Bookings for the new Civic e:HEV RS hybrid are now open, Honda Malaysia announced today. This variant is the first C-segment vehicle from the Japanese carmaker to feature the 2.0 litre e:EV powertrain in the country.

The aesthetics of the Honda Civic e:HEV RS mostly resembles its ICE counterpart, though unique to it are the additional chrome elements on its front grille, inner bezel of its headlights, and window line. Also new are the blue accented Honda logos and an e:HEV emblem, as well as the 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels.

The vehicle’s similarity to the petrol version of the 2022 Civic RS applies to its interior as well, but with one notable difference. Exclusively found on the e:HEV model is a new 9-inch touchscreen for the car’s Advanced Display Audio infotainment system, which comes with wireless Apple CarPlay support. 

This variant is also the first Honda vehicle in Malaysia to come with the carmaker’s Key Card, which replaces the now-traditional key fobs and also physical keys. Unlike the latter two, this newer keyless entry and start approach is thinner and is as compact as, well, a keycard.

As for the nitty gritty, the Honda Civic e:HEV RS is a hybrid vehicle that features a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated Atkinson-cycle four cylinder engine. As part of the car’s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system, the direct-injection also functions as a generator to supply its 72-cell lithium-ion battery, which forms its onboard Intelligent Power Unit and E-CVT (electric continuously variable transmission).

Performance-wise, the car’s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system offers 143 PS (139 hp) at 6,000 rpm and 189 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. Meanwhile, the electric motor that drives its front wheels provides 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 315 Nm, which is quite a leap when compared to the hybrid vehicle’s own engine output.

Of course, you can also expect the Civic e:HEV RS to also come with the Honda SENSING safety features. More specifically, these include Lead Car Departure Notification System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Low Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, and Auto High Beam.

Those interested can log on to Honda Malaysia’s website or download the HondaTouch application for mobile devices to place their bookings for the Civic e:HEV RS. Alternatively, they may also do so by visiting authorised Honda dealerships that are available nationwide.

(Source: Honda Malaysia press release)

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