Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) has updated three of its core models for the local market: the Civic RS e:HEV, City, and City Hatchback. The latest changes bring a new driving feature to the hybrid Civic and a round of styling and equipment upgrades to the two smaller models.
These updates land just as the market is getting crowded with new faces, especially from China, all flaunting sharp designs and tempting features. Instead of tossing out what works, Honda is doubling down on its strengths and giving buyers a few more reasons to swing by the showroom.
All three models are now available through Honda’s 41 dealerships nationwide.
Honda Civic gains Prelude’s S+ Shift
The Civic RS e:HEV retains its hybrid powertrain but gains S+ Shift, a feature first introduced locally on the Honda Prelude. It simulates gear changes through virtual upshifts and rev-matched downshifts activated using the paddle shifters.
The system also uses Active Sound Control to amplify engine sounds inside the cabin, complementing the simulated shifts with audible feedback. Honda says the Civic can still achieve a fuel economy figure of 30.12 km/L, based on the Department of Energy’s 2025 Eco-Run.
Powertrain output remains at 184 hp and 315 Nm of torque. The Civic also retains Honda SENSING, Honda CONNECT, and Google Automotive Services.
Two new exterior colors, Urban Gray Pearl and Blazing Red Pearl, join the existing palette. The other available colors are Platinum White Pearl, Canyon River Blue Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl.
Honda has also extended the ownership coverage through Honda Secure Plus. The Civic receives a five-year or 150,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, whichever comes first, while its hybrid battery is covered for eight years or 160,000 kilometers.
New Honda Civic
RS e:HEV E-CVT with S+ Shift – P2,080,000
First Impressions: The Civic’s sporty side gets a boost
The Civic was already one of the better-driving compact sedans available, even before S+ Shift arrived. The hybrid powertrain hasn’t taken away its appeal, and this new feature gives drivers another reason to appreciate it.
What caught me off guard during the pre-launch drive was just how natural S+ Shift felt. Even with all the simulated gear changes and piped-in engine noise, it never felt fake or robotic. The torque kick on downshifts matched up with the revs, making the whole thing feel surprisingly mechanical – even when the car was actually quietly humming along in EV mode most of the time.
Of note, there’s an important difference between the Prelude’s S+ Shift and the Civic’s. On the Prelude, the fetaure also tweaks the dampers for a sportier ride, but in the Civic, it’s all about the shifting feel and sound without adjusting the suspension. Still, for buyers who want a bit more excitement without sacrificing hybrid efficiency, it’s a solid bonus.
Honda City and City Hatchback get refreshed styling
The City and City Hatchback receive revised front-end styling, new 16-inch alloy wheels, updated connected headlight profiles for better visibility at night, and clear-lens taillights. The City RS also gains a new trunk accent and glossy black door handles, while the hatchback gets a refreshed rear bumper.
Inside, selected variants now feature a larger 10-inch display audio touchscreen, updated seat trims, and rear USB-C charging ports. The City RS and City Hatchback also gain rain-sensing wipers, a LaneWatch camera, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Both models retain the 1.5-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine and CVT, producing 119 hp and 145 Nm of torque. Honda claims fuel economy figures of 25.17 km/L for the City and 25 km/L for the City Hatchback, based on the Honda-AAP Eco-Run held in 2021.
Urban Gray Pearl and Blazing Red Pearl are the new exterior colors, while Honda Racing Corporation accessories are now available for both models.
Like the Civic, the City and City Hatchback qualify for Honda Secure Plus, which provides five years or 150,000 kilometers of vehicle warranty coverage, whichever comes first.
New Honda City
RS – P1,178,000
RS Hatchback – P1,238,000
V – P1,083,000
S – P998,000
First Impressions: The City looks more contemporary
I like the City’s updated face. The sharper styling makes it feel more contemporary and better aligned with the newer vehicles entering the Philippine market. The Crystal Black Pearl for RS and V variants is particularly appealing, although the Urban Gray Pearl and Blazing Red Pearl finishes should also give buyers more ways to personalize their cars.
Since the powertrain remains unchanged, the City and City Hatchback drive much as they did before. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. In my experience, the City continues to offer some of the best handling in its segment, while its power delivery and acceleration remain competitive.
The new kit is genuinely useful, especially the bigger touchscreen and extra driver aids. But there’s still one thing missing: a hybrid City or City Hatchback for the Philippines. With fuel prices always on the rise, an electrified option would make a lot of sense for buyers who want to save at the pump. I mean, if Toyota already did so with the Ativ, Honda Cars could have increased the ante to stir the pot – a good thing for buyers.
Autocar’s Take
It’s good to see Honda updating both its compact and subcompact offerings for the Philippines. The changes help bring the local lineup closer to Honda’s global product direction, and we’re not having to wait as long for these updates to arrive. For me, that’s a positive development.
The Civic’s S+ Shift adds character to a hybrid sedan that was already enjoyable to drive, while the City and City Hatchback benefit from a more modern appearance and useful equipment upgrades. These changes give Honda fans a reason to take another look at the brand despite the growing number of competitors in the market.
Still, I’d like to see Honda Cars Philippines take the next step by bringing in the hybrid City. The refreshed gasoline models remain appealing, but a hybrid option would expand buyers’ choices and give Honda another way to compete in a country where gas prices are as fickle as the weather.
