Verdict
At RM123,800, the GAC Emkoo costs RM10,100 less than the RM133,900 Honda Civic and brings SUV access, a 638-litre boot and 270 Nm. Its 2,750 mm wheelbase is also 15 mm longer, though it is 191 kg heavier. The Civic answers with 180 hp, an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time and a 200 km/h top speed, versus 175 hp, 8.8 seconds and 190 km/h. For a Malaysian buyer carrying family gear, the Emkoo gives more hardware and space for less; the Civic is the quicker road car.
Pick the GAC Emkoo if you want SUV packaging, a 638-litre boot, 19-inch wheels and more cabin equipment while saving RM10,100.
Pick the Honda Civic if you want the faster 180 hp sedan with an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time and lower RM90 annual road tax.
Key differences
- Price: GAC Emkoo RM123,800; Honda Civic RM133,900.
- Performance: GAC Emkoo 175 hp, 270 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 8.8 seconds; Honda Civic 180 hp, 240 Nm and 8.3 seconds.
- Boot space: GAC Emkoo 638 litres; Honda Civic 497 litres.
- Kerb weight: GAC Emkoo 1,540 kg; Honda Civic 1,349 kg.
- Wheels and tyres: GAC Emkoo 19-inch alloys with 235/55R19 tyres; Honda Civic 16-inch alloys with 215/55R16 tyres.
- Fuel tank and road tax: GAC Emkoo 55 litres and RM120/year; Honda Civic 47 litres and RM90/year.
Emkoo
- RM10,100 lower purchase price
- 638-litre boot and 55-litre fuel tank
- Powered, ventilated driver’s seat, panoramic roof and 360-degree camera
- Slower 8.8-second 0-100 km/h time versus 8.3 seconds
- RM120 annual road tax versus RM90
- 191 kg heavier at 1,540 kg
Civic
- Quicker 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 200 km/h top speed
- 180 hp from its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine
- Google built-in services and eight speakers
- RM10,100 higher price
- Smaller 497-litre boot versus 638 litres
- Manual front-seat adjustment, with no sunroof or head-up display
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM123,800✓ | RM133,900 |
| Body type | SUV | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM120 | RM90✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,497 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 180 hp✓ |
| Torque | 270 Nm✓ | 240 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 73 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.3 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7DCT | — |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.8 seconds | 8.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 200 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,680 mm | 4,678 mm |
| Width | 1,901 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Weight | 1,540 kg | 1,349 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 638 litres✓ | 497 litres |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R19 | 215/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R19 | 215/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Continental MaxContact MC5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Two-tone Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats with Ventilated Driver's Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding with Manual Recline | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Panoramic Glass Roof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.1" Touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System | 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, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 150,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | 7 Year, 180,000 km Powertrain Warranty | — |
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 Emkoo & Civic for sale
Emkoo vs Civic FAQ
Is the GAC Emkoo or Honda Civic better?
The Emkoo is the better-equipped and more practical choice: it costs RM10,100 less, has a 638-litre boot and adds a panoramic roof, ventilated driver’s seat and 360-degree camera. The Civic is better if quicker acceleration matters, reaching 100 km/h 0.5 seconds sooner.
What is the price difference?
The GAC Emkoo costs RM123,800 and the Honda Civic costs RM133,900, so the Civic costs RM10,100 more.
Which is more practical for family use?
The GAC Emkoo is more practical on cargo capacity, with a 638-litre boot against the Civic’s 497 litres. It also has five doors, a 55-litre tank, rear air-con vents and 60:40 split-folding rear seats with manual recline.