Following the launch of the Honda City Hatchback in December, for which there are more than 5,200 bookings, Honda Malaysia has now announced the price of the City Hatchback RS e:HEV which was not revealed earlier. Without insurance, the price is RM107,783.09 and this price without sales tax will be applicable until June 30, 2022. There are 3 colour options – Ignite Red Metallic, Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Platinum White Pearl.
This is the first time that the City model is offered in a hatchback bodystyle and the flagship version also comes with e:HEV technology that uses the 1.5-litre Sports intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) powertrain coupled with Electric Continuous Variable Transmission (e-CVT). The hybrid powertrain produces 109 ps/253 Nm and can run in hybrid, engine or even fully electric mode, the latter available for a limited distance depending on the battery pack level.
The City Hatchback’s e:HEV system can run on just the electric motor powered by the battery pack, saving fuel and with no exhaust emissions.
However, as a hybrid electric vehicle, there is no need for recharging from an external source as the battery pack will recharge while the car is being driven. Recharging constantly takes place either by the engine or through regeneration during braking and coasting. This is therefore a more practical approach to electrification for Malaysians at this time when the network of recharging stations is still very small.
Specific to the City Hatchback are a Gloss Black front Grill, Solid Wing and Door Mirrors, and standard are LED headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, LED front foglights, a rear spoiler and LED rear light units, along with 16-inch alloy wheels.
The interior follows the layout of the sedan and comes with red-stitched Ultrasuede® Seats. The City Hatchback offers additional versatility as it comes with the 4-mode ULTRA Seat, a feature that originated in the first Jazz. The ULTRA Seat allows for different seating layouts in the cabin to suit different usage requirements, including one for carrying tall items like plants.
With the ULTRA Seat, it is possible to fold the seats upright to create more vertical space to carry tall items like plants.
This variant also comes with a 7-inch Interactive TFT meter, 8-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity as well as rear air conditioning. Other first-in-segment features are Honda LaneWatch to monitor the blind spot on the left side, Electric Parking Brake and Remote Engine Start.
Honda LaneWatch uses a small camera on the left door mirror to monitor the blind spot behind the car and display real-time images on the centre screen.
Like the City Sedan RS e:HEV, this hatchback variant also has Honda SENSING, the camera-based driver-assistance system which allows Level 2 autonomous driving as well. Honda SENSING consists of Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keep Assist System, Road Departure Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning and Auto High Beam. With the systems active, the workload on the driver is less so fatigue on long journeys can be reduced as well as motoring safety being enhanced.
Honda CONNECT is also included and this smart Telematics Technology allows owners to connect with the City Hatchback via a smartphone application. The owner can be easily informed of the car’s status as well as other useful information.
For more information or to locate a showroom for a test-drive, visit www.honda.com.my.
Although 2021 saw businesses being disrupted, with an extended lockdown in the middle of the year, many car companies were able to continue their planning, thanks to online meetings with their principals overseas. If such a situation had occurred in the 1980s, perhaps a lot of projects would have to be suspended and delayed.
Now that things are returning to normal (although there is also the ‘new normal’), it is apparent that in companies like Honda Malaysia, a lot of planning was done during 2021 and while launches were probably delayed, now the new models are being rushed into the market. And even before the excitement of the launch of the City Hatchback has died down, the all-new 11th generation of the Civic Sedan has been officially launched today – less than 12 months after its global debut in America.
The Civic would be the longest locally-assembled Honda model, having been assembled since the first generation in the mid-1970s. It was assembled at the Oriental Assemblers plant in Johor then, and then when Honda Malaysia built its own factory in Melaka in the early 2000s, assembly of all Honda models was transferred there.
For the new generation, Honda Malaysia has three variants – the Civic RS, Civic 1.5V and Civic 1.5E. This time round, there is only the proven turbocharged VTEC Earth Dreams engine offered. This means all the variants get the same output of 182 ps with 240 Nm of torque, which is more powerful than a conventional 2.4-litre engine. Power delivery to the front wheels is via a CVT.
According to Maduko Chujo, Managing Director & CEO of Honda Malaysia, the company is also looking at the possibility of offering a hybrid powertrain with the Civic later on. Such a version exists for the new Civic Hatchback in some markets and so it could be also used in the sedan. Or Honda Malaysia might add the Hatchback to its range, a bigger brother to the new City Hatchback. But we’ll probably know if and when this is going to happen by seeing what appears in the Thai market which usually gets new products before Malaysia.
The new styling retains some elements of the previous generation but also has a refreshed character with a low-slung look to the profile. The use of Laser Brazing technology (for the first time at the plant), gives a smooth and clean roofline that makes the car look sleeker.
Compared to the tenth generation, the frontal appearance looks less aggressive with a ‘thin and light’ appearance. It would appear that the EXCITING H!!! DESIGN philosophy which was adopted in 2013 is evolving to something new. The Solid Wing Face that has been in the frontal character is no longer evident and a simpler form is being introduced, which also has some elements used in the new HR-V.
Likewise, at the rear, the distinctive ‘claw’ lighting signature that identified the 10th generation from far away is also gone. The new LED rear combi units wrap around the corners and taper towards the centre.
