2022 Honda Civic FE: Three variants - E, V, RS, we pick the best
Shaun · Jan 20, 2022 12:36 PM
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All variants get the same powertrain
Starting price much higher than before
Which variant offers the best proposition?
Last week, we saw the launch of the all-new 2022 Honda Civic FE, now with three variants available – 1.5 E, 1.5 V, 1.5 RS, priced at RM 125,634, RM 138,043, and RM 144,350 respectively.
Unlike its predecessor (the Civic FC), all variants of the 2022 Honda Civic FE get a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine – no more 1.8 NA – that makes 182 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,700 - 4,500 rpm, a 9 PS / 20 Nm bump from the FC. A CVT-type automatic remains the sole gearbox.
So, regardless of variants, buyers will be getting the most powerful Honda Civic in the ASEAN region. And more importantly, the Honda Sensing suite of ADAS is standard across the board.
These lead to a starting price that is significantly higher than before, up from RM 109,326 (SST-exempted price). With such compelling proposition even for the entry 1.5 E variant, what separates each variant in terms of features? Well, here’s a quick run through to save you the time of combing through the brochure.
Let’s start with items that are standard across all variants - 6 airbags, VSA, HSA, LED headlights with LED DRLs, LED taillights, single-zone automatic climate control, 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and rear air vents.
RS variant shown.
Going for the 1.5 E variant, you’d get 16-inch wheels, fabric seats with manual seat adjustments, and 7-inch infotainment system with 4 speakers.
V variant shown.
The 1.5 V adds on a pair of LED front fog lights, larger 17-inch wheels, leather seats with 8-way power adjustment for the driver seat, larger 9-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay (still wired for Android Auto) and 8 speakers, Honda Connect telematics, drive mode selector (Econ, Normal, Sport), and Honda LaneWatch camera.
V variant shown.
As for the range-topping 1.5 RS variant, it gets gloss black treatments on the exterior including an RS-specific spoiler, 18-inch wheels, leather/suede combo seats, red stitching on the steering wheel and gear knob, sports pedals, foot and door lining lighting, and Lead Car Departure Notification.
The 9-inch unit.
If you ask us which variant is the pick of the range, we think the middle-ground 1.5 V hits the sweet spot.
V variant shown.
Granted, the 1.5 E variant does offer everything you would need - such as Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Honda Sensing - the 1.5 V with its larger 17-inch wheels, leather seats with power adjustment, larger 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 8 speakers, and Honda LaneWatch do elevate the ownership experience.
Button for Honda LaneWatch
The RS variant adds about RM 6k on top of the V variant, but most of the additions are cosmetic like the rear spoiler, 18-inch wheels, twin tailpipe finished in chrome, and front door lighting. Notable add-ons would be automatic wiper function and Lead Car Departure Notification.
V variant shown.
Plus, the Honda quotes a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.4 seconds for the V compared to 8.5 seconds for the RS. The larger wheels also have an impact on fuel consumption - Claimed fuel economy is 6-litre/100 km for the E and V variants, and 6.3-litre/100 km for the RS variant. Unless the styling cues really stands out to you, we think the 1.5 V is the one to buy.
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