Now this is a pleasant surprise: Honda Malaysia just opened bookings for a new Civic variant, and it’s a hybrid! The 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS the first Honda model in Malaysia to feature the 2.0L e:HEV powertrain, making it the most powerful Civic FE yet in our local market.

Similar to Honda Malaysia’s previous e:HEV models – the City RS and its hatchback sibling – the Civic e:HEV RS’ 2.0L direct-injection engine (143PS/189Nm) mainly acts as a generator for the Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system. It is made up of the engine and an electric motor.

It is the electric motor that largely drives the Civic e:HEV RS, which offers a very respectable 184PS and 315Nm of torque, so it is (again) the most powerful Civic FE in Malaysia yet. Of course, at higher speeds – such as highway cruising – the petrol engine will be used instead through a lock-up clutch for better efficiency.

Beyond a different powertrain, the hybrid Civic FE also has a neat key card system; it is the first Honda model on our shores to feature this. For the most part, the Civic e:HEV mirrors the equipment of the petrol RS model too, though it does have some unique elements.

These include new 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, blue accents on the Honda logos, as well as chrome finishes on the front grille and window line.

The 2022 Honda Civic e:HEV RS is now available for booking in Malaysia at Honda showrooms nationwide. Alternatively, you can also place a pre-booking online here or through the HondaTouch app – you can download the latter from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Naturally, the pricing of the Civic e:HEV RS has not been revealed yet, but expect it to cost more than the petrol RS model, which is currently going for RM150,700.