Honda's S+ Shift function, which debuted with the reborn Prelude, will make its way to other models for increased driving fun.
Honda’s new hybrid vehicles, expected to debut with the 12th-generation Civic next year for a 2027 launch, will all feature an updated version of the Prelude’s simulated gear shifter for a more natural driving feel.
Confirmed for all incoming Honda hybrids – ranging in size currently from the Jazz (or Fit) to the CR-V and Accord – Honda’s S+ Shift feature emulates the cog-swapping of a dual-clutch automatic transmission, but applied to an electronic continuously variable transmission (e-CVT).
Essentially, the system pipes in amplified engine sounds into the cabin, and allows drivers to operate the steering-wheel-mounted paddles to change virtual gears, complete with a torque dip and transmission ‘shunt’.
The goal, according to Honda, is to increase driver engagement in a hybrid-powered vehicle, and eliminate the rubber-banding and elastic feel of CVTs that have an infinite number of ratios.
The S+ Shift feature first debuted on the reborn 2026 Prelude, which will arrive in Australian showrooms in the first half of next year, with the feature designed to increase driver engagement in the sporty two-door model.
A variation of the tech is also used in the Super-One – Honda Australia’s first production EV due to arrive in the second half of 2026 – under the Boost Mode function, which also maximises outputs from the single electric motor.
The next model expected to receive the feature will be the next-generation Honda Civic, likely breaking cover next year for a 2027 showroom arrival.
Typically, Civics have a five-to-six-year lifecycle, and with the 11th-generation version arriving in mid-2021, the new Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3 rival is due for a refresh.
Honda had a heavily disguised “mid-size platform” vehicle at its proving ground in Japan, which was confirmed to underpin models including the Civic hatch, Accord sedan, ZR-V, and CR-V mid-size SUV.
Changes to the architecture also include moving the battery unit of hybrids to under the rear seats from the boot for better weight distribution, and improvements to body control and ride refinement.
Vehicles on the new mid-size platform will feature a 2.0-litre petrol engine with hybrid assistance – like they do currently – while plans are also in place to offer some variants with a purely petrol powertrain.
Honda’s smaller vehicles will also gain the S+ Shift feature, set to be adapted to successor models to the current Jazz/Fit and HR-V/Vezel, with hybrid powertrains continuing to be paired with 1.5-litre petrol engines.
Tung Nguyen has been in the automotive journalism industry for over a decade, cutting his teeth at various publications before finding himself at Drive in 2024. With experience in news, feature, review, and advice writing, as well as video presentation skills, Tung is a do-it-all content creator. Tung’s love of cars first started as a child watching Transformers on Saturday mornings, as well as countless hours on PlayStation’s Gran Turismo, meaning his dream car is a Nissan GT-R, with a Liberty Walk widebody kit, of course.
