Verdict
The Aion ES suits a Malaysian buyer with dependable charging: its 55.2-kWh battery is rated for 442 km, and 6.6-kW AC, 60-kW DC and 3.3-kW V2L capability add useful EV flexibility. It is also 132 mm longer and 78 mm wider than the Civic. The Honda Civic counters with 180 hp and 240 Nm from its 1.5-litre turbo, plus an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time and a 497-litre boot. Pick the ES for lower-cost electric running; take the Civic if petrol convenience, stronger quoted output and its extensive listed driver-assistance kit matter more.
Pick the Aion ES if you can charge regularly and want 442 km of quoted EV range, V2L and an eight-year warranty for RM27,100 less.
Pick the Honda Civic if you want a 180-hp turbo petrol sedan with an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time, a larger boot and Honda Sensing.
Key differences
- Price: Aion ES RM106,800; Honda Civic RM133,900.
- Annual road tax: Aion ES RM70; Honda Civic RM90.
- Output: Aion ES has a 136-hp motor; Honda Civic has a 180-hp 1.5-litre turbo engine.
- Torque: Aion ES produces 225 Nm; Honda Civic produces 240 Nm.
- Boot space: Aion ES 450 litres; Honda Civic 497 litres.
- Warranty: Aion ES eight years/160,000 km; Honda Civic five years/unlimited mileage.
ES
- 442-km quoted range from a 55.2-kWh battery.
- 6.6-kW AC, 60-kW DC and 3.3-kW V2L capability.
- Larger 17-inch wheels and a 2,750-mm wheelbase.
- 450-litre boot is 47 litres smaller than the Civic's.
- 136 hp and 225 Nm trail the Civic's 180 hp and 240 Nm.
- Warranty mileage is capped at 160,000 km, where the Civic's is unlimited.
Civic
- 180 hp, 240 Nm and an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 497-litre boot and a space-saver spare tyre.
- Honda Sensing, adaptive cruise control and eight-speaker Google built-in audio.
- Costs RM27,100 more than the Aion ES.
- Annual road tax is RM20 higher.
- Five-year warranty term is three years shorter than the Aion ES's.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM106,800✓ | RM133,900 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 180 hp |
| Torque | — | 240 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 73 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.3 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 136 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 225 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 55.2 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 442 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 60 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 8.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,810 mm | 4,678 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,545 mm | 1,415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,349 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 47 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 450 litres | 497 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 215/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 215/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental MaxContact MC5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | — | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | — | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | — | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | — | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | — | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | — | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | — | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | — | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | — | 9.0" Advanced Display Audio Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, 8 Speakers, Wired Android Auto, Wired and Wireless Apple CarPlay |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | — | Four Windows, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | — | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | — | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 years✓ | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used ES & Civic for sale
ES vs Civic FAQ
Is the Aion ES or Honda Civic better?
The Aion ES is the better fit for regular home or workplace charging, with 442 km of quoted range and V2L. The Civic is stronger on quoted output, boot capacity and listed safety and convenience equipment, while avoiding charging dependence.
What is the price difference?
The Honda Civic costs RM27,100 more: RM133,900 versus RM106,800 for the Aion ES. Its annual road tax is also RM90, compared with RM70 for the Aion.
Which has the stronger powertrain?
The Honda Civic has the higher quoted outputs at 180 hp and 240 Nm, versus the Aion ES motor's 136 hp and 225 Nm. Honda also quotes an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time; no equivalent Aion ES figure is stated.