The latest consumption tests by GreenNCAP – the European car energy efficiency division of the famous EuroNCAP – brought several models with different types of propulsion, both combustion and electric, to the test tracks. Of these, only one model stood out for the energy economy it demonstrated, and it’s not even electric.
The list of cars tested by GreenNCAP for energy efficiency in the latest pack included two models from Honda, the Civic and e:Ny1, Jeep Avenger, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Mini Countryman, Skoda Karoq and Subaru Crosstrek. Seven cars, five of which are SUVs, two of which are fully electric.
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The surprise of the test was not, however, the electric ones, but a full hybrid motorization that produced an almost unbelievable consumption during the tests.
The Honda Civic was tested in real traffic conditions and its consumption dropped to 3.8L/100km in normal driving situations, but the consumption did not increase much even when the car was driven aggressively.
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GreenNCAP awarded a score of 56% and 3 stars to this model, stating that it is the best result among the non-electric cars tested so far. The Civic’s emissions scores aren’t quite as “clean” as electric cars, with a 7.2 out of 10 in the Clean Air Index, 5.5 out of 10 in the Energy Efficiency Index, and 4.1 out of 10 in the Greenhouse Gases.
For these reasons, GrenNCAP says the Civic “impresses with its efficient hybrid system” and raises the question “An alternative to Full Electric?”, talking about the Honda Civic.
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The engine with which this hybrid is equipped is a 2.0 i-MMD e:HEV, which is based on a 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Among the small problems noted in the tests were the particle emissions, which were not very small. The average consumption recorded on all types of driving was 5.5 liters/100 km, a very good value for any type of engine that has a combustion engine under the hood.
Also from Honda, the first electric SUV was tested, the e:Ny1 equipped with a 58.7 kWh battery and weighing 1,677 kg. The “realistic” autonomy found by EuroNCAP was 380 km, in normal driving conditions, including on the motorway (where consumption rose to 27.3 kWh/100 km) and with a peak of 40.2 kWh/km in of low temperature. Even so, the car received 5 stars, with a rating of 94% and an energy efficiency score of 90.2%.
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The second electric SUV tested was the Jeep Avenger, a car that was penalized for its shortcomings in safety tests, receiving only 3 stars. With a 51 kWh battery and an average test range of 360 km, the Avenger proved an average consumption of 29 kWh/100 km in winter conditions. The score received was a very good one, 97%, i.e. 5 “green” stars.
Among the cars tested was the Mercedes-Benz GLC with a diesel engine, an increasingly rare option. GreenNCAP engineers noted very low emissions with very good control of particulate emissions, being considered “one of the cleanest diesel options on the market”. The result is due to the 48-volt mild-hybrid architecture, which contributes to a lower level of emissions. The score received was 55%, with 3 stars.
The Skod Karoq also received 3 stars for VW’s 110kW 1.5 TSI engine, with good consumption ranging from 5.5 at low speeds to 7.8 litres/100 km at highway speeds. The average score was 52% with 3 stars.
The Mini Countryman equipped with a 2.0-liter mild-hybrid gasoline engine received worse results, but it had mediocre results in the clean air tests, having a poor index, which earned it only a 46% score and 2 and a half stars.
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Finally, the Subaru Crosstrek, with its naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, integrated into a 118-volt hybrid system called e-Boxer, with all-wheel drive and CVT transmission, received only a 39% average score and only 2 stars, because the emissions its were raised, especially at highway speeds.
GreenNCAP is announcing some changes to the way it tests energy efficiency next year.
“In 2025, Green NCAP plans to adapt the rating scheme in line with growing consumer interest in practical environmental values. We will give more weight to autonomy, real-world efficiency and power consumption, focusing on the aspects that have a real impact on daily use.
This recent series of results highlights the importance of these future protocols, especially as hybrids and clean diesel technologies demonstrate that they can also meet the rigorous standards under our updated focus,” said Dr. Aleksandar Damyanov, Green NCAP Technical Manager.
The Honda Civic: The Surprise Hybrid Hero of GreenNCAP Tests!
Well, well, well, if it isn’t our beloved Honda Civic coming in hot (pun intended) with a hybrid twist! Buckle up because GreenNCAP has put a twist on our usual electric narrative.
Who Needs All-Electric Anyway?
In a world where electric cars reign supreme like that one popular kid in high school – you know, the one with the head-turning Tesla – there’s a new contender in town. The latest series of consumption tests by GreenNCAP, the European car efficiency gurus, threw a whole bunch of cars onto the test track. And guess what? They found that the only model to stand out for energy economy wasn’t even electric. Shocker! It was the Honda Civic hybrid. Take that, range anxiety!