As with other models, there is the option of adding Modulo accessories for a sportier look or more functionality. There are 5 different packages ranging from RM1,241 to RM7,089. These can be specified at the time of purchases so they can be included in the total cost of the car for calculation of the H-P loan.
The overall size is almost the same as before with the only 2-digit increases being in the length (+30 mm) and wheelbase (+33 mm). Usually, extending the wheelbase would improve rear space and comfort, which Honda says is the case.
The first Civic was half the weight and almost a metre shorter than its 11th generation successor launched 50 years later.
Comparing to the first generation model which was launched in 1972, it’s amazing how the size of the car has changed. The overall length of the first generation, which was a hatchback, was almost 1 metre shorter – around 3.5 metres versus the 2022 model’s 4.7 metres. In 50 years, it has widened to 1.8 metres, 300 mm more, and not surprisingly, being a much bigger car, the latest generation weighs around 1,350 kgs whereas the original was about half that weight!
The chassis of the new Civic has been further stiffened, not only for better resistance to collisions but also to improve handling and ride comfort. Compared to the tenth generation, there’s an 8% increase in torsional rigidity and 13% increase in bending rigidity. Over 10 generations, the Civic has been continuously moving upwards in its image and with this elevation towards a more premium product, Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels have had to be reduced. In the latest models, NVH is lower as a result of the application of insulators, floor undercover and spray foam in the chassis areas.
For the new interior, the designers looked at the early Civics, particularly the first one. Those who remember that first generation will see some styling elements in the dashboard of the latest Civic. Some good ideas are still good and so the original design approach of ‘Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum’ (or ‘M/M’) was used.
While the shelf-like design of the original dashboard has not been revived, the narrow Honeycomb Mesh Panel that runs across two-thirds of the fascia (and also on the right side of the steering column) is in some ways reminiscent of the first generation design. The metal panel serves both form and function, creating a dramatic visual dividing line between the audio, information displays and climate controls, while the intricate flow-through design conceals the air vents for an uncluttered look.
The interior designers obviously did a lot of studies on the control knobs and switchgear and have chosen the right types for different adjustments. While touch and slide controls are cool and futuristic, they are not necessarily practical. The fan speed and temperature adjustments, for example, are far easier to make with rotary knobs. To adjust them by touching a panel means you have to be precise about where you touch and you also have to look, which isn’t good for safety. With rotary knobs, you don’t have to look and for changing modes, pushbuttons are provided.
On the top of the dashboard sits a 9-inch HD display panel (7 inches for Civic 1.5E) for the infotainment system. Manufacturers now no longer need to worry about providing navigation software, thanks to the connectivity provided by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto which enables compatible smartphones to send popular apps to the display screen from which they can also be operated. Thus issues like updating maps are irrelevant as apps like Waze and Google Maps will do that and for music, there’s Spotify to call on. And even here, the designers have wisely chosen to provide a rotary knob for adjusting the volume, rather than a touch slider on the screen.
Over in the driver’s area, the instrument panel uses a 7-inch TFT display which is clear and sharp in all lighting conditions. As before, there are steering wheel mounted switches for making adjustments and calls without taking the hands off the steering wheel or looking away from the road ahead. With the Civic RS and 1.5V, paddle shifters are also provided for manually changing CVT ‘gears’.
The driver can choose from 3 driving modes to suit personal preference or driving conditions.
Seats look like, well, seats and unless you study the construction in detail, you won’t see any difference. However, there are improvements in the seat design to give better support and reduce tiredness on long drives. The seat frame has been designed so that the body posture is better and for the drivers in the RS and 1.5V, 8-way power adjustments make it easy to get the ideal position.
For convenience, there is Remote Start available (1.5V and RS) which allows starting the engine from a distance so that the air-conditioner can start running to cool down the interior. The doors will also automatic lock after you have left the car and walked 2 metres away or after 30 seconds.
Like other manufacturers, Honda also has its own suite of active safety systems where a number of different systems work together to help the driver avoid an accident or if it cannot be avoided, to reduce the damaging or injurious effects. In the 10th generation Civic, these systems integrated as Honda SENSING captured data for analysis using a single-lens camera and a millimetre-wave radar which scanned the road ahead.
For the 11th generation, the radar is no longer used and instead, there is a new camera system with a wider field of view (100 degrees, double the width of the previous camera). Where the radar was used to measure the distance to a vehicle ahead, this function can now be done by the camera. Honda engineers are confident that the camera system is better than the previous camera/radar system, even in bad weather conditions. Of course, the driver always needs to be aware that the camera’s view can be obscured in very heavy rain so in such situations, care should be taken rather than rely on Honda SENSING.
The system has automatic emergency braking capability, adaptive cruise control which works right to standstill (and resumes automatically), automatic headlight adjustment between high and low beams, lane and road departure detection and warning as well as keeping the car within its lane. Newly added to Honda SENSING is a feature that alerts the driver when the stopped car ahead moves off. How useful this feature is remains to be seen although it might help in congested conditions where drivers will be reminded to move on when the car ahead has departed from its spot.
