Upcoming 2022 Honda Civic: Is it worth the wait?

It was only a while back that Honda Malaysia opened the order books for the new 11th-generation Civic sedan. Scheduled to launch in the first quarter of 2022, the upcoming model will replace the ongoing 10th-generation Civic. With the new Civic onboard, the automaker aims to maintain its stronghold in the C-segment sedan market.

Honda Malaysia has not revealed much information about the new Civic, however, we have collected all that we could about the coming model. So, let’s get started and find out what’s in stock and then decide is it worth the wait or not?

Variants

Well, the new Civic will be offered in more than one variant option, however, only the range-topping RS model is shown at the moment.

Dimensions

The new Civic measures 4,678 mm in length, 1,802 mm in width, and 1,415 mm in height. Thus making it 30 mm longer, 3 mm wider, and 1 mm lower compared to the 10th gen model. Its wheelbase measures 2,733 mm making it 33 mm longer and more spacious for rear occupants.

Apart from the enhanced dimensions, Honda has made the new Civic body structure stiffer, increased its sound insulation, and retuned its chassis for a better ride and handling balance.

Engine

Powering the all-new 2022 Honda Civic RS model is a revised 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine pumping out a maximum power of 182 PS at 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 240 Nm at 1,700 rpm to 4,500 rpm, that’s 8 PS and 20 Nm more than the previous model.

The power will be transmitted to the front wheels via the usual CVT unit.

A reliable source along with a leaked memo also indicates a standard naturally-aspirated 1.8-litre i-VTEC mill. However, we’ll have to wait for the launch before confirming the rumor.

The new Civic will feature a new Sport mode that when activated will sharpen the throttle and CVT response. It will also add more weight to the steering, resulting in a more engaging driving experience.

Design

The images of the new Civic showcases it as a more mature and clean car with straight body lines. Now, it gets a slimmer grille merging seamlessly into the sleek headlamps and Audi-like trapezoidal tail lights. Also, the C-pillar kink is a carried-over element. The new model ditches the C-shaped taillights and ‘Solid Wing Face”.

Some 2022 Civic RS specific exterior elements are -

• LED reflector headlights with darkened internals
• Gloss black rear spoiler
• Gloss black highlights on the wing mirror, door handles, & shark fin antenna
• Visible twin tailpipes
• RS badges all-around
• 18-inch alloys with Y-spoke design & matte black finish

Interior

Honda has kept the interior hidden for now, however, there’s no doubt about its upscale and luxurious cabin. Taking hints from the international photos, we expect a clean horizontal dashboard, full-width air vents, and a free-standing infotainment touchscreen.

Furthermore, Honda promises to offer improved material and switchgear quality along with increased visibility (thanks to the 50 mm rearward pushed A-pillar).

Safety

As expected, the range-topping RS model will feature the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance features that include -

• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
• Lane centering assist
• Lane keeping assist
• Automatic high beam

New for the 11th generation Civic is a Lead Car Departure Notification System that alerts the driver if the car in the front is moving off from a stop.

Other safety features -

• Six airbags
• Stability control
• An electronic parking brake with auto brake hold and Agile
• Handling Assist
• Honda’s LaneWatch blind spot camera

Price

Honda Malaysia has not disclosed the new Civic’s price, however, with all the improvements in place the sedan would definitely experience a price hike. The ongoing model retails for -

Civic 1.8 S	RM 109,326.51
Civic 1.5 TC	RM 125,081.09
Civic 1.5 TC-P	RM 134,661.28

Conclusion

So, is it worth the wait? We’d say YES. If buying a car is not an urgency then we would suggest you wait for the new Civic. This market leader has scoured top rank in the customer review book and we are sure the 11th generation model will only take its legacy ahead.

Also Read: Honda teases the new Civic Type R ahead of debut in 2022