Verdict
The Facelift is the better new-car buy for a Malaysian daily driver: the RM2,000 step from RM131,900 to RM133,900 brings a 9.0-inch screen with Google built-in, eight speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and auto wipers. Performance is a dead heat, with 180 hp, 240 Nm, an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time and a 47-litre tank on both. Choose the 1 only if its paddle shifters, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control with steering assist and 215/50R17 tyres matter more than cabin tech.
Pick the 1 if you want paddle shifters, adaptive cruise with stop-and-go and steering assist, plus 215/50R17 tyres.
Pick the Facelift if you want the 9.0-inch Google-equipped touchscreen, eight speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and auto wipers for RM2,000 more.
Key differences
- Price: 1 RM131,900; Facelift RM133,900.
- Infotainment: 1 has a 7.0-inch touchscreen; Facelift has a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Google built-in.
- Audio: 1 has four speakers; Facelift has eight speakers.
- Apple CarPlay: 1 is wired only; Facelift supports wired and wireless connection.
- Driver assistance: 1 has adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and steering assist; Facelift lists adaptive cruise control.
- Tyres: 1 uses 215/50R17 front and rear; Facelift uses 215/55R16 front and rear.
FE1
- Paddle shifters are fitted.
- Adaptive cruise adds stop-and-go and steering assist.
- 215/50R17 tyres.
- 7.0-inch screen instead of the Facelift's 9.0-inch unit.
- Four speakers instead of eight.
- No wireless Apple CarPlay or auto wipers.
FE Facelift
- 9.0-inch touchscreen with Google built-in.
- Eight-speaker audio and wireless Apple CarPlay.
- Auto wipers are standard.
- No paddle shifters listed.
- Adaptive cruise control is not specified with the 1's stop-and-go and steering-assist functions.
- 215/55R16 tyres rather than the 1's 215/50R17 fitment.
What the FE1 has over the FE Facelift
What the FE Facelift has over the FE1
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM131,900✓ | RM133,900 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM1,345/mo✓ | RM1,365/mo |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM3,709✓ | RM3,761 |
| Fuel / year (est.) | RM2,388 | — |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM11.94 | — |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM30,935 | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Dual Variable Valve Timing and Variable Valve Lift | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 180 hp at 6,000 rpm | 180 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm at 1,700 rpm | 240 Nm at 1,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 73 mm × 89.4 mm | 73 mm × 89.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10.3 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | EarthDreams Technology CVT with G-Design Shift | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.3 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Rated Economy | 6 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | — | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,678 mm | 4,678 mm |
| Width | 1,802 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,415 mm | 1,415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,735 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Weight | 1,349 kg | 1,349 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 497 litres | 497 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/50R17 | 215/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/50R17 | 215/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | 16" Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental MaxContact MC5 | Continental MaxContact MC5 |
| Wiper Blade (Driver) | — | 24 inch |
| Wiper Blade (Passenger) | — | 19 inch |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link |
| 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) |
| Chassis Notes | Agile Handling Assist | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection (5 to 100 km/h) | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Front Departure Alert, Driver Attention Monitor | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustable | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 7.0" Advanced Display Audio Touchscreen with 4 Speakers, Wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay | 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 and Front Passenger's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button with Remote Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| 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 | — |
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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked November 2026.
Used cars for sale
Our reviews & guides
FE1 vs FE Facelift FAQ
Is the Honda Civic FE1 or Honda Civic FE Facelift better?
The Facelift is better for most buyers because it adds the larger 9.0-inch Google-equipped screen, eight speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and auto wipers. The 1 makes more sense if paddle shifts and its more fully specified adaptive cruise system are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Facelift costs RM2,000 more than the 1. That buys a 9.0-inch touchscreen with Google built-in, eight speakers, wireless Apple CarPlay and auto wipers.
Is the Facelift faster than the 1?
No. Both use a 1,498 cc turbocharged petrol four-cylinder producing 180 hp at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm at 1,700 rpm, driving the front wheels through a CVT. Both are rated at 8.3 seconds for 0-100 km/h.