Introduced earlier this year, the 11th-generation Honda Civic has been very well received by Malaysians with almost 7,000 units finding their homes to date, making it No.1 in the segment. Now, to further solidify the sedan’s presence in the market, Honda Malaysia has extended its lineup with the addition of a new hybrid variant, called the Civic e:HEV RS.
Upon launching the new Civic, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said, “Today, we are pleased to introduce a new variant, the Civic e:HEV RS which promises a superior driving experience for Civic customers. Honda’s Hybrid technology is not new to Honda Malaysia. We became the pioneer in introducing Malaysians to Hybrid technology in 2007 when we launched the first Civic Hybrid. Since then, we have advanced in hybrid technology. The introduction of the e:HEV powertrain is well accepted in the Malaysian market. From January to October 2022, the City e:HEV RS has contributed 5% followed by the City Hatchback e:HEV RS at 8% and the recently launched All-New HR-V e:HEV RS also received positive response from our customers with 11% contribution to its respective models.”
The most significant highlight of the local-spec Civic Hybrid is the 2.0L e:HEV powertrain; it is the first Honda car in the country to equip this engine which makes it the most potent Civic ever present in the local market. Let’s dive deeper to know more about the hybrid mill and other specifications of the all-new 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS.
As mentioned above, the new Honda Civic Hybrid is equipped with a 2.0-litre engine, which is exactly a newly developed non-aspirated Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine generating a maximum power output of 143 PS and a peak torque of 189 Nm. The engine is hooked with an i-MMD dual electric motor setup, which takes the output level high to 184 PS and 315 Nm (segment-leading), making it more powerful than the VTEC turbo. For context, the latter delivers a total output of 182 PS and 240 Nm i.e. 2 PS and 75 Nm less than the hybrid.
As for the smooth transmission of power to the front wheels, the drivetrain houses an Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) and an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU). The latter incorporates a compact lightweight lithium-ion battery pack with efficient storage and charging. The available driving modes are - EV, Hybrid, and Engine.
Design-wise, the hybrid sedan looks familiar as it boasts similar sporty RS styling cues as the non-hybrid RS trim. However, what makes it different from the latter are chrome trims on the headlights, door handles as well window frames. Also exclusive to the Civic e:HEV is a Blue H mark, an e:HEV emblem, a single tailpipe finisher, and new dual-tone 18-inch alloy wheels instead of black ones.
Colour options available for the 2022 Honda Civic Hybrid are - Ignite Red, Meteoroid Gray, Platinum White Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl.
While the cabin of the Civic Hybrid also looks similar to the turbocharged RS version, it offers a few exclusive features, including an all-new 10.2-inch Full TFT metre (Honda-first in the local market), a wireless smartphone charging pad and the Key Card. The latter is touted as the brand’s one-step-ahead tech offering; which is nothing but a compact, convenient, and exclusive design approach to a keyless remote offering a keyless entry and start function.
The dashboard houses a 9.0-inch advanced display audio system with Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity. It exclusively comes with a Power Flow Display that supports eco-friendly driving by displaying the flow of energy in the car. It shows changes in real-time in accordance with the driving status.
The Civic e:HEV RS also comes with improved Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) thanks to the Active Noise Control, which works in tandem with Active Sound Control resulting in reduced outside noise and enhanced engine sound for an exciting driving experience.
Also part of the interior kit is a push-button start, single-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, and Honda CONNECT.
In terms of safety, the Honda Civic Hybrid comes loaded with the brand’s intuitive ADAS suite, the Honda SENSING, as standard. It includes the following advanced safety systems -
Other than that, the car’s safety kit comprises six airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Vehicle Stability Assist, parking sensors, reverse camera, Honda LaneWatch, Auto Brake Hold, Rear Seat Belt Reminder, walkaway auto-lock, and Driver Attention Monitor.
Honda Malaysia retails the 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS at RM166,500 (on-the-road, without insurance). Included in the price is a five-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty.
What do you think of the new Civic Hybrid? Let us know in the comments.
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