The Honda Civic has gained the Prelude’s simulated engine and gearbox technology in a bid to ramp up the family hatchback's driver engagement.
The Civic is a hybrid and its internal combustion engine is used primarily to generate electricity for its 181bhp electric motor, which drives the wheels. The engine is used for forward motion only under higher loads, such as at motorway speeds.
The addition of the ‘S+ Shift’ system from the Prelude means the electric motor can now give the impression of behaving similarly to a traditional combustion engine and automatic gearbox, should an owner desire. It simulates the change in sound and performance as ‘revs’ build, as well as the interruption of power as it changes through its eight virtual ‘gears’.
It is activated by pressing a new S+ button on the centre console.
When the S+ system is engaged, the paddles mounted on the back of the steering wheel – normally used for adjusting the strength of the electric motor’s regenerative braking – can be used to change up or down a gear. Downchanges automatically blip the throttle to match revs for a smoother transition.
The system will be fitted as standard on the middle-rung Sport trim (£34,415, including a £2500 discount applied until 31 October 2026), which has gained an uprated Bose sound system to better deliver the simulated engine noise. The kit is also included in the range-topping Advance grade (£37,495, including the discount).
The first EV to offer a simulated combustion powertrain was the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but Honda has since followed the Korean company’s lead and installed it in the Prelude hybrid and the Super-N city car.
Although such technology is not yet a perfect match for a physical combustion engine and gearbox, it is pitched as a way of offering a traditional driving experience during the transition to more energy-efficient and lower-polluting hybrid and electric powertrains.
Other manufacturers using such technology include Porsche, which will employ it in the next-generation Porsche 718 Boxster EV, Kia and Mercedes-AMG.