Is Honda Cars PH launching another hybrid soon?

Honda has received approval for a passenger vehicle with a 1993cc engine

It appears Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) is set to launch yet another hybrid vehicle soon. While they already have the CR-V e:HEV in their lineup, it wouldn't hurt for the automaker to add yet another electrified model in their portfolio. After all, one of its closest competitors Toyota has a wide range of hybrids available across different segments.

Recently, HCPI was given regulatory approval for a new passenger vehicle with a 1993cc engine. This translates to a 2.0-liter engine which will likely have four cylinders. Currently, the only vehicle in Honda's lineup to have a 2.0L engine is the CR-V e:HEV. This begs us the question, what exactly is HCPI planning to reveal soon?

With a reference weight of around 1532 kg, Honda's mystery vehicle appears to be a hefty sedan. After cross-checking the numbers and the engine size, we've come to the conclusion that HCPI could possibly launch either the Civic e:HEV or the Accord e:HEV.

Like the CR-V e:HEV, both hybrid versions of the Accord and Civic are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an exact displacement of 1993cc. In addition, their reference weights are approximately close to what HCPI recently received approval for.

In terms of output, the electrified Civic now makes 200 PS along with a meaty 315 Nm of torque which makes it faster than the VTEC Turbo which puts out 178 PS with 240 Nm of pull. Meanwhile, the Accord e:HEV generates 207 PS and a heftier 335 Nm of torque, making it even quicker than the already mighty Civic e:HEV.

Now to the bigger question, which of the two electrified sedans could the Philippine market possibly get? Our best guess is that HCPI will bring the Civic e:HEV to complement the VTEC Turbo models. With the automaker axing the Accord last September 2022, it wouldn't make business sense for HCPI to bring back a slow-selling model. Sure, the Accord e:HEV can go up against the Camry HEV but then again, the midsize sedan market continues to shrink.

Will the Civic e:HEV make sense in the Philippines should Honda actually launch it here? Let us know in the comments.