The Honda Civic RS is renowned in the Philippines for providing turbocharged performance with a refined and sporty flavor.

However, the Malaysian market now has a second Civic RS model that adds lower emissions and improved fuel economy to the mix.

Honda Cars Malaysia debuted on Nov. 15, 2022 its newest flagship Civic, the RS e:HEV.

As the name suggests, the new model is a hybrid that ditches the turbocharged 1.5-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-4 gasoline engine of the standard RS.

Instead, it gets a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter, twin-cam, 16-valve inline-four Atkinson cycle gasoline engine mated to two electric motors. The powerplant has a combined output of 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque.

For comparison, the standard RS Turbo engine pumps out 178 PS and 240 Nm of torque.

Key card, digital gauge cluster

From the outside, the RS e:HEV looks identical to its turbocharged counterpart, but some touches distinguish this electrified model.

These include unique, two-tone, 18-inch alloy wheels and chrome on the door handles, window trim and front grill. And if you look closely enough, you’ll spot some blue coloring on the Honda logo.

Inside, the e:HEV gets a wireless charging pad for mobile phones, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, and, in what seems to be a throwback to Renaults from 15 years ago, a key card instead of a key fob.

The Civic RS e:HEV costs RM166,500.00 or around ₱2.1 million as of press time. It joins other hybrid Hondas in Malaysia like the City, City Hatchback, and the HR-V.

Given Honda Cars’ diverse hybrid line-up in other ASEAN markets, do you think it should bring in models like the Civic RS e:HEV to the Philippines?