Honda and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have been synonymous in Malaysia since 2004, when Honda Malaysia first introduced the ES-generation Civic Hybrid. Fast forward 21 years, and Honda remains one of the top choices for hybrid vehicles in the country.
From the early days of Honda’s IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) to the more advanced Sport Hybrid i-DCD (Intelligent Dual-Clutch Drive), and now the latest two-motor i-MMD e:HEV (Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive) system, Honda’s electrification journey has been one of kaizen (continuous improvement).
In conjunction with this 21-year milestone, Honda Malaysia recently hosted a media drive event featuring its flagship Honda e:HEV hybrid offerings: the 2025 Honda Civic 2.0L e:HEV RS and 2025 Honda CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS.
We also had the golden opportunity to chat with Junichi Ishikawa, the Chief Engineer behind the e:HEV project (prior to this, he worked on the IMA and i-DCD hybrid systems as well) and the answer was simple: Honda hybrid maximizes the fun of driving without compromising fuel efficiency.
Honda e:HEV Hybrid – Maximizing driving fun without sacrificing efficiency
Without diving too deeply into the technicalities of the e:HEV system, what sets Honda’s hybrid apart from its competitors is its ability to accelerate from a standstill using electric power alone.
In fact, during most urban driving conditions, the drive motor handles the bulk of propulsion. The petrol engine only kicks in when extra power is needed (via a lock-up clutch) or when it acts as a generator to recharge the traction battery.
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The drive motor produces 184 PS and 335 Nm (315 Nm in the Civic), which delivers an EV-like driving experience — smooth, quiet, and with instantaneous torque.
Then there’s the e-CVT. Despite the name, it’s not a conventional CVT with belts and pulleys. In fact, it’s not a physical transmission in the traditional sense.
In the Honda e:HEV hybrid system, the vehicle is driven solely by the traction motor, delivering power directly to the front wheels. The Atkinson cycle petrol engine either acts as a generator (via the second motor) or connects directly to the wheels at higher speeds via a lock-up clutch.
Despite that, Honda has implemented Linear Shift Control simulates gear changes by synchronizing engine sound with vehicle speed, delivering a more natural and rhythmic driving feel, much like a stepped automatic transmission. The e-CVT name purely for marketing purposes.
For the end user, the takeaway is simple: Honda e:HEV hybrid models drive just like a regular ICE car, with the added benefits of improved fuel efficiency and responsive torque delivery.
2025 Honda CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS – The all-rounder that’s almost perfect
We began our northern drive in the 2025 Honda CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS, the range-topping CR-V in Honda Malaysia’s lineup.
Priced from RM 195,900 (on-the-road, without insurance), it carries a RM 14,000 premium over the top-spec Turbo 1.5V.
So what does that RM 14k get you? Primarily, Honda’s flagship sophisticated and advanced dual-motor petrol-electric hybrid system, producing 184 PS and 335 Nm.
But numbers aside, the real standout feature is its remarkable fuel economy: a claimed 5.0L/100 km (20 km/L). Combined with its 57-litre fuel tank, the CR-V e:HEV is capable of traveling up to 1,140 km on a full tank. Honda Malaysia may not officially promote this range figure, but under gentle driving conditions, it’s definitely within reach. During our highway and trunk road stints, the CR-V e:HEV returned roughly 6.0L/100 km – still an impressive figure considering that we were gunning it.
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On highways, the CR-V e:HEV feels most comfortable cruising between 110–120 km/h. Go beyond that, and it starts to feel like the powertrain is being stretched. That’s a given, considering the Atkinson-cycle engine prioritizes efficiency over outright performance. If high-speed highway driving is a priority, the 1.5-litre turbo variants might be a better fit.
That said, the CR-V e:HEV excels in urban environments, where the petrol engine primarily acts as a generator, and the electric motor does most of the driving. It’s in these conditions that the hybrid system feels seamless and most refined.
Being the flagship model, the CR-V e:HEV is also impressively quiet. Ishikawa-san’s slides mentioned that they relocated the position of the Intelligent Power Unit (IPU, or battery pack for the layman) to the rear right seat foot area, thus reducing the noise by 13% (at 80 km/h) versus the predecessor model (Malaysia did not sell this model).
In addition to the relocated IPU, the CR-V e:HEV comes equipped with double-glazed windows, and notably, wheel resonators that reduce tyre noise. While the factory-fitted Toyo Proxes R45 tires are decent, a quieter set of tyres could further enhance cabin serenity.
The CR-V e:HEV’s suspension leans towards the comfort size of things, not nearly as agile or nimble as the Mazda CX-5. Those wanting a more driver-focused SUV should lean towards the latter, as the CR-V is a comfort-biased SUV meant for everyday driving.
The CR-V e:HEV also packs a long list of features, including:
- 12-speaker Bose sound system (a first for CKD CR-Vs in Malaysia)
- Adaptive Driving Beam
- Active Sound Control
- Active Shutter Grille
- RS body kit
- 10.2-inch fully-digital instrument cluster
- Head-up display
- Sport pedals
2025 Honda Civic 2.0L e:HEV RS – Facelifted and improved
The next day, we took the facelifted 2025 Honda Civic 2.0L e:HEV RS for a spin around Penang Island, including the winding roads of Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau.
Thanks to its low-slung body compared to the CR-V, the Civic e:HEV hugs the twisty roads with sheer confidence. Couple that with the instant torque from the e:HEV powertrain and we were never left wanting in this C-segment sedan – it’s just a matter of point and shoot. It’s also the reason why between the two, the Civic is the driver’s choice, though the CR-V is the far more practical choice (more boot space and more spacious cabin).
Despite its smaller 40-litre fuel tank, the Civic e:HEV boasts a claimed fuel consumption of 4.0L/100 km, giving it a theoretical range of 1,000 km. While we didn’t have enough time to test the full range, based on our experience and Honda’s proven track record, that figure doesn’t seem far-fetched.
Importantly, Honda has also addressed a key complaint from the pre-facelift model: the front seats. The new seats now feature a less aggressive lumbar design, which makes a noticeable difference during long-distance drives.
Furthermore, the updated Civic also benefits from an upgraded infotainment system, now with Google built-in – much appreciated by users of the search engine giant. That said, there’s also wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Compared to the CR-V e:HEV, the Civic does miss out on the Bose sound system and Adaptive Driving Beam, but it’s worth noting that the Civic is RM 28,000 cheaper. Considering both share a nearly identical powertrain (the CR-V has an additional low gear lock-up for towing and 20 Nm more torque), the Civic e:HEV arguably offers better value for those prioritizing driving dynamics and affordability, without compromising on fuel efficiency.
Conclusion – Hybrid done right for the everyday driver
If there’s one thing Honda has perfected with the e:HEV system, it’s how normal it feels to drive. Despite the sheer complexity under the hood, Honda has engineered a self-charging hybrid that delivers the familiar feel of an ICE car, while being as efficient as hybrids can get.
Add Honda’s signature ‘Man Maximum, Machine Minimum’ cabin philosophy and ‘Fun of Driving’ DNA, and it’s no surprise that Honda continues to be the most dependable and trustworthy hybrid brand in Malaysia, with more than 60,000 units of hybrids sold since 2004.
Whether it’s the all-round practicality of the CR-V or the sharp, confident handling of the Civic, these flagship Honda e:HEV hybrid models prove that hybrids aren’t just for enthusiasts or tech-savvy buyers – they’re for everyday drivers.
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2025 Honda CR-V 2.0L e:HEV RS photo gallery
2025 Honda Civic 2.0L e:HEV RS photo gallery
Honda e:HEV presentation slides
