New Honda Civic RS e:HEV Hybrid Gets Prelude’s S+ Shift

The Honda Civic RS e:HEV hybrid has been in the Philippine market for more than a year now. We love this hybrid compact sedan so much, it was our second-placer in our 2026 Drive of the Year–only held back by its high price that exceeds even the base Tesla Model 3 Standard. Earlier this year, Honda announced a few changes coming to the Civic and Civic Type R, and as part of that promise, the Civic RS e:HEV hybrid inherits a feature from the Prelude.

Specifically, the new Honda Civic RS e:HEV in Japan inherits the Prelude’s S+ Shift. S+ Shift is an evolution of Honda’s Linear Shift Control that adds simulated gear shifts through the paddle shifters. The simulation isn’t just through actual engine notes, but it also includes the accompanying power interruption–all for the sake of preserving mechanical driving pleasure. This upgrade is expected to be rolled out in global markets, too, right after its debut in Japan.

Also inherited from the Prelude is its electronic gear selector, which adds a sleeker touch to the interior. Speaking of which, don’t expect any changes from its design. Inside, the Japanese-market Civic RS e:HEV is similar to what’s sold in the Philippines. There’s a red trim surrounding the air conditioning vents, along with a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment with a Google Built-In operating system. Leather and suede upholstery adorn the cabin as well.

In Japan, the Honda Civic RS e:HEV–and even the entire Civic lineup– is sold as a hatchback. As part of the upgrade, the new Civic RS e:HEV hybrid in Japan gets new five twin-spoke 18-inch wheels in Berlina black. The rest of the exterior design remains unchanged, but underneath its chassis is a slew of upgrades to improve its handling. It gets stiffer springs and new dampers, along with a quicker steering ratio to improve the already sporty handling of this compact hatch. It is unknown, however, is the chassis upgrades will be implemented in the global market Civic as well.

The new Honda Civic RS e:HEV with S+ Shift is already on sale in Japan, and with this upgrade expected to be rolled out globally, it is only a matter of time before it makes its way here into the Philippines.