Put to the Test
A cast of automotive characters featured in this testing saga included two models from Honda; Civic and e:Ny1, as well as the Jeep Avenger, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Mini Countryman, Skoda Karoq, and the Subaru Crosstrek. A lovely lineup, isn’t it? Seven cars in total, five of which are SUVs. I mean, who doesn’t love a good SUV? They’re like dad bods for cars — not exactly sleek, but they’ve got a certain charm!
The Honda Civic: A Hybrid That Drinks Less!
Now, let’s be real about the Civic: it managed a miraculous 3.8L/100km in normal driving conditions! That’s like claiming to eat just one potato chip. And still, when the driving got aggressive, the consumption barely flinched. Perhaps it’s drinking responsibly, unlike your mate who thinks ‘just one more pint’ is a sound philosophy!
Scores On the Doors
A 56% rating and 3 stars in the GreenNCAP tests crown the Civic as the best result among non-electric vehicles tested so far! However, before you pop the champagne, let’s keep it real – its emissions aren’t as “green” as the electric crowd. With a 7.2 out of 10 in the Clean Air Index, the Civic’s a bit of a show-off but only manages a bronze medal at the emissions Olympics.
So, Is the Civic the Future?
GreenNCAP’s glowing reviews note that the Civic ‘impresses with its efficient hybrid system’ and dares to ask, “An alternative to Full Electric?” Well folks, don’t hold your breath for a full-on revolution just yet; this Civic is a gentle reminder that hybrids are still in the race, keeping their run efficient and their emissions somewhat tolerable!
The Electric Selection
On another note, Honda’s e:Ny1 just strutted its stuff, boasting a 58.7 kWh battery. With a weight that could rival your intense gym buddy (1,677 kg), it offer a realistic range of 380 km – which, let’s be honest, is enough to get you to the outskirts of town and back without pulling your hair out over charging stations. It snagged a solid 5 stars and an energy efficiency score of 90.2%. So if you’re still clinging onto the idea that electric equals efficiency, well, it seems Honda’s got your back!
But Wait, What About the Others?
The Jeep Avenger came along to strut its stuff with a “decent” average consumption of 29 kWh/100 km. But, unfortunately for the Avenger, safety wasn’t its strong suit, earning it only 3 stars. It’s like that friend who is fun at parties but just can’t seem to make the final cut for the group photo.
Meanwhile, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cleaner diesel—a rare sight indeed! At 55%, you’ll be seeing it at the local clean-jetting, low emissions hangout, flaunting its smooth diesel engine like a ballerina who just discovered keto.
Looking to the Future
As we glance into the crystal ball, GreenNCAP is revamping its testing approach to better reflect real-world driving conditions by 2025. Dr. Aleksandar Damyanov, the Technical Manager, hints that hybrids and clean diesels aren’t going down without a fight and might just prove their worth under the new protocols. In short? Buckle up, because the future looks as exciting as a road trip with friends – complete with snacks and plenty of restroom breaks!
Conclusion
So, what’s the bottom line? The Honda Civic hybrid has shown us that, amid all the tech and hype around electric cars, good ol’ combustion can still turn heads in the energy efficiency game. As we move towards a greener future, perhaps we should all take a moment to appreciate the underdog. Who knows? It might just be the hybrid that saves the world.
As always, pay attention to the road and remember: be kind to the hybrids; they’re doing their best!
The latest energy consumption assessments conducted by GreenNCAP—an esteemed division of EuroNCAP specializing in automobile energy efficiency—has recently tested a variety of vehicles with different propulsion systems, encompassing both internal combustion engines and electric powertrains. Surprisingly, the standout performer in terms of energy economy was neither fully electric nor fully expected.
The exhaustive list of vehicles scrutinized by GreenNCAP included notable entries such as the Honda Civic and e:Ny1, Jeep Avenger, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Mini Countryman, Skoda Karoq, and Subaru Crosstrek. Out of the seven vehicles evaluated, five were SUVs, and two operated on electric power alone, showcasing a diverse lineup.
The real surprise of the tests was not the electric vehicles but rather a full hybrid model that exhibited almost unbelievable fuel consumption rates during the evaluations.
The Honda Civic impressed testers with an exemplary real-world fuel consumption figure of just 3.8L/100km under typical driving conditions, and even when pushed aggressively, its fuel consumption hardly fluctuated.
