Not a fan of the Civic’s matured looks? Here are features that could change your mind!



The latest 11th generation Honda Civic was fully unveiled at its largest market, North America, just a few weeks ago. The exterior design has been a hot topic of debate, as the styling has moved towards a more mature approach, removing all the hard lines and sharp angles and left with smoother and sleeker curves.

However, being just an unveiling event and not a full sales launch, the exact specification of each variant was not publicly disclosed. However, the good guys at Honda Canada and Civic 11 Forum, they’ve already prepared a detailed breakdown of variants and their key features.

So, as such, let’s take a look at what is new in the all-new Honda Civic versus the incredibly popular current generation. We understand this sales document from the USA is certainly not reflective of what could be offered here in Malaysia. Nonetheless, a good portion of the features should be a global standard feature, as seen in the current generation.

Exterior

No changes have been made to the tyre and rim sizes, ranging from 16 inches to 18 inches. The wheelbase has been increased by 36 mm as such we can expect better legroom for all occupants.

A shark fin antenna is prominently featured in the exterior images and it could be a standard feature.  In the current generation Honda Civic in the US, the physical shark fin antenna was paired with SiriusXM/HD Radio service. However, the said premium radio service is only featured in the range-topping Civic Turbo Touring, which could mean the shark fin antenna is now a standard feature and not tied to the premium radio service.  

As for the luggage space, there seems to be a 1.6% reduction in the new generation, measuring 420 litres from 427 litres. The values are certainly very different from Malaysia, measuring 519 litres, but a reduction in the new generation nevertheless.

The dual exhaust tips in the Turbo variants continue to point downwards, unlike its key competitor.  

Interior

The dashboard of the latest generation Honda Civic is simple and neatly laid out with a symmetrical design. Honda calls this approach “Simplicity and something” and thus, an incredibly simple layout of key controls and functions.

Two driver’s information displays are available. The smaller 7-inch size is similar to the unit found in the new Honda Accord and Honda City RS e:HEV, where the speedometer is a physical needle.

The range-topper meanwhile gets a full-colour display measuring 10.2 inches with customisable content and layout. 

Other new features featured in the range-topping Touring include:

  • Wireless smartphone charger
  • Front passenger seat with power adjustment  
  • Rear USB charging ports
  • Rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA)
  • Rear autonomous emergency braking (parking)

A new larger 9.0 inch infotainment display has customizable features and smart shortcuts. Honda USA also offers a Bose 12-speaker Premium audio system with the larger display. We hope this makes it to Malaysia too, however, it could be a USA-special as their current Honda Civic already has an upgraded 10-speaker audio system. Lower variants continue with a similar-sized 7.0 inch unit with updated content and interface.

The cabin is expected to be quieter too thanks to better insulation from the suspension and drivetrain components as well as the use of the acoustic-glass front windscreen.

Other ‘wow’ features such as head-up display and moonroof found in the Mazda3, or 360-degree bird’s eye view parking camera in the Toyota Corolla Altis are not available in the all-new Honda Civic.

Safety

Honda’s single-sided LaneWatch blind-spot monitoring (BSM) system has now been replaced by the regular dual-sided radar-based system. While BSM is made available from the middle variant, only the range-topper gets a rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA) function.

A new feature is the ‘Rear AEB’, which sounds like an auto-brake feature that is used during parking. The Mazda3 2.0 High Plus also has this feature named Smart Brake Support Rear.

Honda Sensing is standard across all variants, something expected in large developed markets. The current practice of fitting Sensing only in the top variant should continue here in Malaysia. Front knee airbags are also fitted in the US-market all-new Honda Civic, which are not available here in Malaysia even in the latest Accord model.

As for vehicle dynamics, the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is tuned to now deliver 180 hp and 240 Nm of torque, an increase of 6 to 7 hp (depending on unit conversion) and 20 Nm. The CVT has also been programmed to offer better performance and feel.

Driving dynamism and stability have been heavily revamped through a series of improvements focused specifically on the subject. Apart from a more rigid bodyshell, the suspension components have been made lighter and less friction, while the rear track (width between the left and right wheels) has been widened by 12 mm.

That is all we can compare from this one piece of sales document on the all-new Honda Civic. If you are a fan of the current design and not looking forward to the simplicity of the interior, then better hurry and put a deposit on the current generation Honda Civic 1.5 TC with its RM125,081 pricing set to expire in six weeks from today.   

For those who are waiting for the new generation to reach our shores, with the thought of being cocooned in a more premium interior and promised even better driving dynamics, the additional features should make it a compelling reason. Singapore is set to be the first right-hand drive country to launch the all-new Honda Civic!


GALLERY