The all-new model, expected to be launched in the first quarter of next year, comes from a long line-up that has an enduring appeal among buyers.
While Honda has injected a degree of elegance into the 11th-generation Civic, the four-door sedan still has a high level of sporty styling and flair.
The new Civic's DNA doesn't run far as it maintains the outgoing model's coupe-like profile and wide stance with a low-slung appearance.
Compared with the 10th-generation model which was introduced locally in 2016, the latest edition is 30mm longer, 3mm wider and 1mm lower, while its 35mm longer wheelbase should translate into more interior space.
On the Sepang track was the new Civic dressed in the top-of-the-range RS trimming.
The RS trimming comes with a dark theme that includes 18-inch black matte alloy wheels, black side mirrors and automatic LED headlamps with black highlights as being the immediate standout items.
Other black-painted items are the trunk spoiler, shark fin antenna, door garnish and outer door handles.
However, the exhaust pipes get chrome finishers to add a bit of sparkle to an otherwise dark surrounding.
Other than the RS, Honda Malaysia has not released any details on other variants expected to be offered along side.
Powering the new Civic is a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged engine that produces 182PS and 240Nm of torque mated to a continuous variable transmission (CVT) with Econ, Normal and Sport drive modes.
The 1.5-litre VTEC turbo engine in the older Civic delivers 173PS (-9PS) and 220Nm (-20Nm) of torque in comparison.
Nevertheless, the outgoing model is still a quick car with good handling and exciting looks.
The new Civic seemed to have better looking rear lights with a 3D design and a triangular cut compared with the quirky C-shaped lights of the previous Civic that had generated plenty of conversation.
Other than the new Civic, there were also the 10th-generation Civic and a current C-segment competitor sedan for us to benchmark against on the Sepang track.
With more power under the bonnet, the new Civic was able to take off faster compared with the older model.
Turbo lag was also hardly noticeable and the new Civic was able to accelerate rapidly to reach 160kph on a straight stretch of the track before we had to slow down to take a turn.
Its CVT was also programmed to simulate a gear upshifting pattern similar to a traditional automatic gearbox for a more engaging driving feel.
The competitor vehicle, fitted with a 1.8-litre non-turbocharged engine with 139PS and 172Nm of torque, was slower off the blocks even when compared with the outgoing Civic.
We also did a slalom course and concluded that improvements to the new Civic's steering and suspension had enabled it to have better turn-in with more precise control and less body roll compared with the other two cars.
Tyres fitted to the Civic were the 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 which afforded plenty of grip and control especially when taking sweeping corners at high speeds.
We were also told that the suspension of the Civic, consisting of front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link, had been improved to reduce harshness level by 20%.
Other features of Civic RS include RS emblem, LED daytime running lights, LED front fog lamps, remote engine start and walk away auto lock.
The Civic RS also comes with Honda LaneWatch camera and Honda Sensing that gets a new feature of Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) system.
LCDN would alert the driver if he had not taken any action to drive his car after the vehicle in front had pulled away during start-stop traffic or at the traffic lights.
Other usual Honda Sensing features are Adaptive Cruise Control, Low Speed Follow, Lane Departure Warning, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Keep Assist System, Forward Collision Warning, Collision Mitigation Braking System and Auto High Beam.
Standard features for the Civic RS include six airbags, vehicle stability assist, anti-lock braking system, auto brake hold, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, and front and rear sensors.
With the amount of enhancements made, hardcore Civic fans are unlikely to be disappointed by the latest model.
Bookings for the new Civic can be made at Honda dealers nationwide.
