Seite 2: Honda Civic e:HEV put to the test

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In the CR-V, there is not just one lockup clutch for parallel operation, but two. Honda refers to this as Engine Lockup Low and High. This means that two torque paths of different lengths can be shifted by closing one of the clutches. Put simply, there are two gears instead of just one. This is intended to extend the speed range for parallel operation downwards, probably also because an SUV has somewhat different requirements - especially in the USA, where trailers are often towed.

Hybrid drives for different requirements

For this reason, Ford in North America, for example, explicitly differentiates between power-split and parallel operation and sees primarily the latter as suitable for trailer operation. In these cases, thermal overload of the electric motors can be ruled out because, if necessary, the combustion engine can do the job on its own. This is not possible with a power-split or purely serial drive. There are only two solutions here: to enable additional parallel operation or to significantly oversize the electric motors. As a side note: The Jazz's operating instructions (still) completely exclude trailer operation.

The ZR-V, which Honda positions between the HR-V and CR-V, is less well known. It has been announced for Europe for 2023. Whether it will be powered by a 1.5-liter or two-liter gasoline engine has not yet been officially announced. However, it seems obvious to adopt the Civic powertrain including a single transmission, otherwise the gap to the HR-V would be too small. Information is circulating that the ZR-V may come with around 120 kW.

Honda's hybrid range will be complete in 2023

As Honda had announced, all models with combustion engines in Europe will be electrified in the sense of hybridized by 2023. The only exception is the Civic Type R, which, as a sports sedan of classic design in presumably very small numbers, appeals to a pointed target group. 242 kW, manual switch, a niche product as probably the last highlight of this drive technology.

Provided that one should now consider one of the Honda hybrids: Which model for whom? The advantage of the Jazz is that it offers a lot of space inside with a very small traffic area. With its 80 kW, it is by no means lame and can be driven very economically, especially in everyday traffic off the highway. The HR-V is a different type, as an SUV it appeals more to gentlemen who like to get in a little higher. What both have in common is the hybrid drive in combination with the 1.5-liter Atkinson engine, which is mostly smooth, but does not reach the level of the Civic under higher loads. The fact that the HR-V is slightly more powerful (96 vs. 80 kW) does not make it sportier, quite the opposite. Depending on the equipment, the Jazz needs about 9.5, the HR-V a good 10.5 seconds to 100 km/h.

Civic sets a new standard

The Civic sets a new standard for serial-parallel hybrids in terms of smoothness and performance. However, it is less suitable as a short-haul or even city car; it is simply too long and wide for that and has clearly outgrown the "Golf" class. As for the new CR-V and ZR-V, which will probably both come with the new two-liter engine, it can be assumed that they will offer similar advances in performance and comfort. Initial video reports from American colleagues about the CR-V confirm this, by the way.

Actually, that would be the end of the story, but in mid-January this news came from Honda: The Jazz is being revised after little more than two years. It gets a more powerful drive, the electric power increases to 90 kW, that of the combustion assistant to 79 kW. In addition, there are other changes, for example, Honda also claims to have refined the operating strategy to offer an "even more active driving experience". Now for the resolution of the parenthetical expression "yet" above: In the future, the Jazz will be allowed to tow up to 500 kg of trailer weight - which expands the target group.

(mfz)