This new 11th-generation model, which is also bigger and more spacious, is expected to maintain the nameplate's No. 1 position in the C-segment market.
The four-door sedan is available in three variants of E, V and RS, priced at RM125,634, RM138,043 and RM144,350 respectively.
Prices are on-the road without insurance but with sales tax exemption.
Compared with the 10th-generation model which was introduced locally in 2016, the latest edition is 30mm longer, 3mm wider and 1mm lower.
The new model's wheelbase is also longer at 35mm.
The new Civic is now more elegant looking while still retaining a large portion of its athletic and low-slung looks.
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The car comes with newly designed LED headlights with LED daytime running lights and new rear LED combination lights that are sporty-looking and stylish.
The Civic is built using "laser brazing" technology for the first time, giving it a smooth and clean roofline for a sleeker appearance.
In addition, the body rigidity has been increased compared with the previous generation Civic for better handling and ride comfort.
Inside, the new Civic gets higher levels of visibility with an open feeling of spaciousness, achieved through an expanded glass area.
Its dashboard now features a honeycomb mesh panel that exudes a premium feel and touch.
The 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine has been axed in favour of using an improved 1.5-litre turbocharged engine for all three variants.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC engine, coupled to a continuous variable transmission, now delivers more performance at 182PS and 240Nm of torque compared with the 10th-generation Civic.
The new Civic's Drive Mode Switch allows the driver to select his preferred modes of ECON, Normal and Sport.
Standard items are Smart Clear Wiper, Walk Away Auto Lock, Smart Entry with Push Start Button, rear air-conditioner vents, seven-inch TFT meter cluster, six airbags, rear seat belt reminder, leather steering wheel with audio controls, and Bluetooth with AppleCarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, among others.
Also included are Driver Attention Monitor, Vehicle Stability Assist, Hill Start Assist, Emergency Stop Signal, Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Brake Distribution and Auto Brake Hold.
The new Civic also comes with the Honda Sensing suite of smart driving aid system that has been refined for smoother operation and now gets a new feature of Lead Car Departure Notification System.
The feature is the first equipped in Honda Malaysia’s model line-up where it will alert a non-attentive driver who has stopped at the traffic lights that the vehicle in front of him has departed.
Other regular Honda Sensing features are Adaptive Cruise Control, Low Speed Follow, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Auto High Beam.
The E variant is offered with fabric seats, seven-inch audio display, four speakers, reverse camera, one USB port, two rear USB chargers, front roof ambient light, front and rear parking sensors and 16-inch wheels.
The V variant is improved with leather seats, two USB ports, eight speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay Connectivity, nine-inch Advanced audio display, eight speakers, 17-inch wheels, Honda LaneWatch camera and Honda Connect telematics systems.
Honda LaneWatch camera allows the driver to have a wider left rear view through a camera, while Honda Connect provides access to some of the Civic's safety, security and convenience features remotely through a handphone app.
The RS comes with additional items such as combination leather seats and leather steering wheel with red stitching, black headlining, sport pedals and foot lamp.
The top-of-the-line variant also gets RS exclusive exterior features such as side mirrors, shark fin antenna, outer door handles and trunk spoiler painted in black.
Meanwhile, the RS' twin tailpipe with chrome finisher and 18-inch matt black alloy wheels heighten its sporty flair.
Two new colours of Ignite Red Metallic and Meteoroid Gray Metallic join the current offering of Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic and Crystal Black Pearl.
Honda Malaysia managing director and chief executive officer Madoka Chujo said the company is is aiming to sell 900 units per month of the new Civic.
She sad the company had received strong pre-launch bookings of 1,200 units for the new Civic.
Chujo (right) with Honda Malaysia president and chief operating officer Sarly Adle Sarkum at the launch of the new Civic.
“This model is a modern interpretation of the classic and timeless human-centred Honda values, with a new design concept that exudes a New Age Identity sedan.
“Packed to the brim with advanced features while keeping true to the Civic DNA styling, handling and powerful performance - the 11th-generation all-new Civic is truly built and powered by Passion, inspired by a strong Legacy and built for the Future,” she said.
