SPIED: 2016 Honda Civic 1.5 Turbo tested in Melaka

Honda Civic spyshot

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.

Honda Civic spyshot 2

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


GALLERY: 2016 Honda Civic 1.8 EL in Thailand
GALLERY: 2016 Honda Civic 1.8 E in Thailand
GALLERY: 2016 Honda Civic with Modulo accessories in Thailand

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Therealmaserati on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:08 am

    Bye bye KIA & Hyundai!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 51 Thumb down 23
    • Saw long to Toyota

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 42 Thumb down 6
    • calvin ng on Apr 19, 2016 at 11:37 am

      You know Hyundai and Kia do have 1.6 TGDI engines….

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 14
    • Semi-Value (Member) on Apr 19, 2016 at 11:53 am

      sorta true..the korean hype has somewhat died down, jap brands are resurrecting…excluding sam loo of course

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 24 Thumb down 7
    • Bye2 to Altis too. Sales will definitely drop.
      Millions of Civic fans in Malaysia.
      Extremely looooong waiting list is estimated.
      This new civic is Honda Malaysia’s next big launch besides the Overwhelmingly Popular HR-V.
      Rest in Scrap Junk Pieces Toyota Malaysia. In Deep Shit now. No offence to Sam Loo.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 23 Thumb down 5
      • Toyolauta on Apr 21, 2016 at 3:13 am

        Since when the altis sales at the peak high? Altis going down deeper lah!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • mayb proton thinking of rebadging this one :P

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 20 Thumb down 20
  • jinggo on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:12 am

    140k? Mahal sgt tu.. honda is a mass product, not a luxury.. come on.

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 69 Thumb down 10
  • vodka on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:13 am

    Aisay, 3rd brake light on the rear parcel shelf unlike the Thai Spec Turbo RS which is on the rear spoiler. At least reverse camera is there. Hopefully it comes with the black front grill as well like the Turbo RS.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 13
  • Industry-insider on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:20 am

    hello you dont call lanewatch as blind spot. it doesnt work on the right side. really useless

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 12
    • Playboy on Apr 20, 2016 at 12:00 am

      If u not happy with the honda lanewatch, maybe u can remove it manually. Since it doesn’t work for u.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • shawal on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:22 am

    Yeah…the wing is ugly

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 9
  • Proton Tubro CumPro WetDream enjin better.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 53 Thumb down 10
  • El nino on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:35 am

    El nino=need rear aircond

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 7
  • good to know that we could have the turbo civic here in Malaysia..
    Next thing is hoping the price to be affordable..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 11
    • applegreen on Apr 19, 2016 at 11:17 am

      sure or not…

      last time chev cruze got 17″ alloy wheels, double twin pipe exhaust but come up with 1.8 NA engine. Maybe this honda with twin pipe also comes in 1.8 only :p

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 3
    • P1 P2 suits you more bro

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
  • Geniuss on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:43 am

    Why settle for Civic when we can get a bigger, better, cheaper Accord from P1..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 7
    • OMG…the reason is the Logo “PROTON” not worth for >RM100K pricing, the quality & after sales service is a big let down…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 8
      • nosushi on Apr 19, 2016 at 2:24 pm

        Jepunis logo worshipper spoke..even die in moving coffin is better than alive in proton

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 6
        • samloo alredi brainwash them saying almighty T badge will protect them from accidents and injuries better than ESC,TC, HPF, 6 airbags.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • Prachinburi on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:44 am

    Congratulations

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • normal_user on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:51 am

    Even at RM130K, it is too damn expensive. Other specs in developed countries are missing, notable Automated Emergency Braking or Collision Mitigation Braking System.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 2
    • gengka on Apr 20, 2016 at 9:18 am

      Weaken Ringgit. Msia always get the worst spec with high price. Whose fault?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Kancil Hybrid on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:56 am

    Is it better than Suprima S?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 21
  • seancorr (Member) on Apr 19, 2016 at 10:57 am

    Yep that confirms Honda is taking some stuff out from the top spec model. Want the rear spoiler? Pay to add on haha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 4
  • swoosh3553 on Apr 19, 2016 at 11:01 am

    In the earlier post where this model is launched in SG, the car spec carries a rent ventilation (rear aircon). Is it that the SG spec is specially different compared to Thai spec? And will Msian equipment spec be same as SG spec and not the Thai variant?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • Janji najix tak ditunaikan,penipu Rakyat! on Apr 19, 2016 at 11:06 am

    140k for this stuff? i rather get Mazda 6 2.0 variant with spacious and better segement. Bored to see new civic news. all country launched left Malaysia. RM140k really high price tag. Even 1.8 version is using old engine, and still selling below 120k.

