2022 Honda Civic hybrid (e:HEV) Pros and Cons: RM 166k price is too expensive?

The latest generation Honda Civic, also known as the FE generation, is an exceptional car that will win your heart. It boasts an attractive appearance, impressive driving performance, ample space, and is loaded with advanced features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as comprehensive safety features. Most importantly, it proudly wears the Honda badge.

The Civic was previously only offered with a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo 4-cylinder engine producing 182 PS/240 Nm, but now a second powertrain has been added. The FE generation Honda Civic has brought back the petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, which was absent in the previous generation, and it surpasses the turbocharged version in every aspect.

The Civic Hybrid, also known as the Honda Civic e:HEV RS, is distinguished by its blue Honda badges and black-chrome dual-tone 18-inch wheels, which are different from the Civic Turbo's glossy black painted wheels. Inside the Civic Hybrid, there are several additional features that are not present in the Turbo variant, such as a larger 10.2-inch full digital instrument panel, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, wireless smartphone charger, and an audio synthesizer that enhances the engine roar note in the cabin through the speakers when the car is in Sport mode.

In theory, the Honda Civic Hybrid seems like an excellent choice, but how does it perform on a long-distance drive of over 1,000 km from KL to Johor, including detours on back roads? We'll find out soon enough.

If you're looking to purchase a high-performing, fuel-efficient, and technologically advanced car that offers a comfortable ride, the Honda Civic Hybrid is an excellent option to consider. With its sleek design, comprehensive safety features, and advanced technologies, it's no wonder that the FE generation Honda Civic is a favorite among car enthusiasts.

Also read: 2022 Honda Civic: Hybrid vs turbo, which is the better option?

Price and specifications for Honda Civic e:HEV RS:

• Price: RM 166,500

• Engine: 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated hybrid

• Peak power: 184 PS motor, 143 PS engine

• Peak torque: 315 PS motor, 189 Nm engine

• Transmission: CVT (beltless, planetary gear set)

• 0 – 100 km/h: 7.9 seconds (claimed)

• Fuel consumption: 4.0-litre/100 km (claimed)

• Warranty: 5-years / unlimited mileage, 8-years/unlimited mileage for hybrid battery

Pros: The hybrid drives a lot better than the turbo

One of the most significant advantages of the Honda Civic Hybrid over its turbocharged counterpart is its superior driving performance. Unlike the smaller Honda HR-V (Specs | News), where the turbo variant outperforms the hybrid version, the situation is the opposite for the Civic. This is because the Civic Hybrid features a larger 2.0-liter combustion engine that delivers a more refined driving experience. Additionally, the low-frequency vibrations that were present in the HR-V Hybrid's cabin are notably absent in the Civic Hybrid.

When it comes to driving in situations where it's not necessary to keep the engine running, the two-motor, 1.05 kWh battery hybrid quietly and efficiently moves in electric vehicle-like silence. However, when you need more power, the engine will roar to life instantly in response to your right foot's input. The result is an enjoyable driving experience that's quiet and smooth when you want it to be and energetic and playful when you're in the mood.

Moreover, the Honda Civic Hybrid comes equipped with user-friendly controls and outstanding outward visibility, which enhances the driving experience. All of these features combined make the Civic Hybrid one of the best cars currently available on the market.

Pros: More power without the penalty of higher fuel cost

The FE generation Honda Civic offers a more powerful and efficient driving experience, thanks to its larger 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine. With 184 PS, it provides a slight boost in power over the 1.5-liter turbocharged variant, but the real advantage is the additional 75 Nm of torque that the hybrid offers. This two-motor full-hybrid system is designed for smooth and efficient performance, replacing the traditional gearbox with a planetary gearset. One motor charges the battery, while the larger traction motor-generator starts, drives, and charges the battery. The car offers a visual representation of the seamless switching between driving modes, including engine-only, motor-only, and engine plus motor, on the infotainment screen and instrument panel.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is incredibly user-friendly, allowing drivers to enjoy the smooth and silent progress in urban traffic without the hassle of plugged-in charging. The car also has a Sport mode that provides a more exciting driving experience, with synthesized engine noise from the speakers adding to the drama. There's no slap on the back type of acceleration because the boost comes from an electric motor rather than a turbocharger. Therefore, drivers can simply ride the wave of torque and watch the speedometer climb.

