CarSifu also managed to take a spin the in the new Civic with an organised drive in Thailand prior to its recent launch in Kuala Lumpur.
The locally assembled Civic (at Honda Malaysia's plant in Malacca) is available in three variants with a continuously variable transmission mated to two engine options of a naturally aspirated 1.8-litre or a more potent 1.5-litre turbocharged mill.
It gets an on-the-road price tag (inclusive of GST and insurance) of RM113,800, RM127,800 and RM135,800 for the 1.8S, 1.5TC and 1.5TC-P respectively, which also includes a a five-year unlimited mileage warranty.
Budding owners have five colour options of White Orchid Pearl (add RM300), Crystal Black, Lunar Silver, Dark Ruby Red and Modern Steel, while the company is also providing bespoke options, such as the Utility (RM1,150), Urban (RM2,420) and Modulo (RM4,650) packages.
In terms of features, depending on variant, the Civic gets a seven-inch Advanced Display Audio system, remote engine start, walk away auto lock, electric parking brake, auto brake hold, rear-view camera, rear air-conditioning vents, automatic headligths, LED daytime running lights, cruise control and keyless-entry with push-start button to name a few.
1.5-litre turbo
Safety for all three variants includes six airbags, vehicle stability assist, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake distribution, brake assist, hill start assist, emergency stop signal and ISOFIX.
"We are confident that the new Civic will not only live up to its name but also be the game changer and up the ante in the C-segment with its stylish design, new powertrain and class leading advance features," said Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Katsuto Hayashi in his first address to the media.
He also said that there were no plans to sell a hybrid variant of the Civic even though the model has received EEV (Energy Efficient Vehicle) certification.
