SPIED: 2016 Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo tested in Melaka

Well, well, what do we have here? Reader Mohd Yaszli has sent in photos of the all-new 2016 Honda Civic being tested near Ayer Keroh, Melaka, less than 30 km away from the Honda Malaysia assembly plant in Pegoh. This likely means that the tenth-generation C-segment sedan is undergoing final evaluations before its launch, expected to occur in June.

From the photos, the car in question appears to be the top-of-the-range Turbo RS model (as it is called in Thailand), judging by the 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels; however, it doesn’t get the Thai RS’s rear wing. The presence of twin exhaust exits confirms that it is a turbocharged model.

Specs-wise, if the Thai models are any indication, we can expect to receive items such as full-LED headlights, a Remote Engine Start, Walk Away Auto Lock, a TFT LCD instrument display, a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility and Siri Eyes Free and paddle shifters. Most of these are expected to be reserved for the more expensive models, of course.

In terms of safety, the top-spec models should get six airbags, while Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and hill-start assist is expected to be offered as standard. That’s on par with the current Civic, but the new one could also receive the Honda LaneWatch blind spot monitor, as fitted to the Thai-spec Turbo RS.

Expect the Civic to be offered here with a choice of either a 141 hp/174 Nm 1.8 litre i-VTEC naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine or a 173 hp/220 Nm 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo. Both engines should be mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), ditching the previous five-speed automatic.

Prices for the base 1.8 litre model is expected to come in at under the RM120,000 mark, while the top-shelf VTEC Turbo variant should retail below RM140,000. The order books have already been opened, according to a number of online ads.

GALLERY: 2016 Honda Civic Turbo RS in Thailand