With the RS and 1.5V, there is also the Honda LaneWATCH system which is a blindspot monitoring system for the left side of the car. This uses a camera mounted on the door mirror which provides an image along the side of the car. The image is shown on the centre display panel whenever the left signal is activated and the driver can know if there is another car or motorcycle coming up along the side. It’s a noteworthy feature as it reduces the amount of turning the head has to do, compared to having to look for a flashing icon on the mirror (as with other systems).
Honda LaneWATCH system provides a view along the left side of the car.
The new Civic is also set up for Honda CONNECT, the third model in Malaysia to have this telematics technology. Using a smartphone, the owner can view information on the vehicle as well as use remote and security applications. The system also has vehicle tracking which is useful if it is stolen as support services will be able to locate it and inform relevant authorities to recover it.
The new Civic is now in all authorized Honda showrooms nationwide for viewing or test-drives. To locate a showroom in Malaysia, visit www.honda.com.my.
In 2016, the 10th generation of the Honda Civic won the North American Car of the Year title and in 2022, its successor has again been picked by the jury of automotive journalists. This is the third time for the model which is the most popular compact car in America, with the first time being in 2006 with the 8th generation. Add the Accord in 2018, and the Ridgeline which was picked as the North American Truck of the Year in 2017, and Honda has collected five titles to date.
The North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year awards honour excellence in innovation, design, safety features, performance, technology, driver satisfaction and value. Initiated in 1994, they are judged by 50 professional automotive journalists from the USA and Canada who work for independent magazines, television, radio, newspapers and industry websites.
“The Honda Civic has long set the standard by which other compact cars are measured and this all-new Civic raised that bar in every conceivable way,” said Michael Kistemaker, Assistant Vice-President of Honda national sales, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We’re especially proud for the Civic development team in Japan and our production associates at our plants in Greensburg, Indiana and Alliston, Ontario where the 2022 Civic Sedan, Hatchback and Si are built.”
Redesigned from the ground-up, the all-new Honda Civic has a more rigid body structure, an advanced and enhanced chassis wrapped in a more sophisticated, sleek and sporty design with top class interior space and comfort. The drivetrain options include a high-torque VTEC Turbo engine and a host of new standard safety, driver-assistive and connected-car technologies.
Interior of US version of new Civic.
Last October, the 11th generation Civic was also recognized by WardsAuto in the categories for Wards 10 Best Interiors and Wards 10 Best User Experience for 2021. Inspired by the classic human-centered designs of early Honda vehicles, the brand’s new interior design direction – applied in the new Civic – helps enhance the driving experience by eliminating complexity and advancing the user experience through thoughtful and pleasing design elements.
The design philosophy features a renewed focus on Honda’s classic “Man Maximum/Machine Minimum” (M/M) approach that maximizes cabin space, while minimizing space required for mechanical components. Inside, the M/M approach results in a very simple, clean and modern take on classic Civic values. By evoking the uncluttered cabin design of early generations of the model, the new model’s interior has exceptional visibility, intuitive ergonomics, generous passenger volume and driver-focused technology.
Right model, right time
The Civic, in its first generation, was one of the models that boosted the popularity of Japanese cars in America when it appeared in the early 1970s. It arrived at a time when the country was going through an energy and air quality crisis, and besides its compact size, the innovative fuel-efficient CVCC engine was also able to meet the newly-introduced exhaust emission standards without the need for a catalytic converter.
Form then on, Honda (already the leader in the motorcycle market) became increasingly popular in what was then the world’s largest car market. To date, Honda has produced nearly 11 million Civics in North America (more than 5 million in the USA), representing nearly 30% of the brand’s vehicle production in the region.
Coming to Malaysia this week
The 11th generation Civic will also be launched in Malaysia tomorrow (Thursday, January 13) and the locally-assembled line-up will include a RS version with a 182 ps/240 Nm VTEC 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. For more information, visit www.honda.com.my or authorized Honda showrooms in Malaysia.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected, and although you may not show symptoms, you could spread the coronavirus to others. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Honda Malaysia has introduced an upgraded range of Genuine Engine Oils, recommended specially for Honda vehicles, of course. The oil now has an API SP grade which provides stable performance and better fuel economy while prolonging engine lifespan as well as offers greater engine protection.
The new engine oil will replace the existing SN Grade range with mineral (Bronze), semi-synthetic (Silver) and fully synthetic (Gold) formulations. However, the SN grade 0W-30 viscosity fully-synthetic oil will still be available for cars with high performance engines such as the Civic Type R.
Suitable to be used for most petrol and turbocharged engines, the SP Grade engine oil is approved and recommended by Honda Research & Development (R&D). The new engine oil range is formulated to fulfil all operating requirements of Honda engines and also meet the latest standards issued by the American Petroleum Institute (API). It enhances protection against low-speed pre-ignition, an abnormal combustion phenomenon that can cause significant damage to the engine.
The SP Grade engine oil also comes with a timing chain wear protection to minimise timing chain elongation. In addition to improved high temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers, it provides better sludge and varnish control, valve train and intake lifter wear protection, higher oxidation stability as well as emission control system protection. The lower-viscosity of 0W-20 fully-synthetic oil allows the engine to operate with maximum efficiency while very good protection for key engine components, even at extreme temperatures.
More information on the new Honda engine oil is available at any authorised Honda service centre, or at www.honda.com.my.
Why use a Genuine Oil?
