Four months after the global reveal of the new Honda Civic, the 11th-generation C-segment sedan has been launched in Thailand today. As we’ve previously reported, there’s an all-new design, some new convenience and safety technologies and an uprated engine, but there are also some eyebrow-raising spec changes for the Land of Smiles, as you’re about to read.
First up, let’s talk about pricing, which starts at 964,900 baht (RM122,100) for the base EL, rising up to 1,009,900 baht (RM127,800) for the EL+. The RS model tops the range and retails at quite a steep premium, costing 1,199,900 baht (RM151,800).
With the new model, Honda has ditched the long-serving 1.8 litre naturally-aspirated i-VTEC four-cylinder base engine. All variants are now powered by the same 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo mill, tuned to deliver quicker throttle response and greater high-end performance.
The power output is slightly lower than it is in other markets – at 178 PS (made at 6,000 rpm), the Thai-market car produces 4 PS less than those in the United States and Japan. Still, that’s a useful 5 PS jump over the outgoing model, while torque has gone up 20 Nm to 240 Nm from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. Honda is quoting a combined fuel consumption figure of 17.2 kilometres per litre.
We’ve gone over the styling of the new Civic many times already (and I’m sure you’ve already made up your mind about it). Just to recap, however, the sedan features a more mature and restrained look, with slimmer headlights, the removal of the “Solid Wing Face” chrome front bar, a longer bonnet and a simple straight shoulder line running from the front lamps to the trapezoidal taillights.
The RS model adds the usual sporty tweaks, including black door mirrors and door handles and an additional black bootlid spoiler. Unfortunately, the Thai-market Civic doesn’t get the handsome 18-inch alloy wheels available in other markets, maxing out at 17 inches (with a matte black finish) on the RS. The other models roll on 16-inch two-tone items.
Against the measuring tape, the Civic is 4,678 mm long, 1,802 mm wide and 1,415 mm tall, making it 30 mm longer, three millimetres wider and one millimetre lower; its 2,733 mm wheelbase is also 33 mm longer. Honda says that the latter provides more legroom, especially for rear occupants.
Inside, the Civic is decidedly more premium than the outgoing model in appearance, sporting a simple horizontal dashboard, a freestanding infotainment touchscreen and full-width air vents with a honeycomb metal mesh cover. The company promises improved material and switchgear quality in concert with the more upmarket look, as well as increased visibility thanks to the A-pillars being pushed 50 mm rearward.
The car also features a swathe of new technologies, including the HondaConnect infotainment system from the latest Accord. This is exclusive to the RS, with a nine-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and remote vehicle functionality via a smartphone app. The EL and EL+ are fitted with a seven-inch display and wired CarPlay. No Bose sound system here, unfortunately, but you do get eight speakers on the EL+ and RS.
As standard, the Civic comes with automatic halogen projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, keyless entry, walk-away auto lock, push-button start, fabric seats, single-zone auto climate control, a seven-inch instrument display and a reverse camera. The EL+ adds auto-folding door mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather upholstery and an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
Stepping up to the RS throws in full-LED headlights, auto wipers, black Ultrasuede upholstery, red ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, dual-zone climate control, alloy pedals, paddle shifters and a new Sport driving mode. Other new features that are exclusive to the RS are a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a four-way powered passenger seat, a Qi wireless charger and a slimline Honda Smart Key Card.
Most importantly, all variants of the new Civic now come as standard with the Honda Sensing suite of driver assistance systems, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, lane keeping assist, automatic high beam and front departure alert, the last one being a new addition.
Unlike in other markets, however, the Thai Civic is not equipped with Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), which provides Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities at speeds of under 65 km/h. Honda has also chosen to retain the LaneWatch camera instead of a conventional blind spot monitor; this is only fitted to the RS.
Six airbags continue to come as standard, without the dual knee airbags found elsewhere. A new rear seat reminder joins the usual stability control, hill start assist and rear ISOFIX child seat anchors. Rear seat belt reminders are exclusive to the RS.
Honda is also offering a range of Modulo accessories at launch, giving budding boy racers a chance to customise their cars from the showroom. The basic aero package consists of a black front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser, all in all costing 18,500 baht (RM2,300).
Miss the aforementioned Solid Wing Face? You can add a chrome grille garnish as part of the 8,900 baht (RM1,100) Sport Package, which also adds fake rear vents. Adding a rear wing turns the package into the Exclusive Sport Package that retails at 17,200 baht (RM2,200), while chrome exhaust finishers cost an extra 1,950 baht (RM250).
Other bits include black 17-inch turbine-style alloys at 5,250 baht (RM660), illuminated side sill scuff plates at 5,100 baht (RM640), black door mirror covers at 1,950 baht (RM250) and footwell illumination at 2,200 baht (RM270).
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Some will say so mahal in Thailand while the same car only priced RM 60k in USA and this must be due to Thailand national protectionism policy & ketuanan Siam. Both must go kap kap kap.
