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2025 Honda Civic: Most Powerful Non-Type R Civic – 200hp, 325Nm of Torque

Expanding upon the success of the 11th generation Civic, crowned the 2022 North American Car of the Year, the refreshed 2025 Honda Civic introduces more style, enhanced technology, and significantly more power, particularly with the available two-motor hybrid powertrain. Positioned as the flagship model, the new Civic hybrid, available in sedan or hatchback configurations, is anticipated to achieve an EPA combined fuel economy rating approaching 50 mpg1, thanks to its integration of the award-winning Honda two-motor hybrid system.

The 2025 Civic will be offered in four trim levels, starting with the LX (sedan only) and Sport, and featuring the hybrid-powered Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid variants. These new hybrid-electric models are projected to constitute approximately 40% of Civic sales, marking a pivotal step in Honda’s electrification strategy.

The new Civic hybrid-electric trims boast remarkable performance, featuring an anticipated combined 200hp and an impressive 315Nm of torque, making them the most potent non-Type R Civics ever produced. This enhanced power output, coupled with exceptional EPA fuel economy ratings, ensures quick and effortless acceleration. The Linear Shift Control enhances the driving experience by simulating the rev feel of a conventional drivetrain shifting gears under acceleration, resulting in even quicker performance than the outgoing 1.5L turbo-powered Civic.

Honda’s two-motor hybrid system optimises efficiency without compromising dynamic performance or interior space. Tailored for the Civic, this system delivers a sporty driving experience, incorporating two powerful electric motors. Furthermore, the new Civic hybrids offer four levels of regenerative-braking deceleration via selector paddles on the steering wheel, allowing for precise control during deceleration.

To enhance Civic’s renowned fun-to-drive spirit and ride comfort, the ride and handling dynamics of the hybrid models have been fine-tuned with unique spring and damper tuning, along with specially developed tires. Moreover, hybrid trims boast the lowest NVH levels in the Civic lineup, featuring a robust noise reduction package that includes Active Noise Control on all hybrids and wheel resonators on Sport Touring trims.

Continuing its commitment to affordability, Civic LX and Sport trims are powered by a responsive and efficient 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, while Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid trims benefit from Honda’s potent yet efficient two-motor hybrid system. Drivers can seamlessly switch between selectable drive modes—Econ, Normal, and Sport (Sport and hybrid trims only)—to optimise the driving experience for various conditions. The Sport Touring Hybrid models also introduce a new Individual mode, enabling customisation of the driving experience.

In terms of design, every 2025 Honda Civic receives exterior enhancements, including a more aggressive front fascia and grille, along with darker taillights for a sharper appearance in the sedan model. The more-powerful hybrid-powered trims feature a distinct body-coloured headlamp garnish and front lower spoiler, further accentuating their sporty aesthetic. Additionally, all Sport trims retain dark trim and black 18-inch wheels, with a new machine-finished wheel design exclusive to the top-of-the-line Sport Touring Hybrid.

Introducing four new exterior colours—including Solar Silver Metallic, Urban Gray Pearl, Blue Lagoon Pearl (exclusive to Civic sedan), and Sand Dune Pearl (exclusive to Civic hatchback)—further enhance the visual appeal of the 2025 Civic.

Inside, the Civic’s interior is refreshed, offering a simple yet clean design. All hybrid models now feature a grey interior colour, while the Sport Hybrid includes standard amenities such as a moonroof, heated front seats, and dual-zone climate controls. The Sport Touring Hybrid adds premium touches like leather seating, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, and advanced technology, including a larger 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with a wireless smartphone charger. Additionally, all Civic models come standard with front USB-C ports.

The top-line Sport Touring Hybrid integrates Google built-in for the first time in a Civic, offering access to apps like Google Assistant, Google Maps, and more on Google Play. This feature enhances the driving experience with personalised and connected functionalities, supported by a complimentary 3-year unlimited data plan.

Safety remains a top priority for Honda, with the 11th-generation Civic equipped with advanced active and passive safety technology as standard across all trim levels. This includes Honda’s proprietary Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, designed to enhance occupant protection in various frontal collisions, along with advanced supplemental restraint systems.

Civic’s driver and passenger front airbags are engineered to minimise the risk of severe brain trauma associated with angled frontal collisions, with innovative designs aimed at reducing rotation. Furthermore, all Civic models come equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, featuring Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS) with Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) incorporating Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Additionally, all Sport models are now equipped with Blind Spot with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

Applications for BUDI MADANI Subsidy Open Tomorrow – For Diesel Vehicle Owners and Farmers

Applications for the Bantuan Subsidi MADANI (BUDI MADANI) Program, targeting private diesel vehicle owners, small-scale farmers, and commodity planters, will commence tomorrow.

Under this program, eligible recipients will receive monthly assistance of RM200, aligning with the diesel subsidy implementation.

Senator Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the Second Finance Minister, clarified that private diesel vehicle owners meeting specific criteria can apply under the BUDI Individual category. On the other hand, small-scale farmers and commodity planters are eligible to apply under the BUDI Agri-Commodity category.