There are engine oils and there are Genuine Oils but to the average motorist, it is hard to understand what can be so special about Genuine Oils sold by some car companies. It may seem like such products are created just to give the car company an extra source of revenue by using the brand name. After all, an oil is an oil, right? As long as it is from a reputable producer and meets the requirements of the carmaker (specified in the Owner’s Manual), it should be okay to use.
You won’t go wrong picking an oil produced by any of the reputable oil companies, but you may not get 100% lubricating performance with the engine in your vehicle. This is because each engine has its own characteristics and design features; some may have unique combustion chamber designs, more complex valvetrains or special oil passages. These are known to the engineers who design the engines but may not be understood by those in the oil companies who try to come up with an oil which ‘suits all engines’.
This is where the specifications for a Genuine Oil come in and they may have specific requirements to ensure proper lubrication in certain areas. In other words, the Genuine Oil will have a unique formulation which will work best with the engine for which it is recommended, and it will perform better than other oils [for that engine].
More customized for specific engines
The best analogy to this issue would be to think of clothes. You can go to a department store and buy a shirt with a famous brand name. You may get a choice of S/M/L/XL and one of the sizes will fit your body. Maybe you will be lucky and the sleeves will also be just the right length and the collar is not too tight. However, it is also possible that your arms may be just a wee bit longer and the sleeve length for size ‘M’ is not exactly matching for you.
Now you could also go to a tailor and made a shirt with a similar design but you would be able to have the sleeves just the right length to suit your arm and the collar will be comfortable instead of choke you each time you have to wear a tie. You feel comfortable wearing the shirt and its ‘specifications’ are exclusive to you.
That is basically the difference between a Genuine Oil and other oils: customization. While it may be that 99% of engine designs are similar, there may still be that 1% which is unique to each engine and only a Genuine Oil would be able to cover the lubrication needs of that 1% so you get optimum performance.
This is not to say you must use only Genuine Oil for your vehicle and that other oils are not good enough. As a consumer, you always have choices but as a Honda owner, if you want to give your vehicle the best at all times, then Honda Genuine Engine Oil would be the best to use.
While the price is an important factor when you buy a new car, you should also consider the larger ‘package’ that a brand offers. You are going to have the car for a while and having an enjoyable ownership experience where the dealer looks after your needs will make a difference to that experience. How the company cares for its customers is also very important.
Honda Malaysia, for instance, has a high standard of customer care and that is now being demonstrated by its Flood Relief Programme to provide aid to Honda customers whose vehicle have been affected by the recent floods. With this programme, repair services with reduced parts prices for affected Honda customers at the flood-stricken areas will be available until January 31, 2022 (terms and conditions apply).
Honda owners who purchased their vehicles from authorised Honda dealers in Malaysia will be entitled to a 25% discount on genuine parts when they bring their vehicles to any authorised Honda service centre for an assessment and inspection service, as well as repairs.
Owners who have chosen Honda Insurance Plus (HiP) can enjoy a free inspection (terms and conditions apply) for their vehicles to ensure that they are safe to drive and in good running condition, especially after the floods.
In addition to providing towing service for vehicles damaged by the floods to the nearest authorised Honda dealership, HiP customers are entitled to receive flood allowance of up to RM1,500 to alleviate their burden. At the same time, Honda Malaysia is working closely with the insurance companies to expedite the claim process for affected customers.
“We are deeply saddened by the floods that have inundated several states in Malaysia, which resulted in the evacuation of many people from their homes and caused significant damage to their properties and motor vehicles. Striving to be a company society wants to exist, we continue to look for ways to help the communities around us who are in need. We hope that with the rolling out of this Flood Relief Programme, we can help to relieve the burden of our valued customers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people who are affected by the floods, and we hope everyone continues to stay safe during these challenging times,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director & CEO, Madoka Chujo.
For more information on the Flood Relief Programme and HiP, owners can call Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit www.honda.com.my.
Many of the next generation of motorists will almost certainly be using electrifed vehicles, either with hybrid powertrains or full electric powertrains. Familiarizing them and making them regard electric vehicles as commonplace when they are young may be a good idea, and Honda has a project in America which can do that.
Working with CHOC hospital in California, Honda has provided ‘Shogo’, an electric ride-on vehicle specifically designed to travel along hospital hallways to transport children. Developed in-house by Honda engineers, Shogo is equipped with features and elements to help bring joy to young patients as they continue on their road to recovery.
Randall Smock, a senior exterior designer of vehicles at American Honda Motor Company, played a significant role in the design of Shogo, as well as the testing of the vehicle. “As someone who spent time in the hospital as a young child, I really wanted the No. 1 objective of our Honda team in developing Shogo to ease the hardship of a hospital stay by providing kids a lasting positive memory about that experience,” he said.
“Every element of Shogo was designed to accommodate different needs of young children, making it as easy as possible to get in and out, simple to drive, and for the entire experience to leave them a bit happier,” he explained.
As the first hospital to utilize Shogo in caring for young patients facing hospitalization, CHOC played a key role in verifying its feasibility and safety. “Our team greatly appreciates Honda bringing innovative solutions that support our ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional patient experience and infusing joy into a patient’s stay,” said Brianne Ortiz, Manager of the Cherese Mari Laulhere Child Life Department at CHOC. “We were impressed from the beginning when we first saw Shogo, and by the Honda team’s dedication in collaborating with our staff to ensure a vehicle that is perfect – and safe – for our young patients.”
