Peter Lyon
December 19, 2024
The Honda Civic facelift is slated to make its Malaysian debut in January, marking the beginning of Honda Malaysia‘s first new model introduction for 2025. When the company opened the order books last week, it disclosed the schedule for its local debut.
As one of the two new models that HMSB intended to offer here this year, the updated model was expected to launch in Malaysia by year’s end considering that it has just debuted in the Thai market four months earlier.
We think a quick update on the 11th generation Civic’s facelift is in order. Since its January 2022 launch, over 28,000 cars have been sold in the country. There are no mentions of the revisions that will come with the facelift just yet, but it should mirror those featured on the pre-facelift.
Three petrol-powered models—the 1.5L E, 1.5L V, and 1.5L RS—as well as a hybrid, the flagship e:HEV 2.0L RS, were among the four versions of the predecessor.
With the update, the four-version lineup should remain as is. Given that most buyers tended to choose the V over the RS, which led the way for the petrol powertrain in terms of sales, there were rumours that one of the lower variants might be discontinued. However, the base version will remain in place because it is essential to fleet sales (the PDRM uses the E as a patrol car). As a result, the variety supplied is essentially unchanged.
This facelift employs numerous mods including a revised front bumper, a larger grille and a more noticeable protruding lower front end to lessen the car’s characteristic huge “forehead.” Both the main and bottom sections of the grille now have a hexagonal honeycomb mesh pattern.
The RS Prototype debuted the look at the Tokyo Auto Salon January 2024, and a few days later, the facelift was launched in the US in which the e:HEV RS boasts new 18-inch matte grey alloy wheels.
The current powertrains will remain the same, identical to their Thai counterparts. The 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine, paired to a CVT, continues to dominate the petrol versions with 180 hp and 240 Nm of torque.
As previously mentioned, the e:HEV RS is fitted with the manufacturer’s Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) system that incorporates an electric motor which produces 181 hp and 315 Nm. It is mated with a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine that produces 132 hp and 189 Nm which the power being sent to the front wheels via an electronic CVT.
As for sticker prices, we can expect only minor adjustments from those on the pre-facelift, based on Thai pricing which has been lowered slightly compared to prices in August 2021.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The Civic is a force of nature, and hugely popular. The new facelift improves its aesthetics while the other revisions add to the persona of the marque. It is still one of the better-looking sedans on the market and that engine lineup is second to none while the pricing keeps it competitive.
