• Honda Civic Hybrid launched in China, priced from RM 104k
• Same powertrain as Thailand's model
• Offers unique-to-China features like a spare wheel, BSI + LaneWatch camera

At the ongoing Chengdu Auto Show, Dongfeng Honda officially launched the 2023 Honda Civic Hybrid. The Civic Hybrid is the fifth hybrid model by Dongfeng Honda to be fitted with Honda’s two-motor i-MMD petrol-electric hybrid powertrain.

In China, 3 variants of the Civic Hybrid are offered, with prices ranging from CNY 159,900 (~RM 104k) to CNY 187,900 (~RM 122k). This marks a 23 percent premium over the turbocharged variants in the Middle Kingdom. The latter is priced between CNY 120,900 (~RM 78k) to CNY 142,900 (~RM 93k) in China.

Also Read: Priced under RM 145k, more powerful than Turbo, Honda Civic e:HEV hybrid debuts in Thailand with 2.0L 180+ PS engine

Power is derived from Honda’s i-MMD two-motor petrol-electric hybrid system, pairing an Atkinson cycle 2.0-litre petrol engine hooked up to two electric motors, allowing for a combined system output of 184 PS and 315 Nm. Drive is routed to the front wheels via an e-CVT.

Also Read: No VTEC Turbo for Europe, 184 PS 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback FL e:HEV makes world debut

Under the NEDC test cycle, Dongfeng Honda said that the Civic Hybrid returns 4.39-litre/100 km (22.7 km/litre). In China, fuel prices vary from state-to-state, but typically ranges between CNY 8.10 (~RM 5.26)for RON 89 fuel to CNY 11 (~RM 7.14) for premium RON 98. With such fuel prices, it comes as no surprise why hybrid and EVs are a hit with Chinese buyers.  

Also Read: Up to 1,000 km per tank, Thailand's 184 PS Honda Civic e:HEV is both powerful and fuel efficient

All variants of the Civic Hybrid in China get LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, while Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) is reserved for the top-spec variant. The top-spec variant also offers Active Cornering Lights (ACL), a full panoramic sunroof, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Also Read: Closer look at the 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV that we want, but can't have yet

Stepping inside, all 3 variants of the China-spec Civic Hybrid get a 9-inch infotainment system with support for Baidu CarLife (Think Apple CarPlay for China). Audio is piped through a 12-speaker Bose sound system on the top-spec variant; lesser variants make do with an 8-speaker sound system instead.

Also Read: The hybrid sedan Malaysia needs: 2022 Honda Civic FE e:HEV debuts with 2.0L engine, same as Accord

As part of the Honda Connect 3.0 system, the Civic Hybrid offers smartphone remote control connectivity, as well as voice command. The latter is able to understand commands for the built-in navigation, air-conditioning, and online music streaming.

While the base variant of China’s Civic Hybrid makes do without the Honda Sensing ADAS suite, the upper two variants offer the full suite, including:

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
• Blind Spot Information (BSI)
• Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM)

The top-spec Civic Hybrid also adds the Honda LaneWatch camera to its safety kit. China’s Civic Hybrid is one of the very Civics that sold globally that offer both LaneWatch and Blind Spot Information (BSI). For context, Honda has removed LaneWatch from its North American (except Canada) line-up of models.

Also Read: LaneWatch is too expensive for Honda, to be removed in future models

Unlike Thailand’s Civic Hybrid and its tyre repair kit, the Chinese-spec Civic Hybrid offers a space saver spare tyre.

What about Malaysia?

If the turbocharged Civic isn’t what you’re looking for, hang in there as Honda Malaysia has plans to locally assemble (CKD) the Civic Hybrid in Malaysia. It will be the first electrified Civic to be assembled at Honda Pegoh’s facility.

Also Read: After Thailand, Malaysia is next to launch CKD 2022 Honda Civic Hybrid (FE) later this year