2022 Honda Civic e:HEV is faster than your RS Turbo

Let's face it, hybrids get a lot of flak for being boring or uninspiring. True, they're easy on fuel bills and lower carbon emissions, but most of them aren't really quick on their feet.

Honda wants to change that notion about mass-market hybrids with the 2022 Civic e:HEV. Launched at this year's Bangkok International Motor Show, this particular Civic is not only fuel-efficient, but it can actually outpace the turbocharged versions.

Under the hood of the Civic e:HEV is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, Atkinson cycle engine. It's helped along by two synchronous electric motors that run on lithium-ion batteries. Given the setup, it surely packs more torque than the turbocharged Civic we currently have right? Unfortunately, Honda Thailand has yet to release its official figures.

Luckily, Honda has also launched the Civic e:HEV over in Europe. Just like the Thai-made hybrid, it too comes with a 2.0-liter hybrid powertrain, but more importantly, Honda has released its output figures. While the turbo already makes an impressive 178 PS with 240 Nm of torque, the e:HEV Civic puts out more at 183 PS plus 315 Nm of torque. That equates to an increase of 5 more PS and an extra 75 Nm of pull.

Honda has yet to release a 0–100 km/h sprint time for the Civic e:HEV. But given that the hybrid doles out more torque despite not having forced induction, we're very curious just how fast it is from a standstill.

Style-wise, the e:HEV looks no different from a standard Civic. In fact, Honda Thailand is even offering an RS kit for the electrified sedan. It gets unique 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels, a ducktail spoiler, chrome window strips, and body-colored door handles with faux metal accents. Last but not least, it gets e:HEV badges while the 'H' logos are outlined in blue to signify its hybrid status.

Despite the hybrid Civic now available in The Land of Smiles, there's no word yet if Honda Cars Philippines will actually bring the e:HEV to the country. But with Toyota now offering five hybrid models in the country, perhaps it's now time for Honda to get back into the hybrid arena.