    Nonsense

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 17
    • Bob_B78 on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:38 pm

      140k cant get you even the lowest spec Mazda 6 2.0. Utterly pointless comparison.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 6
  • kesian rakyat singapura
    kerja exec pun x dpt merasa civic turbo di tanah air mereka sendiri (civic 1.6 what the hell bro?)
    syukur malaysia masih aman
    keje macai pun boleh merasa main blow off dekat federal highway

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 11
    • Andas on Apr 19, 2016 at 12:13 pm

      The different SG and MY is that they will put buying house as priority while msian preferred buy honda and toyota but lived in flat.. just wanna show off.. furthermore, its over for sgporean to own a car when COE increase drastically and they have to pay 50% downpayment with 5 years loan only.. after 10 years, they have to fork out 50k sgd to renew COE or send the car for scrap..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 9
      • jinggo on Apr 19, 2016 at 3:03 pm

        House in sinkapor landed of highrise?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
      • apa salahnya duduk flat pun
        dekat singapura pun junior exec pun mapu sewa flat je
        org sini jadi kuli pun mampu beli rumah flat
        rumah bukan boleh bawak kehulu kehilir tayang dekat org pun
        civic turbo bole tayang kat org
        awek/amoi naik bole check in dekat sun inn sunway
        kikiki

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 8
        • Andas on Apr 19, 2016 at 5:00 pm

          Typical msian..

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
          • Ptptnxbayarbelirumah on Apr 19, 2016 at 6:18 pm

            What so special about you. Buy house but ptptn tak bayar pon no use. Somemore can go makan angin oversea but ptptn tara bayar.

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
        • Jerebu on Apr 19, 2016 at 5:03 pm

          Terbaek Civic…amik loan 10thn, sebulan 900 jer. tp loan Mara ngan PTPTN X bayar2 kikiki

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
        • pokmang on Apr 20, 2016 at 12:55 am

          pakai new civic tapi duduk flat, malam parking brake kene release, esok pagi kereta dah bergerak 3 meter dari tempat asal, paling cilake dapat hadiah beg sampah atas bumbung landing dari tingkat 18

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
          • Sohai on Apr 20, 2016 at 8:02 pm

            Apa masalah pakai civic duduk flat. Civic bukan luxury car. Ada org duduk rumah landed ptptn tak bayar. Bulan2 takde saving. Struggle bayar rumah bulan sampai potong spending for education anak2. Ni lagi tak guna punya org

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
      • Wrong! COE is not 50k. It can be 2~3X of the car price!

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Still covered with camouflage?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • Some joblessness say is to test the stickiness of old newspaper

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • HondaSalesManChan on Apr 19, 2016 at 11:54 am

    Hi I’ve to remain anonymous but the honda sales manager attended the close briefing and test drive in alor gajah last week
    Here are some highlights:
    NA price – 120-125k
    Turbo price – 140k++, below 150k, very close to Accord price
    driving experience – much better than the current civic, sharp at turns and agile
    cabin – much roomier than the current civic
    power – turbo is really powerful, reminds me of continental cars with turbo, no joke
    interior – as per the pic from thailand, not much changes, pretty or not is subjective
    seats – comfy and sporty
    some of the specs will be missing compared to our thai counterpart, like Remote Engine Start.
    Thats all i can reveal while being anonymous

    -Chan-

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 11
    • seman on Apr 19, 2016 at 2:09 pm

      if they discard the remote engine start, honda will become a common induction c segment car just like other brands

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • Civicownertobe on Apr 19, 2016 at 9:11 pm

      How about rear aircond vent? I hope top tier civic will get it

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Kahkahkah on Apr 19, 2016 at 9:52 pm

      Thank you Mr Chan! Ehh Mr Anonymous!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Anonymous on Apr 19, 2016 at 11:55 am

    If you willing to pay 10k-30k extra and don’t mind the car has few thousands KM clocked in,you can get Audi A3 or a 316i/318i already. Which is a totally different segment

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 5
    • john is otak batu on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:13 pm

      but 318 HP is only 137,coming Mercedes C180 HP 156.. 1.5L civic HP is 173! kill off the Germans which run 1.5 & 1.6L engines. Besides C180 don’t have rear camera & memory adjustable seats :(

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 5
      • muthu on Apr 19, 2016 at 2:05 pm

        just the BMW & Benz emblems already cost more than 10 Civic! LOL

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
  • pokmang on Apr 19, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    this time malaysia got very late launching turn by honda, is it the final price discussion between honda, MITI aand MOF were not settled yet?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • I’m waiting for Proton to rebadge this Civic. I can’t wait.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 14
  • Andas on Apr 19, 2016 at 12:14 pm

    Everywhere else already selling but still nee to test for what? Just qurious..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • RIP HONDA MALAYSIA on Apr 20, 2016 at 12:05 pm

      These so called “engineers” have to sit in and try their best to find out what are those “specifications” could be ripped off for Malaysian market to minimize the cost and maximize the profits… haha…

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • policeman on Apr 19, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    Sudahlah. We all know how ugly the rear is so no need camouflage. Just release this garbage already.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 14
  • policeman on Apr 19, 2016 at 12:57 pm

    Yerrr. So many men here like this Civic?

    Honda makes cars for girls. Just like City, Jazz, Freed and now they’ve feminized the Civic.

