The 2026 Honda Civic has received a subtle refresh in Thailand, but it comes with one particularly exciting upgrade. It now gains Honda’s new S+ Shift technology from the recently launched Prelude, making it the first model outside of the sporty coupe to feature the system.
Honda’s S+ Shift technology is designed to recreate the sound, response, and feel of a conventional eight-speed automatic transmission, despite the car using an e-CVT. Through a combination of software and hardware tuning, the system simulates gear changes to deliver a more engaging driving experience.
While some EVs, such as Hyundai N models like the Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N, already offer a similar feature, Honda takes a different approach. Instead of simulating shifts with electric motors, S+ Shift lets the petrol engine rev in sync with the virtual gear changes. The experience is further enhanced by Active Sound Control, which plays additional engine sounds through the speakers to create an enhanced engine note.
Underneath the bonnet sits the same series-parallel hybrid system featuring a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson cycle engine producing 141 hp and 182 Nm, primarily juicing a 1.05 kWh battery. This powers a front-mounted traction motor producing 184 hp and 315 Nm of torque. Combined, the system delivers a total output of 203 hp.
Beyond the addition of S+ Shift, the 2026 Civic remains largely unchanged from the outgoing model. Interestingly, it retains the conventional gear selector, unlike the updated Japanese-market model, which replaces the traditional gear lever with a row of push-button gear selectors.
Honda has also introduced two new exterior paint options — Blazing Red and Urban Grey Pearl. Safety equipment has also been enhanced, with Blind Spot Information (BSI) now fitted across the range, while Cross Traffic Monitor (CTM) has been added to the e:HEV EL+ and e:HEV RS variants.
In Thailand, prices for the updated Honda Civic start from THB949,000 (appro. RM115k) for the entry-level EL variant, rising to THB1,259,000 (approx. RM153k) for the range-topping RS. The flagship RS is also the only variant equipped with the new S+ Shift technology.
ALSO READ: 2026 Honda Prelude launched in Malaysia – 2.0L eHEV coupe with Type R suspension from RM278k
For reference, the Honda Civic in Malaysia is currently priced from RM133,900 for the entry-level E variant to RM167,900 for the flagship 2.0L e:HEV RS variant, with all prices on the road and without insurance.
The updated Honda Civic with S+ Shift technology is expected to arrive in Malaysia sometime soon. Earlier this year, Honda Malaysia announced plans to introduce up to six new or updated models in 2026, and the refreshed Civic could be one of them. It may even make its local debut alongside the heavily facelifted Honda City, which was also recently introduced in Thailand.
ALSO READ: Honda Prelude to launch in Malaysia in 2026? 6 new models planned for this year
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