The 11th-generation FE Honda Civic has made its launch debut in Singapore, with local distributor Kah Motor offering just a sole variant of the C-segment sedan that is priced at SGD122,999 (RM383,851) inclusive of COE.
For that money, customers will get a 1.5 litre DOHC VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine that serves up just 129 PS (127 hp) from 5,500 to 6,000 rpm and 180 Nm of torque from 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. That’s considerably less than what is available on the Thailand-spec Civic (178 PS and 240 Nm) and even the previous generation of the model sold in Singapore. So, what gives?
The reason for the detuned engine is to ensure the Civic qualifies for a Category A COE, which is typically the cheapest among the five categories listed in the Vehicle Quota System (VQS) in Singapore. To meet Category A COE requirements, a car must have an engine displacement not exceeding 1,600 cc (1.6 litres) and a maximum output of 97 kW (132 PS or 130 hp), both of which the new Civic meets.
The previous, 10th-generation FC Civic sold in the country was offered with a 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo mill that made 173 PS and 220 Nm of torque, so while it met the first portion of Category A requirements, the higher output meant it was placed in the usually costlier Category B. Kah Motor also provided a Category A alternative by selling the Civic with a much older R16 1.6 (1,597 cc) litre naturally-aspirated SOHC four-cylinder that made 125 PS and 152 Nm.
On the FE Civic, there’s still a CVT that sends drive to the front wheels and the powertrain has a rated fuel consumption of 6.4 litres per 100 km. No emission figures were provided but it is stated that the model is placed in band B of the country’s Vehicular Emission Scheme (VES), so it doesn’t benefit from any rebates.
Standard equipment on the Singapore-spec Civic includes halogen projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and engine start, an ECON drive mode, a wireless charger, leather upholstery, a multi-function three-spoke steering wheel and automatic air-conditioning with rear vents (this isn’t found on the Thailand-spec Civic).
In terms of displays, there are two found inside the cabin, including a seven-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a nine-inch touchscreen Display Audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support.
On the safety and driver assistance front, the Singapore-spec Civic comes with the Honda Sensing suite that consists of adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, a collision mitigation braking system with forward collision warning, lane keep warning and assist, road departure mitigation and a lead car departure notification system. Honda’s LaneWatch system is also present, along with the usual passive systems (ABS, VSA, brake hold assist, hill start assist, six airbags and Isofix anchors).
Customers will have seven colours to choose from, including Meteoroid Grey Metallic, Morning Mist Blue Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, Lunar Silver Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Ignite Red Metallic and Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic. Each purchase comes with five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and one year’s worth of free service, the latter upgradeable to three years for an additional SGD 2,000 (RM6,238).
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It has ASA, but don’t have LED headlamps.
Even Perodua Ativa, Persona Bezza have the LED headlamps, some even with adaptive headlamps
Overall, fitted with the Hankook R16 and basic outlook.
Comparable to 2 decades old Honda Accord MK7 2003, albeit with Honda Sensing now.
Singapore is a tiny well lit island with good roads. Don’t really need fancy lighting. Decades of cars all over the world have managed to survive having halogens (also halogens are better for visibility in mist and rain) Advanced driving technology aids safety so it’s probably more important that fancy lighting considering the operating environment.
Also, nothing wrong with Hankook tyres. They are the 6th biggest Tyre manufacturer in the world. Their current Ventus V12 evo2 has consistently performed on much more powerful car’s with little issues. Not every car has to have Michelin rubber as OE.
Imagine if Honda MY could offer a cheaper Civic instead if a high spec City. Which is ultimately the better car?
Infact the R16A NA on the previous Civic across the pond will likely last as long as the EK and EG’s lasted, rock solid NA reliability.
Singapore could do with better lighting/markings too.
Had a bit of trouble telling lane markings on the PIE at night in the rain (east to CTE interchange).
In the dry it’s not too bad. I did rent a car (Corolla Axio) for a week with one headlamp out and didn’t feel too hampered
Do Singaporeans pay for their cars in Malaysian Ringgit?
yeah don’t know why the writer like to focus on RM instead of its original currency price…you know la malaysian like to read the headline only then start bising better buy merc la bmw la, they thought SGD to RM is 1:1…hahahaha
What is wrong with the writer ? This is SG launch why put MYR so misleading. Trying to potray how cheap cars in Malaysia ? SG they earn SG also
Agreed – it makes no sense to convert. Singaporeans earn in SGD and spend in SGD in Singapore. There’s no need to convert into MYR!
Even if their salary is 15k per month, 384k is the price to pay in 2 years , if they pay 5k per month , still have to pay 6 – 7 years!!!!
In MY, earn RM5k affording a RM122k car
In SG, earn SGD$5k affording a SGD$122k car
Sama je lah!
Fantastic! Malaysian launch should be next.
i find it funny manufacturers are fitting the HUD with UI that looks like Samsung Tablet with their Kids Mode.
HUD is only to show you important information so no point to have fancy graphic that block your vision of the road
…for the same amount of money, Malaysian can buy a Merc already.
But RM1 = SGD 3 which mean rm384k ÷ 3 = rm 128k
I think at this price level…Rafizi would be the perfect candidate to campaign in Singapore. He will the most popular candidate with his magic formulas.
Why the developed countries don’t launch electrified model for civic?
Oh, I forget civic don’t have hybrid ready….
There will be an electrified model – the e:HEV hybrid will be revealed next year.
pity those singaporeans having to live with one of the slowest Honda Civic in the world.
Hahaha, my old Honda City 2009 1.5L VTEC also got 120ps stock, now they install a turbo and only managed to add 9? Come on Honda!!!
180nm? Even campro turbo is more powerful at 205nm