Shogo, based on a Japanese word and intended to mean ‘soaring into the future’, was built to focus on young patients, aged 4 through 9, who can easily drive with power controls, manage the go/stop mechanism on the steering wheel, and an adjustable speed of 1-5 miles per hour (1.5 km/h to 8 km/h), which is controlled by a handler such as a nurse or caregiver.
Developed with patient safety in mind, Shogo was built without doors to be safely and easily accessible for youth. Other features include central seating with steering controls suitable and accessible for a child, and smooth and soft-to-the-touch surfacing that is easy to keep clean in a hospital setting.
Shogo also includes an IV pole holder and a pushbar that offers caregivers the option to manually push the vehicle when needed. Features to make the child’s experience more comfortable include a toy bucket in the front of the vehicle for items the child would like to bring along with them, cupholders, a centre horn with different sound options, and a customizable license plate slot to display the name of each rider.
Honda engineers worked hand-in-hand with the staff at CHOC to verify the feasibility of the concept. This included testing Shogo through a dedicated course inside the company’s R&D facility designed to replicate a hospital hallway route with actual children and parents, to ensure the electric ride-on vehicle was safe to operate when delivered to the hospital. The collaboration with CHOC was critical in understanding how Shogo was being used in the actual hospital environment, so the team could continue to make further adjustments.
Developing Shogo as an electric vehicle was an obvious requirement for Honda engineers to ensure it could be accommodated in a hospital environment. But the electrified Shogo also aligns to the company’s recently-announced vision to make electrified vehicles represent 40% of sales in 2030, on the way to 100% EVs by 2040.
“When people think of a Honda, there’s a very good chance they will think of the Civic.”
Words by the Head of Sales and Marketing of Honda Malaysia, which I thought couldn’t be more true.
The Civic has come to cement itself as the de facto go to car once a person makes enough money to afford moving up to a six figure sedan.
It is also a status symbol of sorts.
I once knew someone who did not want to marry her boyfriend until he bought a Civic.
Such is its appeal.
So when Honda announced that it was introducing an all-new Civic, naturally the media went into a frenzy.
And when photos were published, Honda fanboys (and girls) simply melted.
The latest generation Civic is elegant in its design, more spacious than ever, and though we are not allowed to show you interior photos until after its launch, we can say that the interior is nicer that you can imagine.
Both in terms of quality and design.
How does it drive?
Powering the new Civic is the same 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that is in the current generation Civic and CRV.
But this time it has been tuned up to produce 10PS and 20Nm more torque.
In total, the Civic puts out 182PS and 240Nm of torque, which is plenty for a C segment car.
But it is the way the Civic puts down this power that is even more impressive.
Honda Malaysia invited a select group of journalists to drive the car around the South Track of the Sepang International Circuit.
But they also provided a Toyota Corolla Altis and the current generation Civic as a reference point.
The new Civic felt more eager to respond to the throttle while the handling was sharper around a slalom test.
Body roll was obviously reduced over the previous generation Civic as well.
But what was truly impressive though was how refined the drive was.
The engine is mated to the same CVT gearbox as before, but this time the droning noise that is so typical of such gearboxes has been turned down a couple of notches.
The noise and vibration insulation is also a couple of notches better, and you don’t feel any vibrations from the tarmac in the seats either.
You could argue that the tarmac at Sepang Circuit is smoother and does not reflect real-world driving conditions, and you would be right.
And you would be right. But you can usually feel some powertrain vibrations in your bum from a C segment car, but that is no longer there.
And this is proof that the Civic has matured into a more family oriented car without forgetting its sporting roots.
Very much like a 90s or early 2000s BMW 3-Series.
The new Civic is also a lot sportier in nature, and that is largely thanks to a new Drive Mode Selector – a feature that is available for the first time in a Civic.
This gives you access to three different modes – Eco, Normal and Sport.
Each does what it is named after and controls things like throttle response, steering heft and the overall character of the car.
What’s so nice about it?
I would say the interior and the way the powertrain is packaged.
The exterior design is also a much welcomed departure from the obviously aging design of the current generation Civic.
It isn’t as dramatic as the FD was or the FC for that matter, but the new FE generation Civic is elegant and understated now.
And those gorgeous daytime running lights will help it stand out from the crowd.
I know that looks are subjective, but I am quite sure thousands will love the interior of the new Civic.
The honeycomb design that spreads across the dash, subtly hiding the air-conditioning vents are an original touch unseen in any other car. Honda or otherwise.
The steering wheel too is thicker and feels luxurious in your hands.
The quality of the switches feel like they belong in a continental car rather than an affordable mass-produced C-segment Honda.
The seats in the Civic have always been among the best in the segment, and still are. This time though the padding is supple for added plushness while overall support has been extended to the bottom of your thighs and shoulders.
And because the car is now much bigger in overall proportions, the interior is spacious.
The dramatically rising a-pillars and the wider c-pillars allow more light into the cabin via larger windows, further accentuating the sense of spaciousness.