    Men who drive this car have no shame. May as well shave your legs and put on a skirt as it matches your little daffodilmobile.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 23
    • john is otak batu on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:50 pm

      Seriously, what car do u drive??

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 2
      • policewoman on Apr 19, 2016 at 4:34 pm

        myvi probably…
        and driving myvi dare to call honda a woman’s car..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 5
      • He might be driving a Nissan Almera. Which he thinks it looks masculine. He’s jealous Honda City & other Honda models looks better then his car.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 5
      • Kapcai Sorry.... loan 9 years on Apr 19, 2016 at 6:41 pm

        Kapcai…..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • tok adi on Apr 19, 2016 at 7:54 pm

      why? your car got ball sack and others not?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • Nissan Boss on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:08 pm

    Proton fan boy have to wait another 3 years to get this as 2nd hand car! Assprima just cannot cope.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
    • Why must wait?
      You think people buy p1 dun have money? LOL

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
      • EuewwProton on Apr 19, 2016 at 2:59 pm

        Of cos la. If not why buy proton?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 2
        • Jsmsjsj on Apr 19, 2016 at 6:13 pm

          Kek. Proton 1.5 TGDi 180hp 250NM more hp and nm, why can’t cope? Just wait for a while

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
          • Kapcai Sorry.... loan 9 years on Apr 19, 2016 at 6:43 pm

            Mana itu engine? Sudah on market? Bila ada? Syok sendiri jah…

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 1
          • Dreamer on Apr 20, 2016 at 11:50 pm

            Keep on dreaming. Wait all u want… You’ll never get that car

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Boboiboy Kuasa 5 on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:14 pm

    Byebye Lion 408…so long toyota altis…bungkusla kia…hyundai tutup kedai…proton syok sendiri…nissan org tua muahahaha

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 8
  • For once without reading the title, I thought it was another Proton spyshot! At least got a breather.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
  • poor guy on Apr 19, 2016 at 1:54 pm

    No money. Cannot afford. Pity me

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 3
  • Jobless said is testing old newspaper stick on car, if sale volume lower can bungkus n throw away.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
  • mason on Apr 19, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    Good to hear that we r getting the turbo version. Of course it will not be cheap. I still think the spoiler is a must to counter the not so nicr rear design! Cant await to view the actual car in showroom.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 3
  • B-RV bila? Nak honda dengan 7 tempat duduk

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • LED Lights on Apr 19, 2016 at 8:23 pm

    The rear lights of the car seems not to be of LEDs
    Even the third brake light is of conventional bulb
    Please la Honda Malaysia
    Continental brands like Volkswagen with the entry-level Polo Sedan 1.6 has LED rear lamps and LED third brake light… They emphasise on safety so much
    Why Malaysians have to pay 140k for the top spec Civic with conventional bulbs whereas the 140k Accord gets full LED rear lamps and third brake light?
    Even 40k Axia has them…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
    • Yippi33 on Apr 20, 2016 at 10:33 am

      No worries bro..Just wait for ah beng dush dush dush shop to sell aftermarket led taillights..sure a lot later..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Retro on Apr 19, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    This is a ride for rainbow drivers…….I bet ppl like Adam Lambert and Elton John would give a thumbs up to this car design… Noel Gallagher would most probably vommit at the sight of it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Cheung on Apr 21, 2016 at 9:50 am

    I am a fan of Toyota and I own A Toyota
    I admit and believes that the Altis 2.0 sales will not be as good as Civic 1.5T

    Honda Malaysia must make the pricing right for the 1.5T

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • will think twice to buy turbo car…just saw 1 308 burnt to ash nearby Jusco Melaka yesterday…:((

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • C vs F on Apr 21, 2016 at 7:34 pm

    hope someone can share and compare the civic & focus 1.5T driving experience

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • lolpanda on Apr 23, 2016 at 12:13 am

      had the liberty of trying one of the Civic 1.5T units in TH and compared to the Focus 1.5 Ecoboost, it’s really quite a different category despite being in the same segment.

      The Civic definitely has more bells and whistles (touch screens and fancy LED lights etc.) but the Focus has the edge in safety equipment all around. Those halogen reflectors are a shame, though.

      As for the driving experience, the Focus triumphs hands down..yes the Focus has a slight power edge, but what’s most apparent is that the Civic’s CVT gearbox doesn’t translate all that grunt into driving feel. It’s no slouch but it feels like it’s just going along. The Focus’s 6-speed torque converter on the other hand, builds speed in a much more excitable manner.

      The Focus has sharper steering and a better ride through windy roads. You’ll notice it most when making quick manouvres around potholes that the Civic requires quite a bit more of a turn at the wheel to achieve the same response as the Focus. It’s not bad, just not quite as good.

      Also to note that at low cruising speeds, the Civic’s steering didn’t feel quite precise and the first few degrees of turns on the wheel don’t really do anything…which was a little weird but probably not something you’ll notice if you aren’t comparing.

      So these are my observations which you may feel free to agree/disagree…if you ask me, the Focus still triumphs as a driver’s car. While the Civic has more fancy bits for a regular city trotting car.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 1
 

Add a comment

required

required