HYBRID is definitely the way to go in enjoying good acceleration without burning a hole in the pocket on fuel bills.
Honda is not new to the game having introduced its version of hybrid power in the Civic e:HEV RS range since 2022.
To recap, Honda’s e:HEV approach to hybrid motoring is that it uses the engine in addition to regenerative means to charge the battery.
It uses electric power mainly for urban motoring and the fuel-efficient 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle engine steps in when the system detects the car cruising on the highway, with electric boost coming in for quick overtaking.
Given this power operation scenario, the engine is a normally aspirated unit with electronic fuel injection that delivers a modest 143PS and 189Nm (against the Civic 1.5-litre Turbo RS –182PS/240Nm).
What gives the Civic e:HEV RS a quicker 0-100kph acceleration performance of 7.9 seconds is the 1.05kWh battery driving the electric motor that is rated at 184PS (slightly higher than the Civic Turbo’s output) and 315Nm (way higher).
Complementing the e:HEV system is the electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT)while the other Civic variants use CVT.
With the e-CVT, the electric motor and engine each engages the differentials directly that come with stepped up gears along with “engine” whine to add to the thrill of acceleration.
We have enjoyed this e:HEV motoring experience in the HR-V, City and Civic on long distance runs to Desaru, Ipoh and Kuantan in recent times but have yet to gauge its benefits solely in the urban scenario for a few days.
That opportunity came in the updated Civic e:HEV RS that comes with fresh body styling details such as body-coloured front grille extensions and lower grille garnishes.
The rear sees a sleek black taillight extension that is more pleasant on the eye than the crescent shaped taillight design of the previous generation.
In addition to the usual keyfob, the Civic e:HEV RS also comes with a slim smart key card that can be carried in your pocket more conveniently instead of the relatively bulkier keyfob.
As the flagship variant in the Civic range, the e:HEV RS comes with a bit more luxury than the 1.5 Turbo RS variant.
It comes with a 10.2-inch driver instrument display (7-inch for the other variants), dual air-conditioning system (single) and a deceleration selector pedal that complements its hybrid package.
The third item allows the driver to select the deceleration mode to charge the battery with which you could select a heavy or light deceleration mode when going down continuous inclines.
It shares the half or combination leather upholstery with the 1.5 Turbo RS as well as the sports foot pedals along with the front foot light, front door ambient light and wireless charger.
To complement its optimal NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) is the Active Noise Control with Active Sound Control.
What this does is to effectively reduce external noise while enhancing engine sounds to make the drive more exhilarating.
We quite like this feature as we could hear more of the engine as we floored the accelerator to enjoy the brisk uptake in speed.
The Civic is a pretty low-slung car that wouldn’t look out of place parked alongside sports cars with a height of 1,415mm.
Adding to its sporty profile, the Civic e:HEV RS comes with 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/40 ZR18 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres.
We initially had reservations about the 40-series profile tyres because of the bumpy roads and speedbumps we drive over daily.
Surprising, the Civic e:HEV RS has enough ground clearance to clear speedbumps without its underbody scraping the road surface, unlike some other low-slung cars.
It also took to the bumps well with a softer than expected road impact, giving us and our passenger a comfortable ride experience.
The front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link suspension appeared well tuned and designed to make ride comfortable, even for low profile tyres.
But the Michelin Pilot Sport tends to generate more road noise over some road surfaces and were a lot louder than expected.
We like the wide variety of information provided on the 10.2-inch TFT instrument panel without being too fussy or distracting.
Road speed is provided via a meter and digitally and the drive mode is clearly shown with the EV (electric vehicle) indicator in green; likewise, the charging rate during deceleration and hard braking.
Lane discipline is part of the meter graphics and a warning light showed up if we switched lanes without using the turn indicator.
Warnings were also given if we drove too near objects, like walls, or to other vehicles on the road.
And we know the radio station we have selected, the outside temperature and the time; all easily gleaned at a glance.
Another likeable feature is the LaneWatch camera mounted on the passenger door mirror that is activated when we use the indicator to turn left or switch lanes.
The images are carried on the nine-inch central touchscreen and gave us a good view of the traffic situation, especially when switching lanes.
We also like the colour guide for reversing – if it’s orange then the turning angle is not good; when it turns yellow, we know the angle of entry is about perfect.
Generally, the Civic e:HEV RS is a well-liked car for its urban traffic manners and performance as well as its social attributes in accommodation and features.
There is a rather hefty price to pay for the privilege though; at RM167,900 on the road without insurance, it is RM18,000 more than the 1.5-litre Turbo RS.
If money is no issue, the Civic e:HEV RS is undeniably a sporty looking car that is socially feasible and a lot cheaper to upkeep with its low 4.0 litres per 100km (25km/l) mileage.
The choice is yours.
SPECIFICATIONS
Honda Civic 2.0L e:HEV RS
Engine: 1,993cc, four-cylinder, DOHC, direct injection, Atkinson Cycle
Maximum power: 143PS/105kW at 6,000rpm
Maximum torque: 189Nm at 4,500rpm
Electric motor power: 184PS/135kW from 5,000-6,000rpm
Electric motor torque: 315Nm from 0-2,000rpm
Transmission: Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT)
Acceleration (0-100kph): 7.9 seconds
Top speed: 180kph
Features: Remote engine start, Walk Away Auto Lock, Smart Key Card, Decelerator Selector
Paddle, nine-inch Advanced Display Audio system, 10.2-inch TFT driver instrument display , Active Noise Control and Active Sound Control, half-leather upholstery, wireless charging, Honda LaneWatch camera, Honda Sensing with nine safety control features, Honda Connect, Driver Attention Monitor
Price: RM167,900 (on the road without insurance)
