Honda Civic RS e:HEV first drive: A complete package

Honda has finally brought the much-awaited hybrid version of the Civic to the Philippines, and we recently got behind the wheel of the Honda Civic RS e:HEV, along with other members of the motoring press.

- JACOB OLIVA

From BGC to Baguio and everywhere in between, this car left a lasting impression.

Starting up the Civic RS e:HEV is, quite literally, a silent affair. Unlike the usual growl or hum from the engine of a traditional Civic, this hybrid whispers to life with a pindrop-quiet startup. For long-time Civic fans, this might be an adjustment—especially if you're used to that deep rumble from your modified ride—but trust us, this silent operation sets the tone for what this hybrid brings to the table.

While it's the first hybrid Civic in the country, it's not the first one globally. That honor belongs to the 7th-generation Civic Hybrid from the early 2000s. But back then, hybrids were still a novelty, and neither that model nor the Insight (its hybrid cousin) ever made it to our shores.

Fast forward to the present: Honda Cars Philippines has finally introduced the Civic RS e:HEV, debuting it at the recent PIMS. With the CR-V Hybrid paving the way, it's only fitting that this electrified Civic follows, sporting a refreshed design, cutting-edge tech, and an impressive hybrid drivetrain.

Under the hood, the Civic RS e:HEV combines a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle gasoline engine with an electric motor to deliver a punchy 184 hp and 315 Nm of torque. For context, this makes it the most powerful Civic available in the country (excluding the Type R, of course).