To qualify for the BUDI Individual category, applicants must be Malaysian citizens who own registered private diesel vehicles with valid road tax. These vehicles should not be classified as luxury vehicles and must be under 10 years old. Additionally, the individual or their spouse’s annual income should not exceed RM100,000.

Applications can be made at https://budimadani.gov.my.

McLaren Pays Tribute to Ayrton Senna with Unique Liveries Inspired by His Legacy

McLaren recently unveiled a strikingly colourful Senna adorned with a special paint job, aptly named the Senna Sempre livery, paying homage to Formula 1 legend Ayrton Senna. Although this eye-catching car isn’t available for purchase, Amalgam, renowned for its model-making expertise, offers collectors the opportunity to own a meticulously crafted 1:8-scale replica capturing every vibrant detail.

Amalgam’s latest creation exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, a hallmark of the UK-based company. While replicating intricate details in small-scale models is impressive, the Senna Sempre’s unique paintwork, including Senna’s iconic dot-matrix face on the rear fenders, showcases Amalgam’s attention to detail.

For McLaren’s MSO team, hand-painting the full-size car posed a significant challenge. While Amalgam hasn’t disclosed its process for scaling down the livery, crafting each 1:8 Senna replica required an astonishing 3,000 hours for design and manufacturing. Additionally, meticulous hand assembly adds another 300 hours to the process. Beyond the captivating exterior, the replica features a meticulously detailed interior visible through its open doors, offering a glimpse of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V-8 engine beneath the cover. Behind the Pirelli-clad wheels lie “massive” McLaren brakes with cross-drilled rotors, further enhancing the model’s authenticity.

McLaren will showcase the special Senna Sempre at the Monaco Grand Prix, alongside Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s McLaren MCL38 Formula 1 cars sporting similar liveries. This particular Senna, a pre-production one-off from McLaren’s heritage collection, serves as a captivating display piece. However, Amalgam plans to produce 30 scale replicas for enthusiastic fans and collectors alike.

If you’re considering adding this exquisite replica to your collection, you will have to invest real-car money, with pricing in the United States starting at $21,385 (RM100,680).

New Lexus LM Launched in Malaysia: Four-Seater, Seven-Seater Variants – Starting From RM1.228 mil

Ever since its grand entrance into the automotive scene in 2019, the Lexus LM has been the epitome of luxury mobility, setting the gold standard in its class. Branded as the ‘Luxury Mover’, the first-generation Lexus LM resonated deeply with discerning consumers seeking a vehicle that not only offered elevated transportation but also embodied comfort and luxury at its finest.

The Lexus LM made its mark upon release in China and several East Asian markets, including Malaysia. Combining flagship limousine qualities with the spaciousness of an MPV, it exemplifies Lexus’s premium luxury brand image.

The Lexus LM’s appeal lies in its design and sophisticated features, extending Lexus’ Omotenashi hospitality principles. Focused on impeccable comfort and passengers’ well-being, it sets a high bar for customers seeking class-leading vehicles to meet lifestyle and mobility needs.

Since its debut, the luxury MPV has achieved impressive sales, with 16,114 units sold globally, including 2,788 units in the East Asian region and 32 units in Malaysia. With the launch of the new flagship model in Malaysia, these numbers are expected to rise.

The new Lexus LM, available in two variants in Malaysia, caters to customers’ needs while enhancing the chauffeured luxury experience. Customers can choose between the four-seater Lexus LM500 or the seven-seater LM350h.

Both variants feature self-charging hybrid electric powertrains, ensuring quiet operation and refined driving performance with high efficiency. The LM500h features a 2.4L, 4-cylinder in-line Turbo Hybrid petrol engine with Direct 4 All-Wheel Drive, delivering 371hp and 460Nm of torque, coupled with impressive fuel economy. Meanwhile, the LM350h comes equipped with a naturally-aspirated 2.5L, 4-cylinder in-line full Hybrid engine, delivering power to the front wheels and striking a balance between driving performance and fuel efficiency.

The new Lexus LM exhibits a bold presence with attention to detail in its exterior design. Standout features include a redesigned frontal appearance with a new Spindle Body grille and 19-inch Multi-Spoke Mesh Aluminium Wheels. It is available in four exterior colours: Graphite Black Glass Flake, Sonic Titanium, Sonic Quartz, and Sonic Agate.

Inside, the Lexus LM offers comfort and opulence, with premium materials and thoughtful appointments. The cabin provides a modern, serene environment with minimalist aesthetics, allowing occupants to utilise the space as a living area or mobile office.

Additional interior features include a built-in thermistor for the steering wheel, an independent glass roof with integrated sunshade, and individual multi-operation panels for rear passengers. The LM500 variant features a 48-inch Ultrawide Display with dual-screen functionality.

The new Lexus LM350h and Lexus LM500h are priced from RM1,228,000 and RM1,468,000, respectively, reaffirming Lexus’s commitment to delivering excellence in luxury mobility.