HMMM RM 60k in USA, which decade? 21.5k USD translates to over RM80k. Get your facts right.
RM150k bajet. ekceli I’m thinking to upgrade all-new Civic or seken BMW 320i Sport..
Regardless, 80k is still cheaper than 122k. Am rite?
Still low.
actually what you see on the website for the US cars cost more.. it does Not include the state tax that is different across the states.
And you also have to consider higher depreciation rates, insurance rates, parking, fuel, and other costs. It’s still cheaper, but not as much as these mahal’s think
If Thailand doesn’t get the Bose sound system, Malaysia can forget about getting it. Hope the 8 speaker system in the FE is not as disappointing as the ones in the FC.
Bose system only for discerning markets that can afford to pay higher prices for better sound quality. Don’t hope for it here.
Higher prices? the range-topping Civic in the US is cheaper than our mid-spec Civic. (121K vs 129K). but then again i am not surprised. all these premium sound system usually offered in European or NA countries. u can even get JBL sound system in a base Corolla in Europe and US.
Front similar to H.Accord, rear design more balance…no more ketam. Cabin better than current Civic
The cabin design is so archaic. Dashboard top now has a continuous unbroken line from the passenger side so familiar to American cars of the 1950s and 1960s.
H brand start to kudos audi brand anyone?
No Low-Speed Follow? Booo! Hopefully Honda Malaysia wont be kedekut. Honda has one of the best in low-speed ACC.
Low-Speed Follow is fitted. This is separate from Traffic Jam Assist, which also does steering at low speeds.
Wow, low speed with steering assist. This is great news. But I rather hope that, the Honda enable its car to start moving back after 15sec or more of stopping. Sometimes the traffic jam in KL or the jam during the festive holidays on highway in Malaysia can be really long. It helps to rest your legs, by having this on the car like civic. If I’m not mistaken there is Honda model in Japan, (sure is not a Civic) got this function during the traffic jam. So the driver can have a pleasant drive.
Anyway can’t wait to see this new civic coming to Malaysia.
I don’t think that it’s “unfortunate” that they chose not to offer 18″ wheels. For ASEAN roads (bar Singapore) the 16″/17″ options are better suited for comfort and endurance. If you really feel you need the looks or performance of a bigger wheel, chance’s you care one of those “budding boy racers” and are likely to modify the car in some way in any event. Plus the manufacturer is going to sell the car with OE spec tyres which is for optimum performance. If you need more performance even in the 16″/17″ range, there are plenty of tyres available that will surpass the car and most driver’s limits. People have gotten too obsessed with wheel size, and then we add over complicated suspensions to compensate based on focus groups. If you go back to the 80’s / 90’s, cars were far more comfortable and didn’t need trick suspension setups. And if anyone is going to say they handled rubbish, remember that BMW, VW, Alfa Romeo, Saab and other nostalgia brands had hero cars that were the benchmark till today because of their 80’s and 90’s cars.
want smaller rims? it’s at the used car market.
cheap tyre, cheap rims, cheap to buy.
nostalgically cheap
pros: 1.5 turbo and honda sensing as standard.
cons: honda just put all the kits to RS which is much more expensive. at least give led headlight for middle spec.
When it comes to Malaysia, it will be Honda Civic LS (low-spec) version.
Malaysian consumers always dikencing by manufacturers.
Be positive bro… cheers
Please bring along the Hatch as one of the variance to be offered in Msia.
yup it’s hatchback for me too
Sad that the Bose soundsystem didn’t make it. If there ever was an area the Civic needed improvement in, it would be soundsystem. Should have at least made it an option for those willing to pay for it. Maybe Malaysia will receive it?
Fugly. What is happening to the Japs designers nowadays with exception to Mazda. Really2 bad
mazda interior space need a lot improvement, Honda space is perfect but external design can be improved. i love honda interior design and spacious is more comfortable compare mazda for family daily use.
Civic, Accord and CR-V are now mainly designed for Americans since these cars are sold better there. So don’t expect it to suits Asians.
Will launch in Msia when car is outdated in Sea.
The chrome wing addition really makes the new look far better. What were they thinking when taking that out? It made the regular Civic look like someone had stolen the wing.
Would prefer Blind Spot Monitor over Lane Watch any time. LW is a useless toy…
Agreed. Lane Watch imposes a cognitive overhead in that the driver needs to look at the camera feed and interpret “yes there is a car in my blind spot”, as opposed to most typical Blind Spot Monitoring System where the LED indicator is either on or off, easy peasy.
I knew it’s gonna reach RM150K for the top model.
No more ketam.. but this one reminds me of a whale… With this design, civic ketam resell value wont drop much..
honda accord????
no blind spot monitor is a bummer
Proton X50 1.5 TGDi more better.
this honda civic 11th gen is going to sell way better than its rivals. the powertrain itself is getting more powerful and way ahead of its rivals. with a full complete package, you won’t go wrong with a honda civic.
NO hatchback?