Honda has equipped the refreshed Civic e:HEV with an innovative virtual eight-speed transmission, alongside a heavily upgraded Sport trim grade. First debuted on the new Prelude sports coupé,
Honda has equipped the refreshed Civic e:HEV with an innovative virtual eight-speed transmission, alongside a heavily upgraded Sport trim grade.
First debuted on the new Prelude sports coupé, Honda’s S+ Shift technology simulates the crisp sound, feel and driver engagement of a rapid automatic gearbox. Now fitted as standard on the Civic Advance and Sport grades, the system brings genuine sports car technology to the family hatchback line-up.
Building on Honda’s Linear Shift Control, S+ Shift introduces advanced synchronisation of engine speed, vehicle speed and sound to deliver a more engaging and responsive acceleration feel.
The technology works by precisely controlling engine RPM and drive force during both acceleration and deceleration. In combination with Active Sound Control (ASC), engine sound is amplified and harmonised with engine RPM, reinforcing the perception of gear changes.
When activated, the driver can use the steering wheel paddles – which normally adjust regenerative braking – to manually swap ratios just like a high-performance automatic transmission. Downshifts trigger a genuine engine-braking effect for maximum control, accompanied by a perfectly timed, rev-matching throttle ‘blip’ for a smooth transition.
The new technology is married to Honda’s e:HEV full hybrid, which offers strong real-world fuel efficiency and a driving range of up to 528 miles.
Alongside this, the Civic line-up now features an enhanced Sport grade. This delivers a more dynamic look alongside an elevated specification, bolstered by the addition of a premium Bose audio system.
Externally, the upgraded Sport is identified by its new gloss black roof-mounted shark fin antenna. Inside, eye-catching red stitching now appears on the front seats, the front centre armrest, front and rear door trims and the steering wheel. The sporty appeal is further reinforced by the red garnish across the dashboard.
Honda has also boosted the appeal of the Civic with a new driver monitoring camera as part of the comprehensive suite of Honda Sensing safety advanced driver aids. Located on the interior A-pillar, it analyses driver alertness and provides real-time alerts to ensure attention remains firmly on the road.
Finally, the Civic e:HEV gains a new exterior paint finish, Meteoroid Gray Metallic. It’s one of five premium colour options, which also include Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic and Seabed Blue Pearl.
The refreshed Honda Civic e:HEV is now available to order, priced from £34,325.
