- Honda has launched the new Civic e:HEV RS in Japan.
- The hybrid model features the Prelude’s Honda S+ Shift tech.
- It mirrors the sporty looks and chassis setup of the manual RS.
Honda has launched a new version of the Civic in Japan, one that combines the sportiness of the RS with a hybrid powertrain. To make up for the lack of a manual transmission, the Civic inherits the simulated gear shift system of the Prelude coupe.
The e:HEV RS was previewed by a prototype at the Tokyo Auto Salon earlier this year, but it has now dropped the camouflage. The model adopts the sporty front bumper, red emblems, tinted headlights, and black trim of the non-hybrid RS. However, the 18-inch alloy wheels mirror the high-spec trims of the e:HEV with a Matte Berlina Black finish, and the dual tailpipes are blocked.
More: Honda’s Hottest Hatch May Be Preparing One Last Surprise
Those looking for something spicier, the Honda Access catalogue includes an optional rear wing, ducktail spoiler, and sporty bumper extensions.
The dark-themed interior has red accents and matching stitching on the leather seats and steering wheel. The biggest difference with the manual RS is the absence of a shifter; instead, Honda added buttons on the center console and paddles behind the steering wheel.
By pressing the dedicated button, the driver activates the “Honda S+ Shift” technology, introduced last year with the Prelude. The system mimics the sensation of a dual-clutch automatic transmission by tweaking torque delivery, RPM, and engine sounds. The paddles behind the steering wheel function as gear selectors, and when the system is deactivated, they control the level of regenerative braking.
Under the hood lies the familiar e:HEV self-charging hybrid powertrain. It combines a naturally-aspirated 2.0-liter engine with dual electric motors, producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS). This is incrementally more powerful than the turbo 1.5-liter engine of the non-hybrid RS, which is good for 180 hp (134 kW / 182 PS).
More: The Next Honda Civic Is Getting Lighter, Sharper, And More Hybrid
The good news is that Honda didn’t hold back on the sporty chassis setup. The RS treatment includes stiffer springs, retuned dampers, and quicker steering with a sharper response, for a more driver-oriented character.
The new Honda Civic e:HEV RS is priced at ¥4,660,000 ($29,200), making it the most expensive version in the lineup, this side of a Type R. Furthermore, the hybrid RS is ¥261,100 ($1,630) more expensive than the non-electrified RS with the manual transmission.
