New 2020 Honda Civic (FC) facelift launched in Malaysia - Sensing, LaneWatch, 173 PS, from RM 113k

The new 2020 Honda Civic FC facelift is finally launched in Malaysia. Order books have been open since the preview last year, but delays in price approvals kept it from being officially launched.

Anyway, the Honda Civic facelift comes in 3 variants like the pre-facelift model - 1.8 S, 1.5 TC, and 1.5 TC-P. Prices start from RM 113,600 to RM 139,600.

What’s new of 2020 Honda Civic?

Changes to the exterior are minor, keen-eyed individuals will notice the new front bumper with restyled fog lamp housing and front sensors, gloss black front grille, chrome trim at the rear bumper, and rear spoiler that is standard on the range-topping variant.

Wheels on the top spec model are 18-inch units wrapped with 235/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. Tyre geeks should be pleased. The mid-spec variant continues with the 17-inch wheels from the pre-facelift model, the 16-inch wheels on the base 1.8-litre variant are new.

Inside, there are now physical buttons and a knob for volume control on the infotainment system. There are also fan speed buttons on the climate control panel. All variants get automatic wipers and 60:40 split foldable rear seats.

To top it off, the Dark Ruby Red Pearl colour option is replaced by Passion Red Pearl.

What’s not new of 2020 Honda Civic?

Powertrains remain exactly as before; a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated 4-cylinder SOHC engine making 141 PS and 174 Nm, and a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder DOHC engine making 173 PS and 220 Nm of torque.

Both engines send their power to the front wheels via a CVT. The 1.8-litre model completes 0-100 km/h in 10.4 seconds while the 1.5-litre turbocharged model does the century sprint in 8.2 seconds.

Any noteworthy highlights?

The most significant highlight is the addition of Honda Sensing suite of ADAS, it encapsulates:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Low Speed Follow
• Forward Collision Warning
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Lane Keep Assist System
• Lane Departure Warning
• Road Departure Mitigation
• Auto High-Beam

Available on 1.5-litre variants is the Honda LaneWatch camera, a camera mounted on the passenger side mirror to monitor blind spots. 

This brings the Honda Civic up to par against the competition in terms of active safety features like the Toyota Corolla Altis and Mazda 3.

For those looking to spice the Civic up, there are Modulo packages available to be bundled with the car.

The Civic comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with 5 times free labour service.