QUICK LOOK: 2022 Honda Civic – mature aspirations?

Unless you have been living off the grid, you would have, by now at least, least seen official photos of the all-new, 11th-generation Honda Civic. The big news is the full redesign, which has really stirred the pot this time around. We’re sure you’ve already formed your thoughts on the C-segment sedan already, but there’s really more than what meets the eye. So, let’s dive right into it and check out the new Civic in greater detail.

Now, the outgoing Civic FC was the breakout star of the C-segment market when it broke cover at the end of 2015. The hype it generated was unreal, and it is still very much loved to this day. It was like the Civic FD all over again, and the unveiling of the 11th-gen model seems to bring back some of those forgotten memories of the FB. Odd number curse? Maybe, maybe not.

In any case, Honda is clearly pushing the limits of its Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum design philosophy here. In terms of styling, the Civic is deliberately made to look more matured, looking almost like a mini Accord, with a more rounded nose and less aggressive fascia.

QUICK LOOK: 2022 Honda Civic – mature aspirations?

The LED reflector headlights are longer and the intakes are bigger, plus the side mirrors are now mounted on the doors. The most obvious change is evident when viewed from the side. By shifting the A-pillars back by nearly two inches, the bonnet now looks longer, and the Civic’s fastback proportions appear to be more pronounced. A lot of the volume has been moved backwards, and the little kink along the bottom of the rear quarter window is identical to the Accord.

At the back, there’s an integrated ducktail spoiler, but again, the overall design approach here feels a lot safer than what we saw with the Civic FC. The tail lights get this L-shaped graphics, and this motif is also seen in the LED DRLs up front.

This being an all-new model, Honda stretched the Civic by 33 mm, so it is nearly 4.7 metres-long. Most of that extra length went into the wheelbase, so expect the already spacious cabin to be roomier than before. The width and height are unchanged.

QUICK LOOK: 2022 Honda Civic – mature aspirations?

Inside, Honda tidied up the dashboard so the air conditioning vents sit in a single straight line, hidden behind a strip of honeycomb mesh. Depending on the market, the freestanding display is available in either seven or nine inches in size, and it now sits on top of the dash. There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, of course, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system can be had in the most expensive variant, which is a first for the Civic.

Also a first here is the 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster. Again, this is only for more expensive variants, so cheaper models will make do with a smaller seven-inch display with an analogue speedometer. The dash looks really good from the photos, so we can’t wait to see it in person.

Honda said some of the key touch points like the HVAC dials are made from higher quality materials, and the switchgears supposedly offer better tactility. There’s also a Qi wireless smartphone charging tray, some USB ports, electronic parking brake and drive mode switches in the new centre console.

In terms of engines, the familiar 1.5 litre turbocharged engine is carried over, but makes more power than before. Output is now 180 hp and 240 Nm, which is 6 hp and 20 Nm more. Other markets will get a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated engine with 158 hp and 187 Nm, but it remains to be seen the existing 1.8 litre mill will continue to be offered.

A continuously variable transmission is paired together with the engine, and it too has been enhanced to provide better performance. The chassis and suspension are uprated to provide a better driving feel, and the track is widened for better stability as well. Honda said NVH levels are reduced as well, so you’re looking at a Civic that has been improved on almost every level.

So, what do you think of the Civic? Do you like the more matured design? Is it an improvement over the FC that’s currently on sale? Whichever side you’re on, note that there is a possibility that the new Civic will be introduced in Malaysia by this year, as hinted by Honda Malaysia president and COO Sarly Adle Sarkum.

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Matthew H Tong

An ardent believer that fun cars need not be fast and fast cars may not always be fun. Matt advocates the purity and simplicity of manually swapping cogs while coping in silence of its impending doom. Matt's not hot. Never hot.

 

Comments

  • Chavez on May 10, 2021 at 6:56 pm

    memang terbaik Civic VTEC TURBO 180HP

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 14
  • SS Mooi on May 10, 2021 at 7:28 pm

    Accord~~~~

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • that rear end looks like proton saga? :O

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
  • Crv 1.5L CVT on May 10, 2021 at 9:03 pm

    Compared to CR-V, this looks very boring already.
    Space maximum is at CR-V. Larger Wheels too.

