All-new Honda Civic FE: Which variant to buy?

After much anticipation, Honda Malaysia finally launched the all-new 11th generation Honda Civic FE exactly a couple of months ago in a grand manner at the MITEC Exhibition Centre in Kuala Lumpur.

Here to continue the success story of the 10th-gen Civic, the new 11th-gen Honda Civic FE is available in three variants in Malaysia with prices as mentioned below:

•         Honda Civic 1.5L E – RM125,635
•         Honda Civic 1.5L V – RM138,043
•         Honda Civic 1.5L RS – RM144,350

Before we get into the details, let’s have a look at some of the basic stuff first like the measurements, standard features and whatnot before we start comparing one variant with another.

 

Dimensions

Measuring 4,678 mm in length, 1,802 mm in width, and 1,415 mm in height with a 2,733 mm wheelbase, the Civic FE is longer by 30 mm, wider by 3 mm, and lower by 1 mm than its predecessor.

The wheelbase is also longer by 33 mm, meaning that the cabin is now slightly more spacious than before, especially in the rear.

Standard features

Looking cleaner and more matured than before, all three variants of the new Civic FE are powered by the same turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder VTEC engine which produces a maximum output of 182 PS at 6,000 rpm and up to 240 Nm of torque between 1,700 and 4,500 rpm, which is an increase of 8 PS and 20 Nm.

As usual, there will be no manual option as all three variants come fitted with a CVT gearbox as standard.

All three variants are capable of achieving a top speed of 200 km/h, but the time taken to sprint from naught to 100km/h varies from one another.

Difference in performance

While the entry-level Civic E goes from standstill to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds, the V variant does it 0.1 second slower in 8.4 seconds while the range-topping Civic RS which is the heaviest due to the additional parts which we will speak of shortly, does it in 8.5 seconds.

Besides the acceleration, there is also a difference in fuel consumption among the different variants with the E and V variants consuming 6.0-litres of fuel per 100 km. Meanwhile, the Civic RS’ fuel consumption stands at 6.3 litres per 100 km.

Another difference is in terms of the turning radius. While the Civic E and Civic V’s radius is rated at 5.8m, the Civic RS’ turning radius due to the larger tyres is 6.1m.

The suspension setup comprising the MacPherson Struts in front and Multi Link dampers at the rear are identical in all three variants.

The brake system is also the same in all three, comprising ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear.

Exterior

Another key difference is the size of the tyres on each variant. The entry level Civic E is fitted with 16-inch tyres, followed by the Civic V that comes with 17-inch wheels, and the Civic RS that features 18-inch wheels.

Due to this difference, the Civic RS is the heaviest variant with a kerb weight of 1,362 kg, followed by the Civic V which weighs 1,349 kg, and the Civic E which weighs 1,338 kg.

On the exterior, all variants come with Automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRL) as well as LED rear combination lights.

While the Civic E gets no front fog lights, it comes with body-coloured door handles and shark fin antenna. The V on the other hand gets half-chrome door handles and LED front fog lights.

The Civic RS however gets side mirrors, a rear spoiler, an antenna and door handles that are all blacked out, as well as a chromed exhaust pipe.

Interior

Inside, standard features across the range include Smart Entry with Push Start ignition, Cruise Control, the Econ button, a 7-inch TFT meter, single automatic air-conditioning, rear air vents, a leather steering wheel, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, two rear USB chargers, as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity.

There are a few features that are not found in the Civic E but available in the Civic V, such as the paddle shifters, the “Sport” button, the auto dim rear-view mirror, 8-way power driver’s seat, and the automatic wipers.

The RS variant does not only get all of the above, but gets some extra goodies as well like sporty half-leather seats, sport pedals, front ambient lights, a 9-inch Advanced Display Audio versus the other variants’ 7-inch system, and 8 speakers (E and V get four).

Last but not least, the 497-litre boot space is the same for all three variants. 

Safety

Where safety is concerned, all three variants of the Civic come locked and loaded with an extensive list of features which also includes Honda SENSING. This is of course on top of the six airbags, ABS, EBD, BA, VSA, Hill-Start Assist, and Auto Brake Hold among others.

The only features the Civic E doesn’t get are the Honda LaneWatch camera and the Honda Connect system.

Conclusion

So, that was pretty much the differences between the three Civic variants. If your decision is going to be based purely on the price point and affordability, the E variant is obviously the winner.

If you’re one of those who firmly believe in “going big or going home”, the RS variant is for you.

However, the variant that makes the most financial sense is actually the Civic V which sits right in the middle.

Costing about RM6,000 lesser than the Civic RS, the only features the Civic V lacks are the blacked out exterior bits, spoiler, 18-inch wheels, automatic wiper, and ambient lighting, which makes it the most sensible variant to go for. 

Also read: All-new Honda Civic FE in pictures