Honda Civic - Top reasons to buy

Hailing from Japan, Honda is a brand synonymous with style and reliability. While Honda has several models in its global line-up, Civic remains one of the most popular and oldest cars in its product portfolio.

It transformed from being a mundane model to an ultra-chic car tailored for urbane driving over the years since its launch in 1972. While the facelifted Civic sedan is underway, Honda recently launched the updated hatchback version in the country. As for the existing version, it is available in three grades with two engine choices. A highly popular option in the segment, Civic pits against Toyota Corolla Altis and Hyundai Elantra, two equally worthy models. Here’s a look at the top reasons to buy Civic.

1. Head-turning design 

First up, the tenth-generation Honda Civic surpasses its predecessor in terms of looks giving up the conventional three-box design for a progressive one. It retains the low stance and receives new aerodynamic elements that bring both aggression and elegance to the sedan. 

The front looks bold featuring Honda’s quintessential ‘flying grille’, segmented headlamps with LED daytime running lights and a sharp bumper with multiple vents and rounded fog lamps fitted in black housings. Besides, the low-slung bonnet highlighted by sculpted lines reiterates aggression.

At the side, there are smooth lines, large outside door mirrors, pronounced wheel arches and chunky 17-inch alloy wheels. The coupe-like styling at the back is highlighted by C-shaped LED tail-lamps, while the pseudo lamps and diffuser are added for the sporty flair. As for the Honda Civic exterior dimensions, it measures 4,630 mm in length, 1,799 mm in width and 1,416 mm in height. 

2. Well-Laid out interior 

Sitting on a 2,700 mm long wheelbase the interior is quite spacious and styling is on point. It brings together practicality (thanks to the utility points) and ergonomics that ensure comfort is not compromised. The material quality is premium, something Honda is known for; besides the colour scheme, upholstery and trims used inside compliment well and enhance the interior styling.

The fit and finish are also good; though there are some cheap plastic bits inside which do not hamper the premium look. Talking in terms of comfort, there is enough space at the front, and the rear is spacious enough to fit two full-size adults and a child. 

3. Feature-packed

Another highlight on all Honda cars (at least the premium models) is the feature list it carries and Civic is no exception. Speaking on the Honda Civic features is packs a whole bunch of goodies starting from coloured LCD instrument gauges to automatic climate control with touch sensitive buttons to cruise control. A large 7.0-inch touchscreen unit is layered inside along with an 8-speaker audio system.

Moreover, there is an 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, electronic parking brake, hands-free telephony with voice recognition, keyless entry with push start, remote engine starter, etc. While the aforementioned features are standard, the higher variants in the line-up additionally get paddle shifters, leather seat upholstery, a dual-zone climate control and a navigation system. 

4. Safety shield 

The Honda Civic safety pack comprises of disc brakes at both ends supported by an anti-lock-braking set-up with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. It also receives Auto Brake Hold (ABH), Hill Start Assist (HAS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Multi-angle rearview camera and ISOFIX child-seat anchor points. The six-airbags are part of the standard kit, ensuring minimal damage in case of an accident. Moreover, the sedan scored an impressive 5-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP safety test. 

5. Efficient and powerful engine

The Honda Civic specs sheet boasts of two powerful engines including the 1.5-litre, four-cylinder DOHC turbo unit good for 173 PS at 5,500 rpm and 220 Nm torque between 1,700 to 5,500 rpm. There is a higher displacing 1.8-litre, four-cylinder, SOHC i-VTEC engine which puts out 141 PS at 6,500 rpm along with 174 Nm torque at 4,300 rpm.

Both units are paired with continuously variable transmission and are claimed to achieve top-speed of 200 kmph. As for acceleration time, the DOHC engine takes 8.2 seconds to reach 100 kmph from zilch as opposed to the i-VTEC unit that takes 10.4 seconds.

Ruling the Malaysian roads over the years, the Honda Civic price falls in the range of RM 108, 165 to RM 128, 631.

Also read: Honda Civic – Top alternatives