2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid launched - RM166,500

The Civic Hybrid is now the flagship variant until the Type R arrives

Honda Malaysia today launched the new Civic e:HEV Hybrid variant with an asking price of RM166,500 on the road without insurance.

The new hybrid variant, which sits right on top of the Civic lineup above the Civic RS, is powered by a new 2.0-litre 4-cylinder DOHC Atkinson Cycle engine as well as an electric motor which collectively produce a maximum output of 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque.

This is actually the engine which is also powering the upcoming 2023 Honda Accord hybrid.

Paired to the engine and electric motor is an electric CVT gearbox which send all the power exclusively to the front wheels. In terms of performance, the Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid is capable of clocking a top speed of 180 km/h and accelerate from naught to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds.

If we are to compare the performance figures with the Civic RS VTEC Turbo, the RS is capable of hitting a top speed of 200 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in either 5.8- or 6.1 seconds depending on variant.

On the exterior, there are a few features that distinguish the Civic Hybrid from the other variants, such as the blue Honda logos in front and at the rear to show that it is a hybrid. Fortunately, the stylish black spoiler comes as standard as the Civic Hybrid is clad in RS styling.

And then we have the 18-inch chrome-and-black dual tone wheels, the “e:HEV” emblem, and the black and half chrome bits like the door handles and window trim versus the RS’ blacked-out wheels, wing mirrors and door handles.

Last but not least, the Civic Hybrid here comes with single exhaust tip unlike the Civic VTEC Turbo’s twin pipes.

Moving into the cabin, the Civic Hybrid gets the same combi-leather seat upholstery as the Civic RS. Features that are unique to the Hybrid include a 10.2-inch TFT meter versus the other variants’ 7-inch TFT speedometer, and a Qi wireless charger. Besides these features, everything is identical to the Civic RS.

Other highlights include a 9-inch Advanced Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Power Flow Display which shows the interaction between the engine, the motor and everything in between.

Where safety is concerned, the Civic Hybrid gets the full list of Honda Sensing driver assistance features which include Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), a new Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN), Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Lane Keep Assist (LKAS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Auto High Beam (AHB).

Last but not least, the Civic Hybrid comes with a remote Key Card which is not available with any other variant. That being said, the Civic Hybrid comes with 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, 5-year/100,000km free labour service, and an 8-year warranty for the lithium ion battery.