation Civic hatchback of the '90s?
Honda vs. Honda
Every few years automakers drop a redesign or launch a new nameplate set to revitalize their brand. However, Honda has always been a frontrunner of quirky and unusual auto industry innovations. With electric vehicles on the cusp of mainstream mass production, Honda has released details of its upcoming, production-ready e hatchback. Honda e's retro looks exude a sense of nostalgia; seamlessly blending Honda's past with its future. Looking back at Honda's redesign of the fifth-generation Honda Civic, its hard not to notice similarities between Honda e and the Civic 3door hatch of the '90s. Here's a hatch-to-hatch showdown of Honda's best selling subcompact of the past up against its electric-only subcompact of the future.
Photos courtesy of Honda.
Civic of the Future, From the Past
The original Honda Civic launched in 1972 during the oil crisis. Compact, economical and reliable, Honda's design formula for Civic remained rather unchanged through 1991. The squared-off look of prior generations gave way to a more curvy and aerodynamic looking fifth-generation Honda Civic from the front fascia on back. The radical redesign resulted in four trim levels for the hatchback with four different engines. Civic production surpassed 10 million units during this period.
Photo courtesy of Honda.
>>Join the conversation about the new EV e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
e for Europe Only (for now)
Honda showed off its minimalist-inspired e prototype urban electric vehicle at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. The tiny hatch sits on an EV-specific platform featuring a long wheelbase, wide track and short overhangs to facilitate urban maneuverability. Honda confirmed e is part of its “Electric Vision” strategy for Europe, a commitment to 100% of the brand’s European sales to feature electrified powertrains by 2025 for the European region.
>>Join the conversation about the new EV e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Civic VTEC
The Civic has always been a hit on the tuner scene for as long as we can remember. Its four available motors included a 70-hp 1.5-liter four; a 92-hp 1.5-liter with variable valve timing (VTEC-E) optimized for fuel economy; a 102-hp 1.5-liter; and a 125-hp VTEC engine. As the pinnacle of Honda's reliability and longevity, the Civic has always embraced any role it takes on be it daily commuter or racer. For the eco-friendly driver, the fifth-gen VX model Civic was capable of achieving 39/49 mpg (city/hwy), based on 2008 EPA ratings. For the racer, the stock Si model with the 125-hp VTEC motor was good for a 0–60 time of 7.5 seconds.
>>Join the conversation about the new EV e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
ePower
Honda says the e will be available in two power output levels. The base model will produce 134 horsepower while the upper-level model will make 152 horsepower. Both versions are rated at 232 lb-ft of torque. Honda says e is expected to accelerate to 62 mph in approximately 8 seconds. In terms of range, the e's 35.5 kWh battery pack will be capable of going from 0-80 percent capacity in as little as 30 minutes. Honda says e will have a 136.7-mile range on a full charge.
>>Join the conversation about the new EV e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
Civic Advancement
The fifth-generation Civic came equipped with for-its-time enhanced safety features including standard driver's side airbag and optional ABS. Much of the materials used in the Civic were comprised of recyclable components. The lightweight materials throughout the car dropped the curb weight to increase efficiency. A split-folding rear gate was standard equipment on the as well.
>>Join the conversation about the new EV e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
The Future with e
The interior of e blends an aesthetic of modern and retro. The minimalistic dash features a flat and horizontal sweeping woodgrain sandwiched between a huge set of screens above and plastic vents below that exude a sense of classic Honda. The expansive screen layout includes side-camera displays, infotainment, and gauges. The fabric seats and door lining embody a very Honda-normal quality. Beyond the interior, e will forge Honda's global electrification strategy ahead into the future. Its tastefully retro vibe connects e to its successful ancestors, like the fifth-gen Honda Civic hatch, but creates a unique identity for itself in the coming era of electrification. When e goes on sale in Europe next summer, prices will start at around 26,160 pounds (or $32,315.58 at current exchange rates). We'll see if e is meant for the States soon.
>>Join the conversation about the new EV e right here in the Honda-Tech Forum!
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.