Honda Civic – Top alternatives

If there would be an award for ‘Honda’s Most Popular Sedan’, perhaps, the City would win it. However, the Civic wouldn’t be far behind because, with its killer looks, feature-laden luxurious interior, powerful engine, and advanced safety features, it is indeed a complete package. The latest iteration of Honda Civic is the car’s tenth-generation and ever since its launch, it has wooed in more customers that Honda had imagined it would.

In Malaysia, Honda Civic price starts at RM 108,165 for its base variant. Talking about variants, the Civic has a total of 3 variants that offer two engine options - 1.8-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engine (141 PS / 174 Nm) and 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (173 PS / 220 Nm) - and a single CVT.

So, if you are wondering, which other car has the potential to stand up against the Honda Civic? Read on to find out because we will introduce you to not one but three worthy Honda Civic alternatives.

Alternative 1 - Toyota Corolla

The latest model of Toyota Corolla available in Malaysia is in its 12th-generation and was launched in the country last month. To make sure it has all the necessary bells and whistles to withstand the fierce competition in the segment, Toyota completely revamped the new Corolla.

Some of its key features are-

• Bi-LED projector headlamps with integrated LED DRLs
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Wrap-around combination taillights
• 7-inch colour TFT MID
• Toyota Safety Sense
• Pre-Collision System (PCS)
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• 7 Airbags (Front, Front Side, Curtain & Driver Knee)

The new Corolla might not be as sporty-looking as the Honda Civic but in its latest iteration, it sure does look very elegant. And there are various exterior elements that add a touch of necessary sportiness like large blacked-out radiator grille, front bumper design, alloy wheels, etc. Also, Toyota Corolla specs have listed only one engine option - 1.8-litre engine that produces 139 PS of max power at 6400 revs and 172 Nm of peak torque at 400 revs and is mated to a 7-speed Sequential Shiftmatic CVT. As for the interior, the Corolla is quite luxurious, spacious, and good to drive.

Available in only 2 variants - 1.8 E and 1.8 G - Toyota Corolla price starts at RM 128,888 and goes as high as RM 136,888 for its top-end model.

Alternative 2 - Mazda 3 Sedan

If the Civic is too sporty for everyone’s liking and Corolla is more on the elegant side, then perhaps the Mazda 3 Sedan would fall somewhere in between. We have always liked the way Mazda design its cars. Its KODO design language is pretty unique and that’s what has been implemented in the 3 Sedan. The front looks aggressive thanks to the sharp headlights. We also have the large radiator grille which covers up most of the space of the front bumper. This is one way to identify a Mazda.

Following are Mazda 3 Sedan’s key highlights-

• Unique design
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Sporty interior with a 3-spoke steering wheel, paddle shifters
• 8.8-inch Mazda Connect Infotainment System with voice command
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto support
• Mazda’s i-Activsense safety features
• 1.5-litre engine with 118 bhp, 153 Nm and 6-Speed Automatic with Manual Shift Mode
• 2.0-litre engine with 162 bhp, 213 Nm and same transmission

With the long list of features, Mazda 3 Sedan sits along with the Civic and Corolla. However, when it comes to pricing, it is the most expensive one of the lot. Mazda 3 Sedan price range is from RM 139,620 to RM 160,059. It is available in 3 variants and 7 colour options.

Alternative 3 - Proton Perdana

Proton Perdana is perhaps one of the most underrated cars of its segment. Yes, it hasn’t received any update for some time now but it is still a good overall package. It has a very beautiful design which is a mix of sportiness and elegance. Its front end appears to be closer to the ground than it actually is. From the side, its wheels and prominent character lines will win your heart. And it is available in 5 colour options.

Some of Perdana’s key features are-

• HID projector headlamps with LED DRLs
• 17-inch alloy wheels
• Sleek rear combination LED lamps
• Luxurious beige interior
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Reverse camera

When it comes to performance, the Perdana comes with two engine options - 2.0-litre with 158 bhp and 189 Nm and 2.4-litre with 178 bhp and 222 Nm. There is only a single 5-speed automatic transmission. Clearly, Perdana’s 2.4-litre engine is the most powerful one amongst the aforementioned cars.

Proton Perdana price starts at RM 103,927 making it the most affordable car of this topic. Well, it also lacks various advanced features which the other cars provide, like active safety features, digital instrument console, etc. which justifies its lower price tag.

These were the top alternatives of the Honda Civic. Let us know which one did you like. Also, if you have any other car in mind that would pose as a worthy alternative of Honda Civic, drop us a comment.

Also Read: Honda Civic - Top reasons to buy