Malaysia’s most favourite Honda model gets a refresh. The new 2020 Civic now features Honda’s next-generation advanced safety technology—Honda Sensing. The class-leading sedan is available with turbocharged and naturally-aspirated engine options.
The 10th generation Civic was a hot seller in Malaysia, dominating its segment with a market share of 72 percent for the year 2019. The much sought after model has sold more than 48,000 units since its introduction of the model four years ago. Since the introduction of the series in Malaysia, it has achieved more than 135,000 units in sales as of January 2020. The success of the 10th generation Civic has helped Honda maintain its position as the #1 non-national car brand for five consecutive years. The car was also NAIA’s 2016 North American Car of the Year.
It’s a long time coming and certainly long overdue. Well, ladies and gentlemen, the all-new, refreshed Civic is finally here.
Because safety is paramount
The most notable new feature Honda is bringing to the plate for the all-new Civic is Honda Sensing. The new Civic is the first Japanese locally mass-produced C-segment model to integrate the full suite of Honda Sensing advanced safety features. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control (AC), Low Speed Follow (LSF), Auto High Beam (AHB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Road Departure Warning (RDM), and Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS).
The 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P variants also get Honda LaneWatch—the company’s camera-based safety technology that supplements the side mirror and that not only enhances the side view but also helps reduce blind spots for safer changing of lanes. It’s the only and first model in the segment to offer this feature.
With the new Civic, Honda Malaysia now boasts a complete line-up of Honda Sensing models for the C-segment and above, including its flagship SUV the CR-V, flagship sedan the 2020 Accord, and the premium MPV the Odyssey.
The 2020 Civic retains the fastback design of its predecessor and in line with the design language of the latest Accord. There’s a more aggressive front bumper with black grille while around the back you’ll find a new bumper garnish and trunk spoiler. It also gets new 18-inch black alloy wheels that completes an overall low, wide stance and dynamic outlook.
Familiar power
Under the hood, the new Civic offers two powertrain options: a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged lump or an NA 1.8-litre VTEC. Both engines are Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) certified and will appeal to either side of the fence—small capacity forced induction or big capacity naturally-aspirated. The 1.5-litre outputs 171bhp (173PS) with a maximum torque of 220Nm, equivalent to the performance of a 2.4-litre engine. Unfortunately, this isn’t the enhanced, more powerful 192bhp version found on the new Accord. Not shabby, nonetheless. Alternatively, the 1.8-litre i-VTEC pushes a more down-to-earth 139bhp (141PS) and 174Nm of torque.
The powerplants are mated to the seven-speed Earth Dreams continuously variable transmission (CVT).
D-segment in a C-segment
Moving inside, the new Civic boasts D-segment features such as a new leather seat accent design (for 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P variants) complementing an 8-way driver power seat, new auto front wiper, remote engine start and walk away auto lock for all variants. The new steering switch is more refined and to maximise cargo space, the new vehicles includes a 60:40 split rear-seat configuration. Another new feature in the cabin is the new air-conditioning fan control switch.
Finally, all variants are equipped with top-of-the-line safety features including six airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Agile Handle Assist (AHA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS), Brake Assist (BA), Auto Brake Hold (ABH), new front sensors, and rear seat ISOFIX.
Pricing and availability
Honda Malaysia targets to sell 1,000 units of the new Civic each month. The official pricing is as follows (OTR price without insurance):
- Civic 1.8S – MYR113,600
- Civic 1.5TC – MYR129.600
- Civic 1.5TC-P – MYR139,600
Colour options include Passion Red Pearl (new), Lunar Silver Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Modern Steel Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.
To cater to sportier folks, there are also Modulo enhancements available.
For more information, call Honda Toll Free 1-800-88-2020, or visit www.honda.com.my.
