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UPGRADED HONDA CIVIC e:HEV WITH INNOVATIVE HONDA S+ SHIFT FEATURE AND ENHANCED SPORT GRADE

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Honda

15 October 2026

Product Update
Original press release and more images on the Honda media site →
UPGRADED HONDA CIVIC e:HEV WITH INNOVATIVE HONDA S+ SHIFT FEATURE AND ENHANCED SPORT GRADE
From Honda’s original release. Editorial use only, under Honda’s terms. Copyright Honda or its photographers — Auto Press Hub grants no rights.
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●Exciting Honda S+ Shift technology first seen on new Prelude now available on Civic

●Standard on Advance and Sport grades it enhances the ‘joy of driving’ with simulated eight-speed transmission

●Enhanced Sport grade features upgraded interior trim and addition of premium BOSE sound system

●Revised exterior colours and enhanced safety technology further elevate Civic’s appeal

●All Civic grades feature Honda’s unique hybrid powertrain that delivers a refined and responsive driving experience with exceptional real-world efficiency

Honda is enhancing the appeal of its Civic e:HEV hybrid line-up with the availability of the innovative Honda S+ Shift technology first seen on the recently revealed Prelude sports coupe. Plus, an upgraded Sport trim grade with additional equipment and bespoke interior accents.

The updated range also features a refreshed colour palette offering even greater premium appeal, alongside the addition of a new driver monitoring camera as part of the comprehensive suite of Honda SENSING safety advanced driver aids.

Powered by Honda’s e:HEV full hybrid, the Civic delivers a responsive and refined driving experience that has been engineered to appeal to those seeking a dynamic and exciting family hatchback. Benefitting from over 25 years of pioneering hybrid engineering technology, the Civic also offers exceptional real world fuel efficiency and driving range of up to 528 miles.

The Honda Civic also retains its uniquely sporty driving characteristics that offer an unrivalled connection between car and driver. Engineered to ensure that its chassis, steering, and suspension deliver superior levels of performance, dynamic response, and feedback in all driving situations, it provides exceptional driver confidence and satisfaction.

Honda S+ Shift for enhanced ‘joy of driving’

First seen on the new Prelude sports coupe, Honda S+ Shift is an innovative technology that simulates the sound, feel and driver engagement of quick automatic gear changes. Now a standard fitment on Advance and Sport grades, it further enhances the exhilarating driving pleasure that is already a Civic trademark.

Building on Honda’s Linear Shift Control, Honda S+ Shift introduces more advanced synchronisation of engine speed, vehicle speed and sound to deliver a more engaging and responsive acceleration feel. 

It enhances this by precisely controlling engine RPM and drive force during both acceleration and deceleration. In combination with Active Sound Control (ASC), engine sound is amplified and harmonised with engine RPM, reinforcing the perception of gear changes. Featuring a virtual eight-speed transmission, this advanced system creates an even stronger connection between the car and driver.

By using the steering wheel paddles, that ordinarily control the level of regenerative braking when Honda S+ Shift is not engaged, the driver can now change gears in a similar fashion to a high performance automatic. When changing down, drivers will also experience a real engine braking effect for even greater control, plus a perfectly timed rev-matching throttle ‘blip’ for smooth downshift.

Upgraded Sport grade

To complement the addition of Honda S+ Shift, the Civic line-up now features an enhanced Sport grade. Delivering dynamic and stylish improvements, it also benefits from an elevated specification that includes the addition of a premium BOSE audio system.

Externally, the upgraded Sport is identified by its new gloss black roof-mounted shark fin antenna. Inside, eye-catching red stitching now appears on the front seats, the front centre armrest, front and rear door trims and the steering wheel. The sporty appeal is further reinforced by the red garnish around the front grille dashboard.

As part of the upgraded specification, the Sport grade now features a premium 12-speaker BOSE ‘CentrepointTM’ sound system as standard. Offering all occupants improved sound quality when listening to music, the technology is the result of a joint development between sound experts from Honda and BOSE to create a powerful, high-quality immersive experience for all occupants.

New colours and safety upgrades

All Civic e:HEV grades (Elegance, Sport and Advance) now feature a new driver monitoring camera that’s placed on the interior A-Pillar. Part of the car’s advanced Honda SENSING advanced driver aids, it assists the driver by providing alerts to ensure their attention remains on the road.

Finally, the Civic e:HEV is now available with a new exterior paint finish, Meteoroid Gray Metallic. It’s one of five premium colour options, which also include Platinum White Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic and Seabed Blue Pearl.

Sales of the refreshed Honda Civic e:HEV are live and available from £34,325.00

To learn more about the Honda Civic, please visit: Honda Civic Hybrid | Overview | Honda UK

To find out more about Honda, please visit: New Honda Cars | Buy Hybrid & Electric Car Online | Honda UK

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