Honda is set to extend the performance-oriented technology first introduced in the Prelude to its Civic lineup, giving the everyday hybrid sedan a touch of driver engagement usually missing in electrified models.
The Civic e:HEV RS, known locally as the Sport Touring Hybrid, will be the first high-volume Honda to receive this update starting in January.
The reborn Prelude showcased Honda’s approach to hybrid performance, and central to that philosophy is S+ Shift. This control technology, introduced on the Prelude’s hybrid powertrain, aims to reintroduce the tactile engagement often lost in electrified vehicles.
By synchronizing engine speed, motor output, and acceleration, S+ Shift delivers a more defined, step-like response when the throttle is pressed hard, giving drivers sharper feedback and a stronger emotional connection behind the wheel.
In the Prelude, the technology defines the car as a “driver’s hybrid,” balancing efficiency with involvement.
Honda has now confirmed that S+ Shift will be applied to the Civic e:HEV RS, making the leap from halo coupe to a high-volume sedan.
In the Civic, S+ Shift reimagines hybrid driving. Instead of tuning the model solely for smooth operation and fuel economy, Honda is designing hybrids that appeal to enthusiasts.
S+ Shift restores intent and mechanical feel to the powertrain by tightening throttle response, refining deceleration, and giving the acceleration buildup a more deliberate and engaging character. Importantly, these changes enhance engine feel without compromising the efficiency inherent in Honda’s e:HEV system.
With the Civic already offering a balanced chassis and precise steering, S+ Shift is expected to inject a newfound liveliness into the driving experience. The result is a sedan that maintains everyday usability while recapturing the spirit of Honda’s classic performance cars.
At the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon, Honda will showcase the Civic e:HEV RS prototype featuring S+ Shift as part of its “Sports DNA” exhibit.
The display will also include the Civic Type R HRC Concept, the Prelude HRC Concept, and the Prelude-GT Super GT race car. Among these headline acts, the inclusion of the Civic Hybrid may make the most significant statement, highlighting Honda’s ambition to combine electrification with driving excitement.
The Civic e:HEV RS could serve as a blueprint for a future where Honda reintroduces the thrill that has long defined its brand, even as it embraces hybrid technology.
