2027 Honda Civic e:HEV With Prelude’s S+ Shift Now In PH, Priced From P2.080M

Honda Cars Philippines has brought in the updated Civic e:HEV hybrid, but you might be wondering what has changed in this update if the exterior and interior look largely the same. Well, to find out what’s new for the Civic e:HEV, you’ll have to take it for a drive.

Step inside the new Civic e:HEV, and you’ll notice a peculiar button straight from the Prelude. That’s because the Prelude’s hallmark S+ Shift has now trickled down into the Civic e:HEV. The Civic, whether in hybrid or pure internal combustion engine (ICE) form, has made a name for itself due to its sporty driving experience. The addition of S+ Shift adds a layer of driving engagement through the simulation of an eight-speed automatic.

S+ Shift doesn’t necessarily make the Civic e:HEV faster, but with the simulated eight-speed automatic, including how the engine’s tachometer bounces in the redline plus its associated rev-matching during downshifts, the Civic e:HEV’s driving dynamics bridge the gap between the sporty Prelude and the more sensible Civic. The thing is, though the transmission behavior is a simulation, the engine’s revs aren’t, though its sound is augmented through the speakers with S+ Shift activated or in Sport mode.

All this makes for a driving experience that further makes the Civic e:HEV even sportier than it already is. The sharp steering and excellent body control have now been augmented by a hybrid system that has character that’s beyond delivering outstanding fuel efficiency, both based on our own testing and in the real world.

As before, the Civic e:HEV is only sold in range-topping RS trim. There are no exterior changes to speak of, though the Honda logo up front now dons the flatter 2D design. This means that the emblem’s blue highlight that signifies that it’s a hybrid has also been ditched. New colors are also offered for this update, namely Urban Gray Pearl and Blazing Red Pearl.

No interior changes have been made as well, with the Civic e:HEV RS still featuring a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Google Built-In. There’s also a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and a Bose sound system. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety features is still fitted here, and it comes with Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Road Departure Mitigation with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow (ACC with LSF), Auto High Beam (AHB), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), just to name a few.

Pricing for the Honda Civic e:HEV RS with S+ Shift starts at P2,080,000, a P90,000 increase from the previous model. The new Civic e:HEV RS now has a longer five-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty, as well as an eight-year or 200,000-kilometer warranty for the hybrid system’s battery.