2022 Honda Civic variants explained: Which one should you buy?

Last month, Honda launched the all-new eleventh-gen Civic sedan in Malaysia with a host of design changes, a more powerful engine, and an advanced safety pack. The new lineup of the sedan includes three variants - E, V, and RS replacing the S, TC, and TC-P models. All the new variants look stylish and are well-equipped with some features being reserved for the higher-spec trims. To find out which one will be perfect for you, take a look at our detailed analysis of each variant.

2022 Honda Civic E

This is the most affordable 2022 Honda Civic which costs RM 125,635 (on-the-road without insurance and sales and service tax). For this price, you get a sedan featuring a ‘Solid Wing Face’ on the exterior with slimmer headlights, an elongated bonnet, and a big air intake on the bottom. The list of exterior and interior features include - 

• Auto LED headlights with LED daytime running lights
• Body-coloured side mirrors with turning lights
• Body-coloured outer door handles and shark fin antenna
• Rear combination LED tail lights
• 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels
• 7.0-inch digital instrument display 
• 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• Four speakers
• Leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel
• Single-zone auto climate control with rear vents
• Electronic parking brake with auto brake hold
• Push-button start
• Black fabric upholstery
• Reverse camera

Under the hood, the Honda Civic E is equipped with a 1.5-litre VTEC turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine pumping out a maximum power output of 182 PS at 6,000 rpm and a segment‑leading torque of 240 Nm between 1,700 to 4,500 rpm. The power is sent to the wheels via a continuously variable transmission (CVT). 

When it comes to performance, the sedan runs from standstill to 100 kmph in 8.3 seconds and clocks a top speed of 200 kmph. As for mileage, Honda claims 6.0 litres of fuel consumption for 100 km. 

Take note here, the engine and transmission combination for the 2022 Honda Civic remains common for all the variants. 

As for safety, even the base Civic comes with six airbags and the Honda Sensing active safety (ADAS) suite including lane keep assist, lane centering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, front departure alert, autonomous emergency braking, and automatic high beam.

Also part of the safety kit is ABS with EBD and brake assist, stability control, hill start assist, front and rear parking sensors, emergency stop signal, and ISOFIX rear child seat anchors.

2022 Honda Civic V

Moving up the ladder, we have the 2022 Honda Civic V which retails for RM 138,043. It is RM 12,408 dearer than the base version. Justifying the increase in price are the following features-

• LED fog lights
• Bigger 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 215/50-section tyres
• Half Chrome outer  door handles
• 9.0-inch touchscreen advanced infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto connectivity
• Eight speakers
• Black leather upholstery
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Paddle shifters
• Three driving modes - Econ, Normal and Sport 
• Honda Connect emergency and geolocation services
• Honda LaneWatch 

2022 Honda Civic RS

On top of the 2022 Honda Civic range sits the RS trim that carries a price tag of RM 144,350. By paying RM 6,307 extra, you get an RS-exclusive exterior package, comprising black headlamp accents, a horn-shaped boot lid spoiler, 18-inch matte black alloy wheels, RS emblems, and black finishing on the window surrounds, shark fin antenna, door handles, side mirrors. Inside, the Civic RS comes with exclusive black leather and suede upholstery with red stitching, a black header, alloy pedals, and ambient lighting.

Which one should you buy?

After a detailed analysis of the 2022 Civic lineup, we conclude that all the variants are almost identical in terms of mechanics and safety, and what creates the difference between the three are cosmetic and tech features. Choose the Civic RS, if you want a sedan with sportier looks and all high-end tech, choose the Civic V if you can compromise on the cosmetic things, and choose the Civic E if you are fine with the standard looks and tech.

Also read: 2022 Honda Civic: Accessories and packages on offer