2022 Honda Civic FE Launched - 3 Variants Available, From RM126k

Honda Malaysia today launched the 2022 Honda Civic (FE) for the Malaysian market, priced from RM126k.

There are few products that command as much attention or develop as much hype as the Honda Civic, especially as the previous generation has proven to be such a massive hit throughout its production lifespan. In Malaysia, the Civic has sold 153,000 units since 2001. The 11th-Gen Civic has garnered 1,200 bookings even before its launch. Honda aims to sell 900 units of the 2022 Civic monthly.

Honda has announced three variants for the 2022 Honda Civic, including the much anticipated Civic RS, the first RS model for the Civic lineup. 

The three variants are priced as follows:

• E: RM125,634
• V: RM138,043
• RS: RM144,350

Bigger Than Before

Although the 2022 Civic FE might seem like a smaller vehicle than the outgoing Civic FC, it is actually wider by 3mm (1,802mm), longer by 33mm (4,678mm) and lower by 1mm (1,415mm). 

This translates into a much roomier interior as well as a broader and lower stance, improving the sedan's overall passenger space and looks at the same time.

There's also improved body rigidity through greater use of structural adhesive and swapping out the front sub-frame and other components for lighter, more rigid items. Stepping it up a notch are revisions to the steering system in terms of weight and assistance, as well as adjustments to rear track width and rear bushings for improved straight-line stability without compromising agility.

Exterior

A distinct step forward in terms of the design language makes the all-new 2022 Civic look like a far more mature product, and one could even venture so far as to say it looks practically European in terms of styling and form.

At the front, the 11th-gen Civic sports the latest three-dimensional wide front grille, flanked by sleek headlights with an L-shaped DRL light signature. Round the sides, the car's glasshouse has been pushed back (at the front) and stretched at the rear to give the Civic a low-slung coupe-like silhouette. The characteristic kink in the bodyline just before the C-Pillar is perhaps a nod to its big brother, the Accord's design cues.

Honda has ditched the love it or hate it C-shaped "ketam taillights" for a cleaner, more streamlined rear taillights with C-shaped graphics. In addition, the RS variant gets a spoiler with a lowered middle part to make way for the third brake light, which has now moved to the lower part of the rear windscreen.

Wheel size is different on all three variants with the E being equipped with 16-inch, V with 17-inch and RS with 18-inch wheels.

Interior

On the inside – the interior has been redesigned for a far more premium look than the 10th-gen's stylistic approach. A detailed honeycomb mesh accent now runs the dashboard's width, neatly integrating the air-conditioning vents.

Down the middle, the centre console features a main cubby space. Two cupholders accompany the gear shifter, and the usual drivetrain controls further back. The new 2022 Civic also benefits from a new front-seat design. The new-generation seat frame firmly holds the body, enhancing comfort on long drives using Honda's Body Stabilizing Seat approach.

Interior differences include the use of fabric on the E variant, with the V and RS receiving leather. The other major differentiation with the models is the infotainment screen size, with the E being equipped with a 7-inch display and the V and RS coming with a 9-inch display. All variants will get Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The E variant gets four speakers while the V and RS get eight speakers. 

Powertrain

According to Honda Malaysia,60% of Civics sold in Malaysia were the turbocharged variants so its no surprise that the tried and tested turbocharged 1.5-litre VTEC petrol unit from the FC soldiers on in the FE (all-variants) - though figures have been bumped up to 182 PS and 240 Nm of torque, 9 PS and 20 Nm more than before. These improvements have been achieved by adding variable valve timing to the exhaust side of the engine and a more efficient turbocharger package.

The CVT transmission from the FC has also been reworked and updated, delivering a smoother experience than the outgoing model. It also features a quicker and more positive virtual gear ratio selection, especially in Sport mode. As a result, starting off from a dead stop should be quicker and easier, as the extra torque and the more responsive transmission gets you moving with haste.

Another new and for the first time feature in the Civic is drive mode. You now have Eco, Normal and Sport mode. 

Safety

The all-new 2022 Honda Civic comes with a heavily updated and improved version of the Honda Sensing Package, albeit just for the RS variant (V only gets LaneWatch on top of the regular active safety systems). The newest feature is the Lead Car Departure Notification System. That's essentially a fancy way of saying that if the car ahead of you moves off from a dead stop, the system will gently alert you to start moving as well.

Highlighting that alone would be selling the system short, however, as there have also been changes to the spread and flexibility of Honda's safety system, with a wider coverage area for the forward-facing camera and radar systems that in turn helps advanced driver assistance features such as Forward Collision Warning or Lane Departure Warning function more effectively.

Honda Connect

Honda Connect is also now available on the 11th-Gen Civic, giving buyers that extra sense of security and convenience.

Colour

There are five colours to choose from: 

• Platinum White Pearl
• Crystal Black Pearl
• Meteoroid Grey Metallic
• Ignite Red Metalic
• Lunar Silver Metalic

Warranty

As usual, Honda offers a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free labour service, applicable up to five times within 100,000km's or 5 years.