Honda has finally brought the much-awaited hybrid version of the Civic to the Philippines, and we recently got behind the wheel of the Honda Civic RS e:HEV, along with other members of the motoring press. From BGC to Baguio and everywhere in between, this car left a lasting impression.
Starting up the Civic RS e:HEV is, quite literally, a silent affair. Unlike the usual growl or hum from the engine of a traditional Civic, this hybrid whispers to life with a pindrop-quiet startup. For long-time Civic fans, this might be an adjustment—especially if you’re used to that deep rumble from your modified ride—but trust us, this silent operation sets the tone for what this hybrid brings to the table.
While it’s the first hybrid Civic in the country, it’s not the first one globally. That honor belongs to the 7th-generation Civic Hybrid from the early 2000s. But back then, hybrids were still a novelty, and neither that model nor the Insight (its hybrid cousin) ever made it to our shores.
Fast forward to the present: Honda Cars Philippines has finally introduced the Civic RS e:HEV, debuting it at the recent PIMS. With the CR-V Hybrid paving the way, it’s only fitting that this electrified Civic follows, sporting a refreshed design, cutting-edge tech, and an impressive hybrid drivetrain.
Under the hood, the Civic RS e:HEV combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver a punchy 184 hp and 315 Nm of torque. For context, this makes it the most powerful Civic available in the country (excluding the Type R, of course).
Now, you might be thinking, 2.0 liters? Won’t that guzzle fuel? Not quite. The Atkinson-cycle engine is all about efficiency, and Honda’s hybrid system ensures that power delivery is optimized while keeping fuel consumption low.
Our drive from BGC to Baguio proved just how efficient this car can be. We averaged a remarkable 18 km/L (combined city, highway, and provincial roads). By the time we reached Baguio, we still had around 252 km of range left (from 650 when we left BGC). For a car of this size and performance, those numbers are seriously impressive.
And while hybrids often get a reputation for prioritizing efficiency over excitement, the Civic RS e:HEV proves it can do both.
On the highway, the electric motor provides a satisfying boost, making overtakes and spirited driving feel effortless. But the real fun begins when you hit the twisties.
As we tackled Baguio’s winding mountain roads, the Civic’s sharp handling and balanced chassis shone through. It stayed planted through tight corners and maintained its composure even on less-than-ideal surfaces. Honda’s engineers have managed to preserve the sporty DNA that the Civic is known for, all while adding the refinement and smoothness of a hybrid system.
And it’s not just the driver who benefits. Whether you’re behind the wheel or sitting in the passenger seat, the ride is both comfortable and composed, striking a great balance between sportiness and practicality.
The 2024 Honda Civic lineup gets some updates to go along with the hybrid tech. For starters, there’s a restyled grille with sleek hexagonal inserts. On the RS variant, sporty touches like gloss black accents on the door handles, side mirrors, and rear spoiler still give it a more athletic look compared to the rest of the range. The new 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels complete the package.
Inside, the Civic gets even better. The 9-inch infotainment system now comes with Google Built-In and Honda Connect, giving you seamless access to navigation, music, and more. All the charging ports are now USB-C, and the RS trim spoils you with red accents, wireless charging, and a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system.
Honda’s Sensing suite of safety features is also present, offering one of the most advanced systems in its class. From collision mitigation braking to lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control, this package ensures peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Every update to Honda Sensing makes it even more refined and capable, setting a high standard for safety tech in its segment.
Here’s the elephant in the room: P1,990,000. Yes, it’s a steep price, especially for a Civic. But let’s break it down. For that premium, you’re getting the most advanced Civic yet: better fuel efficiency, cutting-edge hybrid tech, improved comfort, and enhanced safety. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement that hybrids are here to stay.
More importantly, the Civic RS e:HEV might just be the litmus test for Honda’s hybrid strategy in the Philippines. If this model sells well, it could pave the way for more affordable hybrids, like the City Hatchback Hybrid. Imagine a future where hybrid tech becomes mainstream and accessible—it’s not as far-fetched as it seems.
For now, the Civic RS e:HEV sets a new benchmark in its segment, and we’re all for it.
