Honda Civic e:HEV RS Debuts in Indonesia with ‘S+ Shift’ Simulated Gearbox

JAKARTA, Indonesia, At the ongoing Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), Honda has unveiled more than just its futuristic Super-One concept. The Japanese automaker is also showcasing an updated Civic e: HEV RS, featuring a notable technological addition that promises to make the hybrid driving experience more engaging: the S+ Shift system.

While the show car looks identical to the current model on the exterior, a subtle “S+ Shift Equipped” decal on the side hints at the enhanced driver interaction under the skin. This feature, previously introduced in the new Honda Prelude, simulates the sensation of shifting through an eight-speed gearbox, despite the car retaining its standard hybrid powertrain architecture.

How S+ Shift Works

The Civic e: HEV continues to use Honda’s two-motor hybrid system, where an electric motor drives the front wheels via a single-speed transmission, while the 2.0-liter petrol engine acts primarily as a generator or clutches in directly only at higher, more efficient cruising speeds. There is no physical multi-gear transmission involved.

However, activating the S+ button on the center console transforms the driving interface:

• Virtual Rev Counter: A tachometer appears on the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster.

• Paddle Repurposing: The steering wheel paddles switch from adjusting regenerative braking strength to controlling "virtual gears."

• Simulated Sensations: The system engineers artificial shift shocks and modulates the engine’s revs to rise and fall in sync with the virtual shifts, mimicking the feel of a traditional automatic transmission. An auto-upshift function prevents the driver from hitting an artificial redline.

This technology is an evolution of the existing Linear Shift Control, which already matches engine revs to throttle input for a more natural feel. S+ Shift takes this a step further by adding tactile and auditory cues that appeal to enthusiasts who miss the mechanical engagement of geared transmissions.

Powertrain and Specifications

Beyond the software update, the powertrain remains unchanged. The system centers on:

• Electric Motor: 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque.

• Petrol Engine: 2.0-liter direct-injected four-cylinder producing 141 PS at 6,000 rpm and 182 Nm at 4,500 rpm.

• Total System Output: 203 PS when the engine is clutched in.

In terms of equipment, the Indonesian-spec Civic e: HEV RS follows the Thai market’s lead rather than the Japanese domestic model. It misses out on the Prelude-inspired flat-bottomed steering wheel and metal paddle shifters, as well as the push-button gear selector. However, it retains RS-specific interior touches like red highlights and stitching.

Externally, the RS variant features black door handles, exclusive RS badging, and black-painted 17-inch alloy wheels. Notably, these wheels are identical to those on the lower-spec V variant (minus the two-tone finish), meaning Indonesian buyers do not get the larger 18-inch wheels offered in other global markets. While not immediately visible, the presence of a nub on the passenger-side mirror suggests the retention of the LaneWatch camera system, though blind-spot monitoring is likely included as part of the safety suite.

Market Positioning and Malaysia Launch

In Indonesia, the RS trim is exclusively available as an e: HEV, meaning every unit sold will come equipped with S+ Shift. While official pricing has not been announced, the current Civic e:HEV RS retails for 699 million rupiah (approximately RM158,200), serving as a reference point for the updated model.

For Malaysian consumers, the news is promising. Honda Malaysia has promised six new or updated models for 2026, and the refreshed Civic is expected to arrive later this year. Given the success of the CR-V’s hybrid rollout, it is likely that Malaysia will see both a standard e: HEV model and the sportier RS variant. However, due to the enduring popularity of internal combustion engines in the region, the VTEC Turbo petrol models are expected to remain in the lineup alongside the hybrids.

If Honda Malaysia follows the Indonesian and Thai specifications, local buyers may have to forego the flat-bottomed steering wheel but could still benefit from the engaging S+ Shift technology, adding a layer of fun to the efficient hybrid package.