    Wonder why make a sedan looks so Uncle, while CR-V is more sporty.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Disappointed on May 10, 2021 at 9:03 pm

    Uncle car 11th Gen Civic, spoilt the 10th Gen Sporty Civic designed , if Malaysia bring in Corolla Apex or SE/ XLE I would get Toyota Apex more sporty and suitable for young and mid age people’s.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 32 Thumb down 20
    • wonder why they would do this. The current model is so sporty even my 67 yo father thinks its sexy. Now honda will start losing ground to toyota etc

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 3
    • Dredd on May 10, 2021 at 11:57 pm

      Locals buy turbo only. that Corolla Apex SE 2.0NA inline-4 sharing same mazda engine.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 2
      • Nope… Corolla Apex uses their own 2.0 Dynamic Force Engine.. why source from Mazda when SkyActiv make 10hp less than Toyota’s DFE?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
    • Ramesh on May 11, 2021 at 6:23 am

      It may end up discontinued like the boring Ford Focus

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
    • I think honda is looking to compete with the big boys in the likes of bmw, audi, etc. with this one, i honestly think it looks cool.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 8
    • Sontoloyo on May 11, 2021 at 4:49 pm

      But you will not evan buy.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • It is ugly, boring, lacks personality… It is just the average uninspiring car. It will go unnoticed.

    8th generation was the best and by far. I don’t like this new Civic. Honda ruined the Civic starting with the 9th generation. It all went downhill then.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 6
  • ManUniversal on May 10, 2021 at 10:29 pm

    Backward design. 10th Generation design is more sporty and futuristic. The best so far. What a shame. I can’t imagine Honda Civic Type R with this kind of design!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 4
  • If slap on hyundai batch on this car..people will buy or not?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Yankee on May 11, 2021 at 8:26 am

    from Yuppy’s car to granddaddy’s car

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 3
  • Juan Dela Cruz on May 11, 2021 at 8:51 am

    This 11th Gen Civic is way better and symmetrical compared to 10th Gen Boy Racer look with awkward angles and bad character lines including the exaggerated Crab Tail Lights. This 11th Gen interior is more premium than the previous one.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 22
  • AlmightySnackBar on May 11, 2021 at 9:26 am

    Yes, the build quality and all must be good overseas but when it comes to Malaysia as CKD, the build quality sucks to the max. No more supporting BS BQ QC Honda Malaysia.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 0
  • Ben Yap on May 11, 2021 at 9:50 am

    this will be the next best selling C-segment even though the design not as nice as 10th Gen.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 10
    • Very hard to say.. the 8th Gen FC was fantastic but Honda screw up the 9th Gen FB design.. Most buyers went for Altis and Mazda 3 during that period.. The FB was so forgettable.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Walley on May 11, 2021 at 9:57 am

    Very nice. Suitable for age 30-60. This car must selling well due to D segment too expensive now, so good choice for c segment and d segment buyer. Unlike current model only suitable for single or young family.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 3
  • Bobpop on May 11, 2021 at 10:11 am

    Civid FD & Civic FC Ketam still the best looking civic

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Nothy Auntie on May 11, 2021 at 10:17 am

    Nevermind and dont be sad, Honda. Apek, Unker and Auntie in Malaysia think this new Civic is appealing nice and chun. They will fully support you!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • anonymous_c on May 11, 2021 at 10:41 am

    so it’s a good buy to get the Honda Civic now before out of stocks, atleast have better second hand value

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • The rear looks good, much more acceptable. Interior is a good step up.
    As for the front, its a very generic design that trying to be a mini accord, it loses its identity. Corolla and Mazda 3 look way better.

    I am sure they will learn their mistake and change it during facelift just after 2-3 years. Just like how they screwed up with all the touchscreen radio volume and aircon control, and then rectified the knobs and buttons in the FL models.

    just wait for facelift

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Honda Civic is going on right track. It looks fresh inside out.This will be my next car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
  • the driver on May 11, 2021 at 11:09 am

    Don’t know what the writer is implying that ‘ Honda is clearly pushing the limits of its Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum design philosophy’ when he proceeds to write that ‘ the A-pillars have been pushed back 2 inches’ .
    Pushing back the A pillars give a longer bonnet look ala Mazda 3 and is the opposite of Man-Maximum,…. Honda civic used to have the shortest possible bonnet but not anymore.
    The new design is the right direction to go, more matured. Why not? All those years, boy drivers lusted after a 3 series, well here’s an alternative

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
  • Dong gor on May 11, 2021 at 1:50 pm

    Nothing to complaint inside out. As long as its seating position is higher and more comfort oriented, it’s a go! Take my money!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 4
  • suitable for uncles that couldn’t afford accord or camry

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Juan Dela Cruz on May 12, 2021 at 11:50 am

    Many Malaysians are funny. In the first world nations like USA and Canada majority think that 11th Generation is way better compared to Boy Racer look with awkward angles, character lines and crab tail lights of the 10th Gen.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 7
  • Evolution on May 12, 2021 at 11:52 am

    I’m designer and have strong design sense.
    Personally I think they are trying to achieve european design which want to look more mature & class above. But unfortunately, not into that level of design – nearly half-baked one now. OH no.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Put less concentration on sedan models. SUV and crossover are taking over!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Current models much nicer

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Nibroc on Jan 25, 2024 at 3:26 am

    RK8 still looks the best.. civic just lost its personality

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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