Honda has announced updates for its popular Civic hatchback, including new gearshift technology from the Prelude coupe.
The Civic shares the same clever 2.0-litre e:HEV hybrid powertrain as the curvaceous Prelude, with a combined output of 184hp from its petrol engine and electric motors.
Using a CVT gearbox and an e-motor to send power to its wheels, the Prelude was launched with Honda’s S+ Shift simulated gearshift tech.
This is designed to add engagement to the driving experience, but without affecting the Civic’s hybrid efficiency. The car’s potential range is still 528 miles.
The upgraded Civic now offers the same S+ Shift system on Sport and Advance trim levels, as part of wider changes applied to Honda’s family hatchback.
Honda shifts things forward
The S+ Shift works by imitating the effect of an eight-speed transmission, so the driver can change up and down the gearbox.
Steering wheel-mounted paddles, usually used to adjust the Civic’s level of regenerative braking, can instead control the effect of changing gears.
Active Sound Control (ASC) adds more volume to the engine, helping to further the impression of real gearshifts taking place. Dropping down the ratios results in perfectly timed blips from the throttle, along with real engine braking to enhance the experience.
After trying the S+ Shift in a Honda Prelude, Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock said: ‘Rev-matching downshifts are particularly entertaining, and you can go up and down gears via the steering wheel paddles’.
Updates across the Honda Civic range
Honda has also given the Civic Sport more equipment as part of the update, including a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system as standard.
There is also a gloss black shark fin antenna on the roof, plus red stitching throughout the cabin. All Civic e:HEV models feature a new driver monitoring camera to detect drowsiness, plus the option of Meteoroid Gray Metallic exterior paint.
The latter comes in addition to the existing color choices: Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic and Seabed Blue Pearl.
Orders for the updated Honda Civic can be placed now, with prices in the UK starting from £34,325.
ALSO READ:
Honda reveals exclusive new Prelude 2027 Limited Edition
Honda Civic review
Retro Honda Civic, Integra and Accord Type R driven: which one wins?
The post Honda Civic hybrid gains Prelude’s virtual gearshift tech appeared first on Motoring Research.
