Civic with poise, polish and purpose CIVIC

Honda's 2-litre hybrid mid-sized sedan is much more of a car than its 1.5-litre sibling

- Christopher Tan

Let us start with the elephant in the room. At $233,999 with certificate of entitlement (COE), but before applicable discounts, the Honda Civic 2.0 petrol-electric sedan is $45,000 costlier than its 1.5-litre turbocharged twin reviewed in October 2021.

Why would anyone of sound mind pick the 2-litre hybrid over the 1.5-litre turbo, when both are at a glance indistinguishable? Is authorised Honda agent Kah Motor a little mad to import the 2.0? If it is, there is method to its madness.

You see, the Civic 2.0 is substantially superior to its 1.5 sibling – in the way it drives, its performance, its fuel efficiency and overall refinement. In fact, it is qualitatively closer to the bigger Honda Accord hybrid than it is to its lesser namesake.

And price-wise, the Civic 2.0 sits between the Accord and the Civic 1.5. But because of its price premium, it is clearly not a car for everyone.

Straight off, this unassuming mid-sized saloon is for those who appreciate a better driving experience. The car is powered by a 2-litre normally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. The motor layout is somewhat different from the Accord's, and results in an unrivalled level of verve and seamlessness.