ASEAN's most powerful, 2022 Honda Civic (FE) launched in Malaysia: priced from RM 126k
Sanjay · Jan 13, 2022 11:28 AM
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1.5 turbo is most powerful in the region
Turbo engine, Sensing is standard on even base variant
Pricier than Civic FC and Corolla Altis
Here to build on the successes of its predecessors, the all-new 2022Honda Civic(FE) has just been launched in Malaysia at an event in MITEC KL. Prices for the C-segment sedan starts from RM 126k to RM 144k, and over 1,200 bookings have been placed since it was first announced.
2022 Honda Civic (FE) price in Malaysia
Variant
Price
1.5 E
RM 125,634.64
1.5 V
RM 138,043.36
1.5 RS
RM 144,350.09
OTR w/o insurance, SST-free until 30-June 2022
These numbers are notably higher than the preceding Civic FC, which started from RM 109,327 (1.8 S), to RM 125,081 (1.5 TC) before topping out at RM 134,661 (1.5 TC-P).
Which also means the Toyota Corolla Altis – the Civic’s segment competitor – still holds a price advantage, as prices for that model start from RM 123,972 (1.8 G) and RM 134,505 (1.8 V).
All-new 2022 Honda Civic: Turbo, Sensing as standard
Changing of the guards
The 10th-gen Civic FC leaves behind a legacy of sales chart domination, and if we’re honest, this new model is poised to continue that – partly due to the healthy list of improvements, and partly due to how nice it is to drive.
First order of the new model streamlines powertrains: every variant of the locally-assembled Civic (CKD Pegoh, Melaka) now gets a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine – no more 1.8 NA – and the DOHC i-VTEC mill (codename L15B7) makes 182 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm from 1,700 - 4,500 rpm.
That’s a 9 PS / 20 Nm bump from the FC, giving our FE bragging rights as the most powerful in ASEAN, above the Thai-spec car's output of 178 PS and 240 Nm.
A CVT automatic remains the sole gearbox, and this too has been tweaked for better response and drivability.
The fancy new transmission software built-in together with it is also able to pull data from the vehicle's steering angle and wheel speed sensors to figure out what kind of driving conditions the car is in, and therefore adjusts accordingly.
Notice its missing the 'S' and 'Econ' buttons...why is explained below
All in, Honda quotes a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 8.3 seconds (E), 8.4 seconds (V), and 8.5 seconds (RS).
Claimed fuel economy is 6 litres/100 km for the E and V variants, and 6.3/litres for the RS variant, with the difference down to the bigger wheels on the latter.
Adding to the performance changes is a drive mode selector, which allows drivers to switch between Econ, Normal, and Sport modes.
1.5 V
1.5 RS, note the aluminium pedals, and red stitching around the steering and centre armrest
Powertrain aside, the Honda Sensing active safety (ADAS) suite is now present on even the cheapest Civic, but sans the Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN) function which is an RS exclusive.
All-new 2022 Honda Civic: Spacious, with more standard kit
Its dimensions means there's plenty of space at the back, and an 182cm-tall adult can sit comfortably behind
Measuring 4,678 mm long, 1,802 mm wide, and 1,415 mm tall, the new Civic is every bit bigger than the last. Wheelbase is 35 mm longer too, coming up at 2,735 mm.
Pop the boot and there’s 497 litres (VDA standard) of storage space in there, which can be further expanded via 60:40 split-folding rear seats.
RS variant shown
Regardless of your opinion on its look – and it’s certainly been push-and-pull ever since the prototype broke cover – ours comes with decent exterior kit, considering LED headlights, LED DRLs, and LED combination tail lights are standard fitment.
RS variant's wheels
17-inchers of the V variant
Wheels-wise you’re looking at 16-inches for the base E variant, 17-inches for the V, but the absolute best ones are on the top-spec RS: its matte-black, 18-inch rollers are just as they are on the North American Civic Si!
The rest of the RS-exclusive exterior package matches the Si too: we get black finishes on the grille, antenna, window trims, door handles, side mirrors, and on the horn-shaped boot lid spoiler.
Meteoroid Grey
Ignite Red
Platinum White Pearl, 1.5 V
Three colours are carried over from the FC: Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, and Crystal Black Pearl. Ignite Red and Meteoroid Grey – both first seen on the Honda City Hatchback – are offered too.
You can opt for this spoiler on your E or V variants too, just at an additional cost
As is tradition with recent Honda models, buyers have the option to spruce up their Civics even more with accessory packages that includes Modulo bodykits, door visors, side steps, trunk trays, and the like.
2022 Honda Civic: Interior wins some, loses some
Rear air-conditioning vents with 2 USB-A ports are something all variants get, along with a 7-inch semi-digital instrument cluster, ambient lighting, and single-zone air-conditioning.
We know you’re curious about the last item but sadly that’s true, not even the range-topping RS gains dual-zone air-conditioning.
The left part is an LCD screen; right side is an analogue gauge. Similar arrangement to the Honda Accord and City RS
And while we’re ripping the plaster, we might as well go all the way: our Civic FE also misses out on the fancy Smart Key Card of the Thailand-spec car, instead coming with a regular keyfob like one gets with the Honda City.
Both photos are of the RS' variant-exclusive, suede-leather seats
The base Civic 1.5 E gets fabric seats (with manual adjustments all-around), and a 7-inch touchscreen headunit which bundles wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Wireless CarPlay is reserved for the 9-inch infotainment systems in the V and RS variants, and those two also gain leather seats with 8-way power adjustability for the driver.
Other goodies in the V and RS variants are 8-speakers (only 4 in the E, but either way, no Bose), paddle shifters, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. The Honda Connect telematics system is also available on both of these variants.
2022 Honda Civic: Sharper Sensing
The Honda Sensing ADAS suite has also been suitably updated, and it does away with the radar, instead employing a camera-only setup. The monucular front camera now affords an approximately 100° field-of-view, up from 50° in the FC.
Features in the Civic FE’s Sensing arsenal are as follows:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Low-Speed Follow (LSF)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Auto High Beam (AHB)
Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN, only on RS)
LCDN basically alerts the driver via audiovisual cues that the car in front has moved, useful in standstill traffic.
Standard items are 6 airbags, as well as a total of 8 front and rear parking sensors. Honda LaneWatch is only offered on the V and RS variants however.
Conclusion: One that continues a legacy
Take a bow, Civic FC
HMSB backs the Civic with a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty and up to 5 times free labour service within 5 years/100,00 km.
In WapCar’s opinion, the new Civic has left us with positive impressions.
This generation improves on an already easy-to-love formula: it looks good, drives as well as it should, and more importantly, the gap between lower and higher variants are not so distant anymore – ADAS as standard is certainly the right step in making a collision-free society.
With humble beginnings collecting diecast models and spending hours virtually tuning dream cars on the computer, his love of cars has delightfully transformed into a career. Sanjay enjoys how the same passion for cars transcends boundaries and brings people together.