The spaciousness extends into the booth as well, which now seems like it can accommodate three golf bags.
What about technology?
You wouldn’t expect anything lesser of a Honda, and so the Civic comes brimming with tech.
The RS variant we drove came with an updated Honda SENSING that now features something called Lead Car Departure Notification System.
This system alerts the driver when the car ahead has moved ahead, perfect when in traffic or at a traffic light when most drivers are either on their phone or simply dreaming.
The full suite of enhanced Honda SENSING safety features in All-New Civic RS are as below:
Lead Car Departure Notification System (NEW)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Low-Speed Follow (LSF)
Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS)
Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Auto High Beam (AHB)
It is unclear if this will make it down to other variants of the Civic, but in typical Honda Malaysia fashion, only the top two models will receive Honda SENSING. And this will then trickle down to other variants as the model goes through its life cycle.
But of course, that’s not all the new Civic comes loaded with, it also features plenty of other safety features as well, such as:
Honda LaneWatch
Six Airbags
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
Agile Handling Assist (AHA)
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS)
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD)
Auto Brake Hold (ABH)
Hill Start Assist (HSA)
Walk Away Auto Lock
Remote Engine Start
And a new safety feature for the Civic called Driver Attention Monitor that alerts the driver to take a rest if it detects erratic driving.
Should you buy it?
There is a shift in demand towards SUV’s, hence why cars like the HRV are selling so well. But there is a huge appeal in cars like the Civic as well.
There was a time where people wanted an SUV because it offered more space. But with the amount of space the new Civic offers, that argument is no longer valid.
It may not offer the higher up sitting position of an SUV, but if you want a sporty sedan with a well-built interior and a drive quality that is similar to a continental car, then yes, you should buy the Civic.
We can’t tell you anything about the price as Honda Malaysia did not reveal anything, but expect it to be similar in price to the outgoing model.
Even before the excitement with the all-new Honda City Hatchback has died down, Honda Malaysia is preparing to launch another all-new model – the 11th generation of the Civic. It will be launched in the first quarter of 2022, and those who want to be the first to own one can place a booking now at any authorized Honda dealer nationwide. Prices and variants have not been revealed (although we know there will be an RS variant for the first time), but sales tax will not be charged till after June 30, 2022.
Evolutionary styling changes
The new Civic has undergone an evolutionary styling change that gives it a ‘New Age Identity’. The focus on the new exterior design is to give the driver and occupants a more expansive view from within, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness. This has been achieved by expanding the glass area with windscreen pillars repositioned further back.
The Civic RS, flagship of the new range, will come with black finishing for the housings of the door mirrors, Shark Fin antenna, Outer Door Handles, boot spoiler and also the 18-inch alloy wheels. The new lighting units use LEDs and have new designs while the Civic’s styling DNA is reflected in the rear lights.
Longer and wider body
Measuring 4678 mm in length, 1802 mm in width, with a height of 1415 mm and a wheelbase of 2735 mm, the new Civic is larger and wider with the rear track also widened to provide a low and wide stance. The factory in Melaka will use Honda’s advanced manufacturing technique employing Lazer Brazing technology (a Civic-first) which gives a sleeker roofline and strengthens body rigidity.
The familiar and proven VTEC 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine will be used again. The latest version generates higher power output which is a maximum of 182 ps, with 240 Nm of torque. That’s even more powerful than the 2.4-litre engine that powered the Accord.
5 stars from ASEAN NCAP
ASEAN NCAP has already tested the new Civic and it received a maximum overall score of 5 stars. It is the first Honda model to be assessed under the new ASEAN NCAP 2021-2025 protocol which includes requirements for protecting motorcyclists.
Honda SENSING will be offered with the Civic RS and the driver assistance package is said to have improved functionality by offering natural and smooth steering operation. The Honda SENSING suite has 9 active safety systems which can help the driver avoid an accident or reduce the effects of one. A new addition is Lead Car Departure Notification System which alerts the driver when the vehicle ahead moves off. There is also a Driver Attention Monitor which will reduce the dangers of a fatigued driver losing attention by alerting the driver if unusual driving behaviour is noticed.
A segment leader
“The Civic has a strong identity and is one of the favourite Honda models for Malaysians who love a car with exceptional styling and powerful performance. Since 2001, we have sold close to 148,000 units of Civic and this legendary model continues to expand its fan base in the country. The iconic 10th Generation Civic, which was launched in 2016, has contributed more than 66,600 units to the total Civic sales and continues to lead in the C-segment with 71% market share as of October 2021,” said Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Madoka Chujo.
“The 11th Generation Civic, which is a modern interpretation of the classic, offers a piece of the future. It raises the benchmark of a C-segment sedan in every way while maintaining the best of the Civic DNA which is loved by Malaysians. The All-New Civic is truly A Legacy, Reborn!” she added.
To locate an authorised Honda dealership for more information or to make a booking, visit www.honda.com.my.
The Civic, launched in 1972, was Honda’s first global model and began life as a compact 3-door hatchback in its first generation.