Moreover, the Civic's fuel consumption is excellent, with a claimed 4.0-liter/100 km that is easily achievable even in normal driving conditions. It's worth noting that the battery charge level is intentionally capped at around 20 to 80 percent to ensure battery longevity. However, drivers need not worry about how the mechanical-electrical magic works since the computer selects the most efficient propulsion method.

Pros: Honda Sensing's LSF makes for a relaxing balik kampung journey

Experience a relaxing and stress-free journey with Honda Sensing's LSF, making it one of the best features in the automotive industry. The Civic's Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKAS) functions have been updated to keep the vehicle centered in the lane, unlike earlier Sensing-equipped cars that kept to the left-side due to the overtaking regulations in some countries. With the wide-angle Honda Sensing camera, LSF function tracks the lane precisely, even detecting vehicle movements on the adjacent lanes. In traffic jams, the Low Speed Follow (LSF) feature brings the car to a complete stop smoothly and accelerates when the car ahead pulls away, requiring only a simple click with the thumb to get the Civic moving again, without needing accelerator pedal action.

With Honda Lane Watch blind spot detecting camera, you can trust the Civic to detect blind spots accurately, making a significant difference between the Lane Watch's view and the left-side mirror's view, ensuring your safety while driving. The Lane Watch feature only works on the left side, which some critics complain about, but it is a valid safety feature. Using Lane Watch on both sides may result in turning to the infotainment screen on the center, causing the driver to take their eyes off the road.

Blind spots are more critical on the left side, but the Civic provides a safe and secure driving experience in all weather conditions. However, it is important to follow the owner's manual recommendations and use such features only on a clear day and straight roads to avoid accidents. Upgrade your driving experience with Honda Sensing's LSF and Lane Watch camera features on your next journey.

Cons: You wish it came with Toyota Corolla Altis seats

The Honda Civic Hybrid is an excellent car with many impressive features, but its seats are a potential deal-breaker for some buyers. While the price of the Civic Hybrid is fair considering the lack of incentives for hybrids in Malaysia, the seats may be uncomfortable for long journeys. Unlike the Toyota Corolla Altis (Specs | News), the Civic's seats lack padding, even in the RS specs suede-leather material. This material actually worsens ride comfort as it has less padding than the full leather V variant's seats.

After just 1.5 hours of driving, the muscles near the back's tailbone can become aching, and the discomfort only worsens with time. This flaw in the Civic's design is unfortunate, considering how otherwise impenetrable the car's armor is.

Also read: Remember that time when a Honda Civic Hybrid was sold in Malaysia at RM 185.5k

If you're in the market for a C-segment sedan, you'll have to choose between the Corolla Altis for its superior ride comfort or the Civic, which is superior in everything else. Despite the Civic's seat issue, it is still an excellent car that comes with impressive features. It is important to note that Honda is not good at everything, but for everything else, there's the Civic.

In Malaysia, the FB generation Civic Hybrid used to sell for RM 185k without tax incentives. However, the current Civic Hybrid's asking price of RM 166,500 is reasonable. Unfortunately, Malaysia no longer offers incentives for hybrids, and everything falls under the Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV) policy. This explains the higher price of the Civic Hybrid compared to the lower range 1.5-liter HR-V Hybrid, which has a RM 6k premium over the similar capacity HR-V Turbo variant. The Civic Hybrid's larger 2.0-liter engine will command a higher RM 16k premium over the Civic Turbo.

In conclusion, the Honda Civic Hybrid is a great car with many impressive features, but its seats may be a problem for some buyers. The price of the Civic Hybrid is reasonable in Malaysia, considering the lack of incentives for hybrids. If you're looking for a C-segment sedan, you'll have to choose between the Civic's impressive features and the Corolla Altis's superior ride comfort. Remember that Honda is not good at everything, but for everything else, there's the Civic.