• Thailand gets the 2022 Civic FE hybrid first but ours isn’t far behind
• Most powerful yet with 184 PS / 315 Nm of torque
• Possible replacement for the VTEC Turbo RS variant here

Our northern neighbours always get the good stuff before us and it’s a trend that continues with the 2022 Honda Civic (FE) e:HEV hybrid. Simultaneous global debuts for the new powertrain saw the sedan unveiled in Thailand while Europe and it’s love affair with hatches saw them get the shorter rump body.

Also Read: The 2022 Honda Civic FE secured 1,200 bookings even before launch, guess how popular the RS is?

There’ll be two trims of what is now the most-powerful Civic FE until the Type-R arrives. The two are the RS and EL+. Under the hood will be the same 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle DOHC naturally aspirated 4-cylinder, with an e-CVT paired to a 2-motor i-MMD full-hybrid. If it sounds familiar, it’s identical to that in the Accord e:HEV hybrid.

Though Honda Automobile Thailand haven’t confirmed the Thai market power outputs, based on the 184 PS and 315 Nm in the European one, it shouldn’t be too far off. Nonetheless, the current Civic 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo in Malaysia makes a pinch more power than Thailand’s at 182 PS / 240 Nm against their 178 PS / 240 Nm. Bear in mind the differences could be to accommodate Thailand’s E10 gasohol fuel.

Also Read: ASEAN's most powerful, 2022 Honda Civic (FE) launched in Malaysia: priced from RM 126k

Prices aren’t confirmed yet but Thai dealers have expressed to interested customers that it’ll be below THB 1,150,000 (~RM 144,300) for the e:HEV EL+ and below THB 1,270,000 (~RM 159,000) for the e:HEV RS.

Also Read: All-new 2022 Honda Civic FE – RM 3.7k to service over 5 years/100k km, RM 320 more than FC

Bear in mind the prices will be inflated due to the weak Malaysian Ringgit against the Thai Baht.

As for hierarchy in the Civic line-up, the e:HEV RS replaces the regular VTEC Turbo RS which has been discontinued over there.

Also Read: 2022 Honda Civic FE: Three variants - E, V, RS, we pick the best

In terms of equipment, everything remains identical. This means the full suite of Honda Sensing advanced driving aids systems that’s been updated with Lead Car Departure Notification System in the Civic FE.

Malaysians can expect the Civic e:HEV to eventually make its way but in 2022. Once it does though, it’ll probably follow the move in Thailand to replace the VTEC Turbo RS as the flagship of the line-up.

Also Read: Review: 2022 Honda Civic FE – Forget baby Accord, it’s on par with the 3 Series