Honda Civic e:HEV RS Launched In Malaysia

The Honda Civic e:HEV RS has been launched in Malayisa as an addition to the local 11th generation Civic line-up. Kitted in RS trim, this new Civic variant is powered by a 2.0L e:HEV powertrain, a first for Civic and Honda Malaysia. The rest of the Civic range here uses a 1.5L turbocharged engine. The Civic e:HEV RS also joins the other e:HEV models here such as the City, City Hatchback and the HR-V.

The e:HEV powertrain is Honda’s hybrid technology, combining electric motors with a 2.0L engine; this is the first e:HEV model in Malaysia to use an engine of this size. There is an electric motor each attached to the e-CVT (electric Continuously Variable Transmission) and the IPU (Intelligent Power Unit) which is located under the rear seats. According to Honda, built around the high voltage IPU are additional stiffened cross members and door beams that suppress deformation of metal, to further protect it.

The new 2.0L e:HEV powertrain provides a maximum power output of 184 PS and 315Nm of torque that is comparable with D-segment models. Performance-wise, this Civic variant is the fastest among its kin, with a 0 – 100 km/h sprint done in 7.9 seconds. Comparatively, the fastest 1.5L turbo Civic is the E variant at 8.3 seconds. Additionally, the Civic e:HEV has an official fuel consumption of 4L/100km (vs 6L/100km for Civic E & V).

“Today, we are pleased to introduce a new variant, the Civic e:HEV RS which promises a superior driving experience for Civic customers. Honda’s Hybrid technology is not new to Honda Malaysia. We became the pioneer in introducing Malaysians to Hybrid technology in 2007 when we launched the first Civic Hybrid. Since then, we have advanced in the hybrid technology. The introduction of e:HEV powertrain is well accepted in the Malaysian market. From January to October 2022, the City e:HEV RS has contributed 5% followed by the City Hatchback e:HEV RS at 8% and the recently launched All-New HR-V e:HEV RS also received positive response from our customers with 11% contribution to its respective models,” said Mr. Yoshimura, Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.

The Honda Civic e:HEV RS wears the sporty RS styling with the addition of chrome ring insert headlights and front grille, black half chrome door handles, and a blue H mark and e:HEV emblem to differentiate from the other variants. The Civic e:HEV also sports 18″ dual tone alloy wheels match its sporty look.

Inside, the Civic e:HEV gets an upsized 10.2″ TFT meter display (7″ TFT for the other variants). Other new features include a deceleration selector paddle, Active Noise Control with Active Sound Control, wireless charger as well as a slim Key Card. The Key Card is a compact, convenient and exclusive design to replace the keyless remote.

Further, the Civic e:HEV RS is also fitted with a 9″ Advanced Display Audio with Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. Another feature unique to the e:HEV RS variant is the Power Flow Display which supports eco-friendly driving by showing the flow of energy in the car. The display changes in real time according to the driving status and is accessible through the display audio for a better visual of the energy flow. All other features are similar to the “regular” Civic RS offering.

And like all Honda models, the Civic e:HEV RS comes with the full suite of enhanced Honda SENSING safety features that include:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
• Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Low Speed Follow (LSF)
• Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Auto High Beam (AHB)

Other safety features include Honda LaneWatch, Walk Away Auto Lock, Remote Engine Start, Rear Seat Belt Reminder and Driver Attention Monitor.

“Early this year, we welcomed the 11th Generation Civic to the Malaysian market. The model received great responses from Malaysians with close to 7,000 units sold to date and achieved No.1 Position in its segment with 81% market share as of September 2022. And for that, a big thank you to our customers and in particular, Civic fans for their continued trust in the Honda brand,” added Mr. Yoshimura.

Additionally, Honda Malaysia also offers the Honda CONNECT service for the Civic e:HEV RS. Honda CONNECT works on telematics to provide safety, security and convenience. The key functions include Vehicle Diagnostics, Remote Applications, Security Applications, Vehicle Tracking and Support Services.

The Honda Civic e:HEV RS comes in Ignite Red, Meteoroid Gray, Platinum White Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl. On-the-road price for the Civic e:HEV RS is RM166,500.00 (without insurance).

For more information, you can visit any of the 102 Honda authorised dealerships or call Honda’s Toll-Free number (1-800-88-2020), visit www.honda.com.my or download the HondaTouch application.