10th-gen Honda Civic arrives, priced from RM113,800 - LAUNCH VIDEO

KUALA LUMPUR: The 10th generation Honda Civic has finally landed in Malaysia and is available in three versions with a level of packaging and pricing that are designed to keep it on the minds of the car-buying public.

The 1.8 S (naturally aspirated), 1.5 TC (turbocharged) and 1.5 TC-P (turbocharged) are priced at RM113,800, RM127,800 and RM135,800 respectively (on-the-road prices inclusive of GST and insurance). Both powertrains are linked to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) for a smooth driving experience and fuel efficiency. The model is locally assembled at Honda Malaysia’s plant in Malacca.

With a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, there’s also five colour choices namely White Orchid Pearl (add RM300), Crystal Black, Lunar Silver, Dark Ruby Red and Modern Steel.

Honda said the line-up is expected to meet individual preferences of young families to working adults and professionals.

The new Civic has gotten larger than its predecessor, with a 20% larger bootspace at 519 litres as well as an extra 30mm to its wheelbase at 2,700mm, while being 4,630mm-long (+105mm), 1,800mm-wide (+45mm) and 1,415mm-tall (-20mm).

The 1.8-litre variant rolls on 16-inch wheels with 215/55 series tyres, with the single over-head cam churning out 141PS at 6,500rpm and 174Nm of torque at 6,000rpm – allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 10.4 seconds, while combined fuel economy is rated at 6.3 litres per 100km.

1.5-litre turbo

1.8-litre naturally aspirated

As for the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with dual valve timing control and an electric waste gate, it produces 173PS at 5,500rpm and 220Nm of torque from 1,700 to 5,500rpm, while rolling on larger 17-inch wheels with 215/50 series tyres. It’s 0-100kph time stands at 8.2 seconds, while combined fuel economy comes in at 5.8 litres per 100km.

The turbocharged variants have a smart monitoring system that promises peace of mind in maintaining the efficiency of the engine performance. This feature will indicate the timing of oil change and notify customers with an indication lamp on the speedometer on their service status.

Everything about the Civic is new from its chassis, aerodynamic efficiency, styling, lightings and even cabin materials.

In achieving “Superior Comfort”, the challenge for Honda engineers was to combine sleek and aerodynamic exterior design with D-segment level of spaciousness and comfort. With Honda’s vehicle packaging expertise and Civic’s longer wheelbase and wider body, the new Civic is able to deliver best in class package. High quality and soft padding finishing are applied generously in keeping with the cool personality and premium character of the Civic.

To achieve cabin quietness and further enhance ride quality, the Civic interior package is fitted with light-weight sound proofing system. This includes underbody covering and high noise isolation door system. Overall, Honda has managed to reduce the Noise, Vibration and Harshness to achieve all road quietness which set the Civic a class above the rest.

The Civic offers “Advanced Interface” via its 7” Advanced Display Audio, which has been completely redesigned to be the most convenient and connected Civic ever. Some of these features which are also Civics’ first include: Remote Engine Start; Walk Away Auto Lock; Electric Parking Brake; and Auto Brake Hold. Standard across the variants is a rear-view camera, rear air-cond vents, 4-corner reverse sensors, auto headligths, LED daytime running lights, cruise control and Smart Entry with Push Start Button.

Safety is also emphasised across the three variants as they are all equipped with six airbags (Dual Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, and Side Airbags), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) and ISOFIX.

The growth of the B-segment and the popularity of SUVs that have seen lowered prices in recent years have come at the expense of the C-segment, which has declined 19%.

The Civic has sold over 80,000 units since its introduction in 2001.

“We are confident that the new Civic will not only live up to its name but also be the game changer and up the ante in the C-segment with its stylish design, new powertrain and class leading advance features,” said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Katsuto Hayashi in his first address to the media.

Touting the Civic as offering “D-segment value at C-segment pricing”, Hayashi said he was confident of achieving the monthly sales target of 1,200 units despite the dampened consumer sentiments this year.

To a question, Hayashi said Honda Malaysia has no plans to sell a hybrid variant of Civic even though the model has received EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certification.

For bespoke options, Honda Malaysia is offering the Utility, Urban and Modulo packages priced at RM1,150, RM2,420 and RM4,650 respectively.