SUBANG JAYA: Honda Malaysia has given its popular Civic sedan a more dynamic appearance along with new safety and connectivity features.
Offered in four variants, the refreshed 1.5E comes at RM133,900, 1.5V (RM144,900), 1.5RS Petrol (RM149,900) and 2.0RS e:HEV (RM167,900).
Prices of the V and hybrid RS stay unchanged. However, the entry-level E variant is RM2,000 extra, while the petrol RS price is cut by RM2,000.
As for colour options, the Civic is now available in a new Canyon River Blue Metallic colour, joining the standard offerings of Meteoroid Gray Metallic, Ignite Red Metallic (+RM800), Platinum White Pearl (+RM800), and Crystal Back Pearl (petrol variants only).
This includes the front bumper with a wider lower grille section and the smaller intakes on its flanks, resulting in a 3mm gain in length to 4,681mm.
Aside from the front-end change, there's nothing else to differentiate it from its predecessor; unless opting for the range-topping e:HEV RS variant.
Across all variants, a sleek black taillight extension enhances its modern design while RS variants receives a new RS emblem.
Doing so will have the Civic getting new gloss black seven-spoke 18-inch wheels fitted with 235/40 series tyres along with chrome and black combination door handles, gloss black effect for the front grille and high gloss B-pillars.
Inside, there is a new fabric pattern for the seats as well as red highlights around the cabin.
Furthermore, the e:HEV RS gets a 10.2-inch high-definition full-colour LCD panel for the instrument cluster while the rest of the other petrol variants use a semi-digital setup with a smaller 7.0-inch LCD panel.
A nine-inch Advanced Display Audio system is now a standard inclusion across the lineup as is the integration of Google into the system that enables access to Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play.
For added convenience, all variants now have wireless charging, front and rear Type-C USB ports, automatic wipers, solar and security tint as well as wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The powertrain remained as is with the 1.5-litre VTEC turbo engine delivering 182PS and 240Nm of torque, while the 2.0RS e:HEV's 2.0-litre Atkinson Cycle engine pumping out 143PS and 189Nm of torque and its electric motor pushing out 184PS and 315Nm of torque.
The e:HEV RS now includes Individual to the standard driving modes of Econ, Normal and Sport.
This will allow drivers to tailor the vehicle's power, steering, engine sound, meter gauge, meter graphics and the newly included Display Audio to their liking.
Additionally, all Civic variants now come standard with Honda Connect mobile app that boasts of a new interface and functionalities to further bolster convenience, security and safety during the ownership experience.
Among the new inclusions is the ability to remote activate the lights and horn.
A new subscription and payment system is now available, along with a recall notification and a new Personal Data Wipe option.
With the app, owners can also check the vehicle's status and receive service reminder prompts.
There are also options for Find My Car, Geo-Fencing alert and emergency call as well as automatic collision detection, security alarm detection and speed alert among others.
Also included as optional extras is the availability of the Modulo accessories which include body kits, metal pedals, badges among others.
With Honda Sensing's advanced driver aid system (ADAS) included as standard for all variants, the company has made improvements to the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS).
The CMBS' operating scope has now been extended, allowing motorcycles and bicycles to be detected now.
Additionally, while the CMBS was able to detect pedestrians and bicyclists crossing its path, it can now detect vehicles as well.
The improvement has also extended to the adaptive cruise control function with low-speed follow by providing a more gentle brake control for a smoother experience.
Tweaks have also been made to the Lane Keep Assist System to provide a "more linear operation against disturbance", so that the assist steering system is able to stay within the lane without meandering within it as much as before.
Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Hironobu Yoshimura said the company ended 2024 on a high note, with sales exceeding 81,600 units.
"With this achievement we are proud to announce that we have maintained our leadership in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for the 11th consecutive year," he said.
He also said the Civic commanded a 81% share of the non-national C-segment market.
"We are starting the year on a positive outlook with the introduction of the new Civic which will bring this legacy to the next level with its advanced powertrain and seamless connectivity, transforming every drive into a remarkable journey,” Yoshimura said, adding that the company is aiming to sell 1,000 units of the new Civic a month.
For more information, log on to www.honda.com.my.
