Verdict
At RM133,900 versus RM89,900, the Honda Civic asks RM44,000 more than the Honda WR-V, but the gap buys a much stronger 1.5 turbo: 180 hp and 240 Nm against 121 hp and 145 Nm. It is also the quicker, roomier car, with 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and a 497-litre boot. The WR-V fights back as the cheaper, taller SUV, with a 1,576 mm height, Blind Spot Info System and a multi-angle reverse camera. For many Malaysian buyers, this is pace and cabin space versus price and SUV practicality.
Pick the Honda Civic if you want the stronger C-segment sedan, the bigger boot and the fuller comfort kit.
Pick the Honda WR-V if you want the lower RM89,900 price, SUV height and useful visibility aids.
Key differences
- Price: Honda Civic RM133,900; Honda WR-V RM89,900
- Power and torque: Honda Civic 180 hp/240 Nm; Honda WR-V 121 hp/145 Nm
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: Honda Civic 8.3 seconds/200 km/h; Honda WR-V 11.0 seconds/160 km/h
- Size: Honda Civic 4,678 mm long/2,735 mm wheelbase; Honda WR-V 4,060 mm long/2,485 mm wheelbase
- Boot space: Honda Civic 497 litres; Honda WR-V 380 litres
- Safety kit: Honda Civic curtain airbags fitted; Honda WR-V no curtain airbags but has Blind Spot Info System
Civic
- Much stronger 1.5 turbo output at 180 hp and 240 Nm
- Larger 497-litre boot and longer 2,735 mm wheelbase
- Adds rear air-con vents, adaptive cruise control and a 9.0-inch screen with eight speakers
- Costs RM44,000 more than the Honda WR-V
- No Blind Spot Info System, while the Honda WR-V has it
- Lower 1,415 mm body than the Honda WR-V’s 1,576 mm SUV stance
WR-V
- RM44,000 cheaper to buy
- Taller SUV body at 1,576 mm
- Gets Blind Spot Info System, front and rear foglamps and a multi-angle reverse camera
- Far less powerful at 121 hp and 145 Nm
- Smaller 380-litre boot
- No curtain airbags, rear air-con vents or adaptive cruise control
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM133,900 | RM89,900✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 180 hp✓ | 121 hp |
| Torque | 240 Nm✓ | 145 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 73 mm | 73 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10.6 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | CVT |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.3 seconds✓ | 11.0 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 6.0 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h✓ | 160 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,678 mm | 4,060 mm |
| Width | 1,802 mm | 1,780 mm |
| Height | 1,415 mm | 1,576 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,735 mm | 2,485 mm |
| Weight | 1,349 kg | 1,108 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 40 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 497 litres✓ | 380 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R16 | 215/60R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R16 | 215/55R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | 16" Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental MaxContact MC5 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 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 |
| 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 for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | Halogen Reflector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-fold | — |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | — |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 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 | 7.0" Display Audio Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 2 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | — |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | — |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with Multi-angle |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Backlit Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | Free Labour for Five Times within 100,000 km or Five Years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90✓ | RM120 |
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 Civic & WR-V for sale
Civic vs WR-V FAQ
Is the Honda Civic or Honda WR-V better?
The Honda Civic is better if performance, boot space and comfort kit matter most. The Honda WR-V is better if you want the cheaper, taller SUV with Blind Spot Info System.
What is the price difference?
The Honda Civic costs RM133,900, while the Honda WR-V costs RM89,900. That makes the Civic RM44,000 more expensive.
Which one is quicker?
The Honda Civic is much quicker, doing 0-100 km/h in 8.3 seconds with a 200 km/h top speed. The Honda WR-V takes 11.0 seconds and tops out at 160 km/h.