Do you remember the CR-Z and the Legend? Filipinos had a short (but sweet) affair with these Honda hybrids. Well, more with the compact sports car, the CR-Z, than with the executive sedan, the Legend. After the phaseout of these two models, HCPI (Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.) stayed away from the hybrid scene for five years.

HCPI made a complete 180° in 2023, launching the hybrid version of the CR-V, followed by the Civic a year later, and the HR-V in March this year. Honda now refers to these models as e:HEV, a global communication name for its two-motor hybrid system. 

Why the change of heart about hybrids? “Honda has been working on hybrids for the last 25 years, and, in fact, in other countries, (our) hybrid models are actually available for consumers. To align the Philippines with the global vision of Honda for carbon neutrality by 2050, the first step that we can take is to bring back hybrids, especially now that the acceptance of hybrids in the local market is also doing quite well,” said Rex Decena, Communications Department Manager (HCPI).

With three e:HEVs in the lineup, the company seems to be going pedal-to-the-metal towards electrified mobility but is not committing (yet) to another new e:HEV model. 

“We have recently just launched the new HR-V RS e:HEV and for the moment we have no definite information yet on other models but we do see other hybrids coming out in other countries, especially in other segments. But that is not to say that we intend to bring them here, just to be clear, that is still under consideration also,” added Decena.

If you’re hoping to see fully electric Hondas such as the e:N1 (compact crossover in Thailand) or the upcoming Elevate (subcompact crossover SUV in India), here is what Decena had to say — “EVs are definitely under consideration (because of the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050),  however the timing for the Philippines is yet to be determined.”

As for the models we already have, the e:HEV variants of the Civic and the CR-V share the same electrified powertrain — a 2.0-liter engine with two electric motors and a 1.06-kWh battery in the CR-V, while the Civic sports a 1-kWh version. The HR-V e:HEV also has a 1.5-liter engine with two electric motors but has the smallest battery of the three hybrids, at just 0.92 kWh.

HCPI ensured that all e:HEV models were taken through a gamut of driving scenarios and conditions, which means bumper-to-bumper traffic on EDSA (from Solaire North to Balintawak Cloverleaf Park) and (not to forget) inside Baguio City, highway driving on NLEX/SCTEX/TPLEX, the stop-and-go of national roads in Rosario, and the twisty climb on Kennon Road. Last but not least, a fuel-eco run topping off the two-day drive. 

The best CR-V e:HEV mileage was 22.7 km/l. The best HR-V e:HEV mileage was 24 km/l. The best Civic e:HEV mileage was 29.8 km/l.

These are outstanding numbers that just about any hybrid powertrain can deliver. What makes these e:HEVs different from rivals in the segment are signature Honda qualities Filipinos have grown to love, including its eye-catching upmarket styling. Handling is outstanding and provides enough weighted feedback that makes the drive engaging. 

The amenities and creature comforts are second to none, with leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a wireless Apple CarPlay/charging pad, among others. As top-of-the-line models, a multi-view reverse camera and the Honda SENSING advanced driver-assist system are standard equipment. The only thing I’d probably improve is noise/vibration/harshness dampening. I expected lower levels from these Hondas. It isn’t a deal-breaker, and I’d buy any one of these if I had this much lying around. The CR-V e:HEV is priced at P2.605 million, HR-V e:HEV at P1.799 million, and the Civic e:HEV at P1.990 million.

Honda’s return to the hybrid scene is great news, whether you’re a fan of the brand or simply a motorist looking for a more premium electrified mobility solution. If you don’t want to settle for just any hybrid in the market, the combination of style, sportiness, and efficiency make these e:HEVs an excellent choice.