Updated Honda Civic Sedan launched, 4 variants available

Although it is no longer popular in its home market, the Honda Civic remains a popular model outside Japan, especially in America. In Malaysia, it has been a class-leader for decades. In 2024, it accounts for 81% of the C-segment (non-national brands).

As such, regular updating has taken place every few years and today sees a midcycle update for the 11th generation (FE) which was launched in 2022. Honda Malaysia has set a 1,000-unit monthly target which it expects will maintain the leadership position.

New design elements include body-coloured front grille extension and lower grille garnishes for the e:HEV RS, while the RS receives black-painted front grille extensions and lower grille garnishes. For the e:HEV RS, there’s a new 18-inch Matte Grey alloy wheel design. All variants now get a new sleek black taillight extension while RS variants receives a new RS emblem.

New for the Civic e:HEV RS are red highlights on the dashboard. The e:HEV RS variant features red colour inserts and a refreshed pattern for its combination leather seats. Also exclusive to this electrified variant is a 10.2-inch TFT Meter and a convenient key card.

The 9-inch Advanced Display Audio system with Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is now available across all variants and the RS variants come with a wireless charging pad. For those who don’t have compatible wireless charging-capable smartphones, there are also USB ports but you need Type-C connectors for them.

Google Built-In is now available for the first time, bringing Google Assistant to drivers who can use it for handsfree commands, real-time navigation through Google Maps, and access to a variety of Google Play apps. In other words, you have smartphone functionality on your dashboard.

The cabin has Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH), thanks to the Active Noise Control (ANC) with Active Sound Control (ASC) system. The two systems use dual overhead microphones, an ANC/ASC electronic processor, and the audio system’s speakers. ANC generates sounds of ‘opposing’ wavelengths to cancel out noises while ASC gives a sportier sound for those who want to enhance their driving pleasure.

Honda CONNECT, a telematics systems using smartphones, has been around a while but has usually been limited to certain models and only some of the variants in those models. Now, for the new Civic, Honda Malaysia makes it available across the range.

Honda CONNECT offers convenience, safety, and security through smart connectivity features. The driver can get proactive vehicle notifications, carry out remote functions and also connect to service centres. An enhancement is the new Light & Horn remote function which can be useful for finding the car in a big carpark, or even signalling nearby friends.

Enhancing the security aspect is standard provision of Solar & Security Film, the former reducing heat transmission into the cabin to keep things cooler and the latter toughening the glass to prevent breakage when hit. Of course, there are still the standard security systems in every Civic as well to prevent theft and sound the alarm when there is a break-in.

The powertrains are the same as before. The e:HEV RS has a 2-litre engine, together with the motor, with total output of 184 ps/315 Nm. The RS has a 1.5-litre VTEC engine and with turbocharging, maximum power is boosted to 182 ps, with 240 Nm of torque.

The Honda SENSING driver-assistance suite with 9 active systems is available for all variants. It uses only a camera to scan the road ahead and some of the systems have been improved with more natural and intelligent operation.

Complementing the SENSING aids are Honda LaneWatch, the useful camera-based blindspot system (left side only) that shows real-time imagery on the centre display whenever the left signal is activate. There’s also a multi-angle rearview display which helps when positioning the car in a parking bay.

Click here to locate a showroom in Malaysia to view, test-drive and buy the new Civic and other Honda models.

Honda’s hybrid (e:HEV) technology is 25 years old