Honda Cars Philippines has finally brought hybrid technology to the local Civic lineup, and it’s exclusively available in the top-spec RS variant. At first glance, one might assume that the hybrid powertrain is all about efficiency—and while it certainly delivers on that front, Honda has masterfully balanced fuel economy with an engaging driving experience with the first-generation e:HEV technology.
Unlike conventional hybrids that prioritize economy at the expense of excitement, the Civic RS e:HEV brings something different to the table. It feels like the new “turbo” for Honda—delivering power seamlessly without compromise. This hybrid isn’t just about sipping fuel; it’s about enhancing the entire driving experience.
Honda has a reputation for making cars that are both fun and practical, and the Civic RS e:HEV continues this tradition. Unlike turbocharged engines that sometimes exaggerate their fuel economy figures, this hybrid system genuinely delivers. With an intelligent powertrain that seamlessly blends electric and gasoline propulsion, Honda proves that you don’t have to sacrifice enjoyment for efficiency. The result? A car that offers the best of both worlds, making every drive enjoyable while keeping fuel stops to a minimum.
Sophisticated With a Hint of Sportiness
The Civic RS e:HEV sports a refreshed design, featuring a sleek hexagonal grille insert that enhances its sporty appeal. The RS variant further distinguishes itself with gloss black accents on the door handles, side mirrors, and rear spoiler. New color options, including the stunning Canyon River Blue Metallic, provide fresh aesthetic choices for buyers.
Honda has maintained the Civic’s well-balanced proportions, giving it a sleek and aerodynamic profile that contributes to its sporty yet sophisticated presence. The car looks great from any angle, maintaining its signature appeal.
The new Civic RS e:HEV rides on 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, adding to its athletic stance. While the new design is stylish, I personally prefer the cleaner, BBS-inspired look of the pre-facelift model’s wheels. Meanwhile, the full LED headlights and taillights offer excellent nighttime visibility and a modern look. While not as aggressively styled as the 10th-generation model, the 11th-generation Civic carries a more mature and sophisticated design, which many, including myself, appreciate.
Comfort Meets Functionality
Inside, the RS trim features red accents, and Honda has largely retained the pre-facelift model’s interior design—which is a good thing, as it’s hard to fault. The dashboard layout remains intuitive and driver-focused. The driver’s seat is comfortable and ergonomic, offering intuitive controls and sufficient storage compartments. The cloth trims on the leather seats are a thoughtful addition, as they prevent excessive heat retention when parked under the sun. The front passenger area is equally comfortable and spacious, with practical storage options.
Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom, thanks to the Civic’s increasing size—nearly as large as older Accord models. It also features USB-C charging ports and rear A/C vents, adding to the comfort. Equally appreciated is the spacious 493-liter trunk, providing ample storage for luggage and other essentials.
Modern & Smart Features
The 9-inch infotainment system now features Google Built-In and Honda Connect, offering seamless integration for navigation, music, and other applications. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While generally stable, there were occasional disconnections (once or twice) during the week-long test. The RS trim also includes a wireless charging pad, and all charging ports have been upgraded to the more flexible and modern USB-C ports.
Standard safety features include airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and electronic stability control. The Honda Sensing suite is comprehensive, offering features such as collision mitigation braking, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control. The LaneWatch blind-spot camera, activated with the right turn signal, provides additional visibility, though the display quality, especially at night, could be improved. A 360-degree camera is absent, which isn’t a major issue given the Civic’s manageable size. However, many competitors offer this feature, even at lower price points.
Where Fun Meets Efficiency
The Civic RS e:HEV is powered by a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 184 hp and 315 Nm of torque. Unlike turbocharged setups that extract power from smaller engines, Honda’s hybrid system utilizes a larger, naturally aspirated engine that prioritizes efficiency, reliability, and longevity. While the engine alone produces 141 hp (compared to the 1.5-liter turbo variant’s 178 hp), the e:HEV system ensures optimal performance, prioritizing electric propulsion over burning fossil fuel.
The hybrid system strikes a perfect balance between power and efficiency, making this the most powerful Civic variant in the country, excluding the Type R. Acceleration is smooth yet controlled, providing an ideal mix of comfort and sportiness. Instant torque delivery from the electric motor ensures responsive performance when needed. The regenerative braking system offers a good balance of bite and modulation. Even at its highest setting, it remains unobtrusive and can be adjusted instantly via the paddle shifters—especially useful for mountain passes.
The steering is light and well-assisted. Initially, I felt it could use some tightening, but after a week of driving, I found it well-suited for various conditions. The suspension felt a little soft at first, but it effectively absorbed road imperfections while maintaining a sporty feel. Honda has achieved a fine balance between comfort and handling. Despite its size, the Civic RS e:HEV remains light and nimble. Visibility could be slightly improved, but adjusting the seat height using the power controls helps mitigate this issue.
After nearly 500 kilometers of driving in mixed conditions, I achieved an impressive average fuel consumption of 19 km/L. This figure is unmatched in its segment, outclassing even the smaller BYD Seal DM-i. The hybrid system’s preference for EV mode, with the engine only kicking in during hard acceleration and highway cruising, contributes to this efficiency.
The Perfect Adobo
I’ve been cooking a lot more lately, thanks to the festivity of suggestive videos on various social media channels. And while more complex recipes are on my cards in the near future, I always go back to one of the first dishes I’ve ever learned: adobo.
What makes the perfect adobo recipe? The perfect balance of saltiness and acidity. No unnecessary frills, no magic tricks (except maybe Magic Sarap, but I digress). The new Honda Civic RS e:HEV is just that—an ideal balance of power and efficiency, sportiness and comfort. It excels as a daily driver, much like a well-cooked adobo hits the spot.
While its P1,990,000 price tag is on the steep side, the Civic hybrid is worth every peso. Few cars can match its efficiency—averaging 19 km/L over 400 km in Metro Manila—while keeping the driving experience engaging. The Civic RS e:HEV isn’t just another hybrid; it’s proof that Honda has mastered the art of balance.
