Question, this Civic e:HEV RS or the 1.5L Turbocharged Civic RS to buy tomorrow?
The current Honda Civic, the 11th generation is selling faster than they can produce it in their factory and it is the best selling sedan in its price segment right now.
Launched in January this year, this latest Civic was offered in three variants. Prices start from RM125,634.64 for the E variant, while the V variant is priced at RM138,043.36. Honda customers can own the RS variant at the price of RM144,350.09. Honda Malaysia expects to sell 900 units per month.
To date, it seems that the RS variant is the best seller and it has even been compared with the much more expensive BMW 218i as a true rival.
Now comes another variant, the Civic e:HEV RS which we drove around the Sepang Circuit two weeks ago and walked away impressed with its performance and also handling as we abused along the circuit.
This Civic variant powered by a new 2.0L e:HEV powertrain for the first time in Malaysia, producing 315Nm of torque and 184PS of maximum power. The torque comes in early and the power build-up is quick and fuss free.
When taking the twisty corners at speed, this latest variant is very composed and the tail stays tucked in nicely. This is partly due to the battery pack that adds weight, but its also the rigid new chassis and the nicely set-up suspension.
Even the fast selling Civic 1.5L RS handles with confidence, but this latest e:HEV takes corners with more confidence.
Find a long clear tarmac and the engine starts releasing an intoxicating howl as you push the new 2.0L engine to ‘clear its throat’ for the driver to get his high speed feel.
The cabin is well insulated providing for very, very little wind noise distraction from the engine note.
First in the segment, the Civic e:HEV RS is introduced with a Key Card for a compact and convenient keyless entry and start function.
So what will be the asking price for the latest Civic variant. No price has been shared but we are guessing a selling price of between RM158k to RM165k. Let wait and see.
PRESS RELEASE: Honda Malaysia has just announced that the C-segment leader, the Civic will be offered in a new RS variant with e:HEV powertrain, which opens for bookings nationwide today.
This variant is the first 2.0L e:HEV powertrain introduction for Civic and Honda Malaysia, and anticipated to be the ultimate variant in the C-segment.Honda Malaysia Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura said,
“The 11th Generation Civic which was launched early this year has been very well received by Malaysians, having sold more than 6,000 units from January to September 2022.
To further strengthen Civic’s presence in the market, we are excited to introduce this new variant and for the first time being offered in a 2.0L e:HEV powertrain.
In line with the Civic DNA, this e:HEV RS promises an exhilarating drive with elegant styling. We also believe that with the introduction of this exciting variant; it will further elevate the C-Segment and excite our customers.”
This new 2.0L e:HEV powertrain delivers a segment-leading maximum torque of 315Nm and 184PS of maximum power output. It is coupled with an Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (e-CVT) and an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) that is powered by a light and compact lithium-ion battery with the highest efficiency storage and charging.
In continuing the strong legacy and DNA of Civic, the Civic e:HEV RS will continue to familiarize its RS styling which is sporty and bold. With the added elements of the e:HEV variant, the exterior of the Civic e:HEV RS looks elevated with a unique Blue H Mark and stylish Chrome Front Grille for a more sporty appeal. Complementing the exterior will be a new 18-inch Dual Tone Alloy Wheels.
Another first for this exciting new variant is the Key Card which is introduced for a compact and convenient keyless entry and start function. A first in the segment, this advanced feature is one step ahead in its technology and is offered exclusively for the Civic e:HEV RS.
Other notable features in this model are the 9” Advanced Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay™ as well as the ultimate convenience of Remote Engine Start feature which is particularly useful for Malaysian weather to cool down the cabin before entering the car.
Honda’s safety and intuitive technology, the Honda SENSING, is made standard in the Civic e:HEV RS. The full suite of enhanced and newly improved Honda SENSING safety features includes the following:
Lead Car Departure Notification System (LCDN)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Low Speed Follow (LSF)
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Auto High Beam (AHB)
Customers can log on to prebook.honda.com.my or download the HondaTouch application on their smartphones to place bookings for the Civic e:HEV RS.
Customers can also visit any Honda authorised dealerships nationwide or call Honda’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or log onto www.honda.com.my for more information on the Civic e:HEV RS.