GreenNCAP awarded the Honda Civic a score of 56% and a commendable 3-star rating, declaring it the best-performing non-electric vehicle tested to date. However, while its emissions were noteworthy, it couldn’t quite measure up to electric counterparts, scoring 7.2 out of 10 on the Clean Air Index, 5.5 on the Energy Efficiency Index, and 4.1 on the Greenhouse Gases Index.
For these reasons, GreenNCAP characterized the Honda Civic as “impressively efficient” in its hybrid capabilities, raising the pertinent question of whether it could serve as a viable alternative to full electric models.
The hybrid system powering the Civic is a sophisticated 2.0 i-MMD e:HEV, founded on a robust 2.0-liter gasoline engine. Although the vehicle performed admirably, minor issues related to particle emissions were noted. Overall, the average fuel consumption across various driving conditions stood impressively at 5.5 liters/100 km, an excellent figure for a vehicle housing a combustion engine.
Additionally, GreenNCAP tested Honda’s first electric SUV, the e:Ny1, which boasts a 58.7 kWh battery and has a weight of 1,677 kg. EuroNCAP determined that the e:Ny1 offers a “realistic” driving range of 380 km under normal conditions, including highway driving (where consumption peaked at 27.3 kWh/100 km and 40.2 kWh/100 km in colder climates). Remarkably, this vehicle received a perfect 5-star rating, achieving an impressive 94% overall score, alongside an energy efficiency rating of 90.2%.
The Jeep Avenger, the second electric SUV assessed, faced penalties for safety deficiencies, ultimately earning only a 3-star rating. Equipped with a 51 kWh battery, the Avenger recorded an average range of 360 km, with a consumption metric of 29 kWh/100 km in winter testing conditions, resulting in a commendable score of 97% and 5 “green” stars.
Among the gasoline-powered vehicles tested, the Mercedes-Benz GLC, characterized by its diesel engine—a rarity in today’s market—stood out due to its exceptionally low emissions and effective control of particulate output. This model, supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, was lauded as “one of the cleanest diesel options on the market,” achieving a score of 55% and a 3-star rating.
In contrast, the Skoda Karoq was evaluated with VW’s 110 kW 1.5 TSI engine, receiving a score of 52% with 3 stars, demonstrating good consumption characteristics that ranged from 5.5 liters per 100 km at lower speeds to 7.8 liters per 100 km at higher velocities.
The Mini Countryman, featuring a 2.0-liter mild-hybrid gasoline engine, yielded poorer scores, particularly under clean air testing, resulting in an inadequate rating of just 46% and a mere 2.5 stars.
Lastly, the Subaru Crosstrek, equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter engine and utilizing a 118-volt hybrid system known as e-Boxer, struggled in the evaluations, garnering a disappointingly low score of only 39% and just 2 stars, as its emissions surged particularly at higher speeds.
GreenNCAP has indicated forthcoming changes to its energy efficiency testing protocols starting next year, indicating an ongoing commitment to improving automotive standards.
“In 2025, GreenNCAP intends to revamp its rating system to better align with the rising consumer demand for tangible environmental values. More emphasis will be placed on real-world efficiency, driving range, and power consumption—factors that genuinely impact daily vehicle use,” explained Dr. Aleksandar Damyanov, GreenNCAP’s Technical Manager. This latest round of findings underscores the critical significance of evolving evaluation methods, as hybrids and cleaner diesel technologies illustrate their aptitude in meeting rigorous updated standards.
L efficiency, scoring 55% in the assessments. While not the highest-rated vehicle, it demonstrated a commendable low-emission performance, appealing to those looking for cleaner diesel options.
GreenNCAP’s latest tests underline the continuing relevance of hybrid vehicles like the Honda Civic in the evolving automotive landscape. With the growing prominence of electric cars, the Civic illustrates that hybrids still hold their own in terms of fuel efficiency and practicality for everyday drivers. As GreenNCAP looks to update its testing standards to reflect real-world scenarios more accurately by 2025, it’s clear that the competition among propulsion technologies will remain fierce.
In this dynamic automotive environment, the Civic’s success serves as a testament to the ongoing innovation within hybrid systems. While the shift toward full electrification is undeniable, the findings remind us that hybrids remain a viable and efficient solution for consumers seeking a balance between traditional combustion engines and electric powertrains. As we navigate toward a greener future, the Honda Civic hybrid shines as a surprising champion in a race often dominated by electric vehicles.