Not everyone may know that the City name did not begin with the model that is known today which was born in the mid-1990s. There was another Honda City – a small car mainly sold in Japan which was called the City as well. That model was interesting in the interior packaging that made it even possible to include a tiny scooter called the MotoCompo in the boot. And it was a hatchback. So it is interesting that while the original City was not mentioned before as a predecessor of today’s City – which is a sedan – it was mentioned with the launch of the new City Hatchback.
The original City was a small hatchback produced between 1981 and 1986. It was only around 3.8 metres long with a wheelbase of 2.2 metres – while the modern City Hatchback is 4.3 metres long and sits on a wheelbase of 2.6 metres.
The City Hatchback takes the place of the Jazz which will no longer be offered in Malaysia but will still be sold elsewhere outside the region. Some may ask why it is necessary to drop the Jazz. It has been a successful product since being launched in 2001 and was the first model to beat the Toyota Corolla in the domestic Japanese market in overall sales. Like the Civic, which began as a low-priced hatchback, the Jazz evolved and perhaps became more sophisticated and more expensive to build.
It could be for this reason that Honda decided to develop a hatchback on the City platform which was originally conceived as a ‘Asian Car’. It was created at a time when the Civic began to cost more and could no longer be an entry-level model so a new lower-cost approach was needed to offer a new model at the entry level.
Prices shown above do not include insurance and sales tax. For private registration in Peninsular Malaysia.
The City Hatchback was planned and developed at the same time as the current 5th generation City Sedan but its introduction was delayed due to the pandemic. While the Jazz will be sold in other regions, this model is intended mainly for the Asia-Oceania market. The factory in Thailand is the hub for producing the City in both variants and markets like Malaysia also have it assembled locally.
Four variants, two powertrains
For the Malaysian market, there are four variants being assembled at the Melaka plant, essentially like what is offered for the sedan. And like the sedan too, one of them (the RS variant) has a more advanced i-MMD e-HEV powertrain. This is a hybrid powertrain which is greatly improved from the first Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system Honda used over 20 years ago. It uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine working with dual electric motors and can generate up to 253 Nm of torque – which is a figure normally seen from bigger engines. The City Hatchback RS will not, however, be immediately available (which was the same case with the City RS), so we won’t get into too much detail at this time.
As for the other three variants (S, E and V), these all share the same 1.5-litre i-VTEC engine with a DOHC cylinder head. This engine (also used in the sedan) produces 121 ps/145 Nm which is the highest in its class and the power gets to the front wheels through a CVT. These three variants are expected to account for 95% of the sales, the same proportion as for the City Sedan.
Shorter but heavier
While the sedan and hatchback have similar mechanical items and parts, the bodywork is obviously different at the rear with the absence of the ‘third box’ for the boot. The rear side doors appear similar, probably retaining the same hard points but further back, the rear end is shorter. The difference in overall length is about 206 mm but the wheelbase is identical at 2600 mm as is the 1748 mm width. The hatchback is a bit heavier even though it is shorter and that’s likely to be because it has a larger piece of glass at the back.
The versatility of a hatchback
When hatchbacks started to appear in the 1970s, the selling point was their versatility. SUVs as we know them today were not in existence yet so to have a car that could provide comfortable transport and yet carry more stuff than a sedan, the hatchback with its large rear opening was a practical approach.
While one can say that when folding rear seats were also available in sedans, the extended load capacity also became possible, along with a longer floor. But what a hatchback offers is more vertical space so more items can be stacked or taller items can be accommodated (keeping in mind the rear view, of course).
The ULTRA Seat
Honda’s designers went one step further in making the cabin of a hatchback versatile by adding the ULTRA seat. This innovation was developed after hours of watching people at supermarkets and shopping centres. They took note of the sort of items loaded and saw that there were items that were tall (like plants) and could not readily fit. This led them to design the rear seat to fold upwards against the backrest and create a generous vertical space from the floor to the ceiling.
The ULTRA seat was introduced in the first generation of the Jazz in the early 2000s. It was then offered in the second generation of the City, giving it a unique selling point. However, it was not consistently offered and then disappeared.
Now the ULTRA seat is back in the City Hatchback which extends its versatility. Instead of being bolted to the floor and fixed in place, the seats have a hinge under the backrest and are supported on U-shaped tubular bars. They can be flipped up against the backrests, or the backrests flipped down flat to get more floor length.
While they are similar in concept to the original ULTRA seats, they no longer have a hard plastic panel underneath. In the early version, the panel was moulded and included circular teh tarik hooks which were useful if you had some plastic bags to hang.
As before, the ULTRA seats have four ‘modes’ – UTILITY, LONG, TALL or REFRESH. For the LONG and REFRESH modes, the front passenger’s seat can also be folded flat so there is an open space from the back door all the way to the dashboard to carry a really long item or just to stretch out. For those who frequent IKEA, this would definitely be the sort of car to own.
Similar design and features as sedan
The cabin layout is the same as the sedan’s and the equipment levels are also similar. The best-equipped version is the top RS e:HEV which has Honda SENSING and Honda CONNECT. However, this version would cost more than the RM87,860 that the top version (1.5V) of the petrol-engined variants is priced at. For the sedan, Honda Malaysia introduced an additional version which brings Honda SENSING to the 1.5V version and they might do the same for the City Hatchback later on.
