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

Having gone on sale in Thailand, the 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV is the hybrid variant of the Civic we want, but can't have... yet. Here's closer look at this mean looking, hybrid machine. 

For Thailand, Honda is offering two variants of the Civic e:HEV: EL+ and RS, which now become the 2 uppermost variants of the Civic range in the Kingdom. Prices are as follows: 

• e:HEV EL+: THB 1,129,000 (~ RM 137k)
• e:HEV RS: THB 1,259,000 (~ RM 153k)

Powering the Civic e:HEV is the same unit that is found on the Accord e:HEV, a 2.0-litre Atkinson cycle DOHC naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder (141 PS/182 Nm) that is paired to a pair of synchronous permanent magnet electric motors.

Combined system output of the Honda Civic e:HEV is 184 PS and 315 Nm, making it more powerful than the turbocharged Civic. The Malaysian-spec Civic delivers 182 PS and 240 Nm.

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

The Civic e:HEV doesn’t have a gearbox, at least not a conventional one as the vehicle is almost always driven by the electric motors. However as you can imagine, it’s difficult to explain to customers, thus Honda refers to it as an E-CVT. 

Honda claims the Civic e:HEV has a combined fuel efficiency 4.0-litre/100 km (25 km/litre), substantially lower than the 6.0-litre/100km claimed for the Civic 1.5L turbo versions.

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

The Civic e:HEV can theoretically travel up to 1,000 km before needing to refuel!

The EL+ variant is offered in two inter two interior colours and finishes, black and 'greige' as seen below. The RS variant gets black suede/synthetic leather seats.

The infotainment system in the EL+ and RS variants feature a 9-inch Advanced touchscreen audio system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The rear seat can be folded 60:40 for ease of carrying longer items.

Only the Honda Civic e:HEV variants get rear A/C vents.

The RS variant adds red topstiching highlights throughout the interior. 

Wireless smartphone charging comes as standard in the RS variant. 

The RS trim exclusively gets a fully-digital TFT 10.2-inch instrument cluster display.

As well as the snazzy Honda Smart Key Card which isn't offered here in Malaysia.

The energy flow meter on the Civic e:HEV shows a graphical display of what the powertrain is doing at all times.

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

The EL+ variants receives 17-inch wheels (above, grey) while the range-topping RS receives 18-inch dual-tone wheels. 

The Civic e:HEV EL+ and RS variants both receive the full Honda Sensing ADAS suite, including Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow (ACC with LSF), Road Departure Mitigation System with Lane Departure Warning (RDM with LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Auto High-beam System (AHS). 

A newer function of the Sensing suite is Lead Car Departure Notification system (LCDN).

The Civic e:HEV variants also add Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (AVAS) that emits a noise to notify people outside of the car when it is moving at a close distance while in EV Drive Mode.

All Honda Civic variants are offered with a 3-year/100,000 km mileage warranty in Thailand. Civic e:HEV variants are additionally backed by a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty for the hybrid unit and 10-year/unlimited mileage warranty for the battery unit. 

There are plans for Honda Malaysia to locally-assemble (CKD) the Civic e:HEV in Malaysia, which is set to be the first electrified Civic to be assembled at Honda’s Pegoh facility.

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