It's called the Honda Civic FE, production specs leaked ahead of China launch

The current FC-generation Honda Civic has reached the tail-end of its lifecycle, seeing that the model is now six years old, as it was introduced back in 2015.

Honda then showcased a prototype version of the all-new FE-generation Honda Civic in late-2020, giving us an early look at their newest sedan.

Now, courtesy of Chinese publications, we now have a clearer look at a production-version of the new FE Civic. At launch, Dongfeng Honda, which is one of Honda's partners in China, will introduce three variants of the FE-generation Civic, namely the entry-level Civic 180 and two variants of the Civic 240. 

Also Read: All-new 11th-generation Honda Civic, when is the Malaysian launch?

Design-wise, the production version seen here largely mirrors the prototype showcased a few months ago, albeit with a lightly-restyled front bumper and wheels. In fact, one could even say that the Civic now looks like a mini Honda Accord.

Even the rear-end of the China-specs FE-generation Civic is nearly identical to the Civic Prototype, barring the cut-outs for the muffler.

In terms of powertrain, the China-spec Civic will ditch the outgoing model’s turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine (P10A1) in favour of two 1.5-litre engines. The first is a naturally-aspirated L15C7 1.5-litre engine that does 129 PS and the other is a turbocharged L15C8 that does 180 PS. Both engines are hooked up to a CVT-type automatic transmission.

It is also worth noting that the FE-generation Civic is longer and wider than the model it replaces. Even the wheelbase is 35 mm longer than the FC-generation model.

The FE-generation Civic, at least in the context of the China-spec car, also weighs more than the FC-generation model, suggesting that Dongfeng Honda may have either added more soundproofing materials or given the model more equipment.

Also Read: All-new 2021 Honda Civic – New vs old, more lit or wack?

It is also said to benefit from a new laser welding assembly process, aimed to give the Civic FE a more rigid bodyshell.

What about Malaysia?

Although the model has already been spied in Thailand, the FE-generation Civic may not arrive on Malaysian shores until late-2021 or early-2022, owing to lead time required for local assembly. 

Also Read: Spied: 2021 Honda Civic is in Thailand, but Malaysians shouldn't get too excited yet

As usual, watch this space to be the first to see more photos and info about the all-new FE-generation Civic in Malaysia.