The Honda Civic has received an update that will see it gain the manufacturer’s clever S+ Shift ‘virtual gearbox’ technology to simulate a manual transmission.
One of the world’s longest running nameplates, the current Honda Civic is currently in its eleventh generation having grown in dimensions to be positioned as a rival to both compact and full-size family cars like the Volkswagen Golf and Peugeot 408.
Until now, the Civic made use of a smart e-CVT gearbox, which doesn’t use gears, therefore removing the sensation of the car clicking through them as you accelerate in a manner more accustomed to an electric vehicle.
However, with S+ Shift functionality – available on Advance and Sport trims - Honda uses a combination of ‘sound, feel and driver engagement’ as though the Civic is making quick automatic changes of gear instead.
First introduced on the Honda Prelude sports coupe, S+ Shift controls the engine RPM and driving force during acceleration and deceleration to provide the sensory feel of a more involved eight-speed manual transmission without requiring physical changes.
To coincide with the introduction of S+ Shift technology, the Sport grade has also been upgraded to get red stitching on the front seats, armrest and door trims, while there is a garnish of the shade on the dashboard.
Under the bonnet, the frugal hybrid powertrain is unchanged with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine generating 181bhp and, thanks to its electric motor, returning up to 56mpg
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- Honda
- New Cars