Against all odds, Honda is launching a sporty and affordable version of its Civic, equipped with a gasoline engine and a manual transmission. This new version, called RS, is shaking up the compact segment by offering an attractive alternative to hybrid models.
A surprising offensive from Honda on the compact market
While Toyota and Nissan seemed to dominate the sports compact market, it is ultimately Honda that creates the surprise. The Japanese manufacturer unveils a new version of its Civic, the RS, which stands out with its combustion engine and manual gearbox.
The announcement follows the launch of the latest generation Civic, which until now was only available as a hybrid, with the exception of the highly exclusive Type R. The Civic RS fills a gap in the range, offering a more affordable option for fans of sporty driving.
Technical characteristics of the Honda Civic RS
The new Civic RS stands out in several ways:
These features give the Civic RS significantly sportier driving dynamics than its hybrid cousin.
A bold exterior design
Honda has taken care of the appearance of this new version:
The Civic RS sports several distinctive styling cues:
These modifications accentuate the sporty character of the car, without reaching the extremes of the Type R.
A cabin designed for the driver
The interior of the Civic RS is no exception:
The interior is distinguished by:
These elements reinforce the sporty atmosphere and driver engagement.
A Japanese exclusiveโฆ for now
Unfortunately for European fans, the Honda Civic RS is currently reserved for the Japanese market. Its marketing is scheduled for September in the Japanese archipelago.
In terms of pricing, the RS is positioned very competitively:
Price of the Civic RS in Japan: 4,198,700 yen (around 26,800 euros) Price of the Civic Hybrid: 3,998,500 yen (around 25,500 euros)
The minimal price difference between the two versions (around 1,300 euros) makes the RS particularly attractive for fans of sporty driving.
A bold bet from Honda
With the launch of the Civic RS, Honda is bucking the trend towards electrification. This bold move could well appeal to customers nostalgic for gasoline-powered sports compacts, while offering an affordable alternative to the highly exclusive Type R.
It remains to be seen whether this model will one day be offered in other markets, particularly in Europe. For now, sports driving enthusiasts will have to be content to admire this Civic RS from afar, symbolizing a return to the roots of accessible sportiness at Honda.