Honda Malaysia today previewed the new Honda Civic ahead of its official launch later this year.

As this is just a mid-life update, changes to the exterior styling is mild. The most obvious difference is the new front bumper, which features a new front fog lamp housing. The wheels have also been upgraded from 17-inch to 18-inch, but only for highest variant. Alongside the new wheels are 235/40 R18 tires.

Other upgrades and improvements include:

• Piano black front grille
• Rear bumper chrome trim
• New tailgate spoiler
• Split folding rear seats
• New physical buttons for the touchscreen infotainment system
• Physical climate control buttons
• Improved touch and feel for interior controls 

In terms of specifications, the highlight is the addition of Honda Sensing advanced driving aids as well as LaneWatch blind spot detection camera.

As you would’ve already known by now, the Honda Sensing suite of features include:

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

The upgrades now bring the Honda Civic’s list of safety features on par with the CR-V and Odyssey.

Mechanically, the Honda Civic’s powertrain remain the same as before. There’s the familiar 1.8-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 1.5-litre turbocharged, both are paired to a CVT-type automatic.