Honda Civic: Old vs New

While the auto-enthusiasts running after SUVs nowadays, sedans have ruled the roads across the world for a long time and some of them are still hitting the sales records. One such sedan is the Honda Civic that not only impresses the people with its good looks but also with its performance. The latest 11th-gen Civic arrived in the global market in April last year and after a long wait, it entered Malaysia a few days back. The new Civic is expected to make waves in the local market and maintain its top spot in the C‑segment with a host of new upgrades.

What’s all new in the 2022 Honda Civic, we are here to explore the answer to this question. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Variants and Price

Just like the previous model, the new Civic is also offered in three variants. The new lineup starts with the base E, priced at RM 125,635, the Civic V sits in the middle with a tag of RM 138,043, while the range-topping RS is expensive among all with a price tag of RM 144,350. In comparison to the earlier S, TC, and TC-P models, the new trims are heftier by RM 16,308, RM 12,962, and RM 9,689, respectively.

Take note all the mentioned prices are on-the-road without insurance and sales and service tax. Honda Malaysia offers a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and five complimentary labour services with the new Civic, just as earlier.

Exterior

Starting with the front fascia where most of us can observe a quite remarkable difference between the new and old version. Honda ditched the ‘Solid Wing Face’ full-width grille in favour of a body-colored notch that is placed above the down-tuned upper intake. The headlights are now slimmers and are paired with the L-shaped DRL units.

The A-pillars have also been pushed back for an elongated bonnet and attractive silhouette. On the lower edge, the car gets a big intake edged by C-shaped structures featuring fog lights. At the rear end, we can notice new trapezoidal tail lights with L-shaped graphics. 

In addition, the new Civic RS comes with black finishing on the headlamps, door handles, window surrounds, and side mirrors. Also part of the kit is 18-inch wheels, RS emblems, shark fin antenna, chrome tailpipes, and a black ducktail spoiler.

In terms of dimensions, the 2022 Honda Civic is larger and wider than the predecessor and its credit goes to the expanded rear thread lending a low and wide stance. The car now measures 4,678 mm in length (+30 mm), 1,415 mm (-1 mm) in height, 1,802 mm (+3 mm) in width, and spans a wheelbase of 2,735 (+33 mm). 

Overall, the new Civic looks sleeker and has a more mature look. 

Colour options

Honda Malaysia offers the new Civic in two new shades viz. Meteoroid Grey Metallic and Ignite Red Metallic. The continuing options are Lunar Silver Metallic, Platinum White Pearl, and Crystal Black Pearl.

Interior

Inside the cabin, the modifications are even larger in comparison to the exterior. The sedan now comes with a clean Audi-style dashboard with a honeycomb mesh trim that separates the freestanding infotainment touchscreen and climate control system. The honeycomb mesh also conceals the air vents. 

Honda also adopted new-gen seat frames for the new Civic, which are developed using Honda’s Body Stabilising Seat approach. Along with the seats, the quality of other materials is also improved for a more premium feel.

In terms of features, all the new Civic variants come with a single-zone air conditioning with rear vents, remote engine start, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto connectivity, dual rear USB ports, and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The V and RS variant gets a 9.0-inch infotainment unit (7.0-inch in the base E), Drive Mode Selector, Electrochromic rearview mirror, 8-way powered seats for the driver, sport button, paddle shifters. There are fabric seats for E, leather for V, and semi-leather for RS.

Engine

On the mechanical front, Honda dropped the 1.8-litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine from the lineup and continues with the only 1.5-litre turbocharged mill for 2022. However, the continuing engine now generates 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, that’s a bump of 8 PS and 20 Nm. 

Besides producing higher output levels, the turbo engine also gets a new oil pan and crankshaft for improved NVH levels. The CVT transmission is also been retuned for better responsiveness, says the automaker.

The upgraded sedan also gets a new drive mode option i.e. Sport which provides powerful torque sensation and high acceleration responsiveness. The base E takes 8.3 seconds to hit the century sprint, while the E and RS clock this target in 8.4 seconds and 8.5 seconds, respectively.

Safety

As for safety, Honda goes the extra mile for the new Civic as all the variants of the upgraded sedan come with the full range of Honda Sensing suite. It includes lane keep assist, lane centering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, autonomous emergency braking, and automatic high beam. A new Lead Car Departure Notification System is also added to the ADAS pack.

Besides this, the new Civic continues to come with six airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, front and rear parking sensors, emergency stop signal, and stability control. The V and RS are also fitted with Honda’s LaneWatch blind-spot camera.

In a nutshell, we can say that the all-new Honda Civic is more stylish, more premium, safer, and offers best‑in‑class performance. 

Also read: 2023 Honda Civic Type R prototype showcased at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Salon