In any case, the City Hatchback 1.5V is still pretty well equipped and good value for money. It has standard features like Auto LED headlights (high beam automatically switches to low beam when necessary), LED front foglights, 16-inch alloy wheels, Honda LaneWatch and 6 airbags.
Honda Lanewatch is another innovative feature which provides the driver with a view of the blind spot on the left side of the car by using a small camera mounted on the door mirror. The real-time image is displayed on the 8-inch panel in the middle of the dashboard so the driver doesn’t have to turn the head all the way to the left to see the mirror. The camera is only on when the left signal is activated.
Other notable features are Remote Engine Start, paddle shifters, cruise control, automatic air-conditioning a reverse camera (these items are also standard for the 1.5E). For those with compatible smartphones, there’s added connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Comprehensive safety systems
While the Honda SENSING package is available only for the very top RS variant, the safety systems that come standard with the City Hatchback are also pretty comprehensive and can help to reduce accidents. These include ABS with Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, and Hillstart Assist.
There’s also an Emergency Stop Signal system which will keep the brake lights illuminated and activate the hazard lights automatically if the braking action is sudden and heard (indicating emergency braking). This can alert drivers behind so that they will respond earlier and possibly avoid a rearend collision.
As childseats are now required by law, there is an ISOFIX point for compatible childseats to be installed easily and securely. The Seatbelt Reminder is also wired to include the rear seatbelts so that the driver will be aware when someone is not belted up (an offence).
For those who don’t like SUVs
The Jazz may be missed by some but if it is versatility that you are looking for, then the City Hatchback would be just as practical. This extra capability is available without compromising on space and comfort and can be considered something like a stationwagon too. And for those who want the versatility of a SUV but don’t like the tallness, the City Hatchback could also be a great alternative as it sits as low as the sedan.
When Honda Malaysia announced the flagship model for the new Honda City, mouths were left agape with the torque figures and good looks of the City RS e:HEV.
No surprises there because that’s what a flagship model is all about – a showmanship of what’s possible for a particular model by the manufacturer.
But more often than not, the second model in the line up would be equally as good, but with a different set of features and a watered down design. And a cheaper price tag.
Take the newly introduced and second in line to the City throne Honda City hatchback petrol, or officially known as the V variant, for instance.
It is expected to cost as much as the sedan variant, which puts it in the eighty something thousand league. And for that kind of money, you get a car that feels as well built as an early 2000s BMW. Which is a good thing.
But what’s not a good thing though is that we can’t show you photos of the interior until after it has been officially introduced. But we can tell you that it feels great and is similar to the City sedan.
The seats are more suited to comfort and luxury than the sportier ones in the RS. And that’s not a bad thing either because the seats are fantastic.
The drive took place at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC), where Honda Malaysia was keen to show off the acceleration and handling of the two top of the line variants.
The acceleration test took place at Turn 10 of SIC – a shallow gradient uphill climb that flows into Turn 11. This was a great spot to test out the power delivery and handling of the City because Turns 12 and 13 are fast flowing corners that tend to upset the balance of a car.
No upsetting the balance of the City though. But of course we weren’t really pushing them as hard as you would on a track. We were told to keep on the slower side of 110km/h.
But just as mentioned in the previous article, handling was accurate and body movement was as minimal as an everyday car could muster.
I had jumped into the competing car before any of the new Hondas though. One that was provided to establish the baseline feel of what the competitors could do.
But you don’t bring a competitor car to your event unless you are sure you can mop the floor with it, and that’s what the petrol variant of the Honda City did.
The 1.5-litre engine that is powering the V variant produces a class leading 118hp and 145Nm of torque.
These figures are not exactly what you would call powerful, but in a lightweight car designed to move people and their belongings comfortably – it is not all that bad.
It is still capable of shoving you back into your seat, no matter how little.
Exterior wise, the V variant may not be as exciting to look at because it doesn’t have the glass piano black front grill, the blacked out wing and black door mirrors. In place you get a chrome grill and a very subdued overall design.
But just like the RS, the V variant too gets the all-important LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED fog lamps and LED rear combi lights.
The V variant also gets 16-inch alloy wheels. Thought the wheel well looks like it could easily take on a set of 18 or 19-inch wheels. Modification ready perhaps?
Just like the RS, the V-variant also gets Honda’s famous ULTRA seats that first made its debut in the Jazz.
The ULTRA seats allow the seats to either be folded down in what Honda calls the Utility mode, folded up (Tall mode), lay flat (long mode) and even lay the front passenger seats flat (Refresh mode) for a total flat out format that mimics a daybed. Excellent for a weekend by the beach, if you are so inclined.
But the V-variant loses out on the Honda SENSING safety suite – but expect that to trickle down the line to other models as the City hatchback goes through its product life cycle. Or perhaps there would be a City 1.5L Hatchback V SENSING, just like how there is a City 1.5L V SENSING for the sedan model.
All in all, the Honda City hatchback has made an excellent case for itself.
Fans of the Jazz were left aghast when Honda Malaysia announced that the Jazz will be replaced with the City hatchback. But after driving it, the Jazz simply doesn’t make sense anymore when the City hatchback is able to offer so much more.
Honda Malaysia has not mentioned anything about the price though, but an introduction is due to take place any day now, and expect prices to be not that far off the sedan versions.
