since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
BETTER connectivity is the trend that is increasingly being exploited in new cars that are introduced these days and the latest Honda Civic is no exception. It comes standard with Google Assistant and all one needs to do is say ‘Hey Google’ to assess its many functions, including Google Maps in real time.
This hands-free Google Built-in feature should be a boon in providing greater connectivity and personalisation for the latest Civic. You could also use Google Assistant to manage the air-conditioning system while receiving real-time traffic updates. And that’s just a start of what could be expected of the new Civic that starts 2025 in new car launches.
While the new Civic retains a similar profile as the old, fresh aesthetic touches are made here and there to assume an updated identity. The top two models come with more dedicated touches to better portray their respective status; the e:HEV RS is endowed with body colour front grille extensions and lower grille garnishes.
The Petrol RS comes with black-painted grille accents to exude a sportier stance. A new styling feature common to all four models is the sleek black taillamp extension to highlight their contemporary standing; the RS models get a new RS emblem.
These new styling elements, in particular the front, give the latest Civic a more forceful look that upholds its youthful vigour with an aggressive undertone. They have also led to a marginally longer body at 4678mm, three millimetres longer than the old. The other areas remain unchanged being the 1802mm width, 1415mm height and 2735mm wheelbase.
Being more of a facelift exercise to toe a modern outlook, the latest Civic is largely unchanged in kerb weights than the previous models, ranging from 1338kg for Civic E to 1448kg for the 2.0L e:HEV RS.
Likewise, the engine variants and powertrains remain much the same as the preceded model. The E, V and Petrol RS models share similar mechanicals in the 1.5-litre (1498cc) VTEC Turbo double-cam engine that delivers 134kW (182PS) at 6000rpm and 240Nm torque, which comes in early at 1700rpm and holds till 4500rpm. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is standard to all three.
Thus, the new Civic performance stays status quo with the previous model with a 200km/h top speed and 0-100km/h acceleration ranging from 8.3 to 8.5 seconds, depending on the respective model kerb weight. The average fuel consumption is given as 6.0 L/100km (16.7km/l) to 6.3 L/100km (15.8km/l), depending on models.
The e:HEV RS has the 1993cc Atkinson Cycle engine that delivers 105kW (143PS) at 6000rpm and 189Nm at 4500rpm. The electric motor that also powers the car is rated at 135kW (184PS) at 5000-6000rpm and 315Nm torque from 0-2000rpm. That’s why it is the fastest of all the four models in 0-100km/h runs at 7.9 seconds although its top speed is lower at 180km/h. It also delivers the best fuel consumption of 4.0 L/100km (25km/l).
It goes one better over the other models by being featured with the e-CVT (electric continuously variable transmission). Inside the car, the e:HEV RS continues to see red colour inserts for the refreshed pattern of the combination leather upholstery to command a ‘sporty refined’ aesthetics.
Honda SENSING is now offered as a standard feature for all the new Civic variants and this features a suite of active safety features such as Low Speed Follow (LSF), Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Road Departure Mitigation, Auto High Beam, among others.
Another feature that is also made standard for all the Civic models now is Honda CONNECT, which is described as an advanced smartphone integration for better connectivity with the car. It includes a new Light & Horn remote function that is said to provide a practical way to locate vehicles or ‘signal nearby individuals’ when needed.
The new Civic comes with five colours and among them is a hue introduced for the first time; Canyon River Blue Metallic. The other shades are Platinum White Pearl, Ignite Red Metallic (both of which entails an additional RM800 surcharge), Meteoroid Grey Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl. Another new standard feature is the pre-installed Solar and Security film.
As expected, the new Civic range comes with slightly higher prices (of about RM1500) on the road without insurance; the Civic E is retailed at RM133,900, the Civic V RM144,900, Civic Petrol RS RM149,900 and Civic e:HEV RS RM167,900.
Honda Malaysia targets to sell 1000 Civics a month to maintain its lead in the non-national C-segment market. Managing Director and CEO Hironobu Yoshimura says the Civic holds a ‘commanding 81 per cent market share’ in that segment as of December 2024. Overall, Honda recorded sales above 81,600 vehicles in 2024 to maintain its leadership in the non-national passenger car segment for the 11th consecutive year.
Brochure link here
New Civic Price List here
