Honda Malaysia has officially launched its latest 11th generation Civic e:HEV RS hybrid that’s priced at RM166,500 on-the-road without insurance,
The range-topping Civic, now offered in four colour choices of Ignite Red Metallic, Crystal Black Pearl, Meteoroid Gray Metallic and Platinum White, brings a host of improvements and boasts of added refinements while joining the ranks of the City, City Hatchback and all-new HR-V.
Powered by a 2.0-litre (1,993cc) naturally aspirated Atkinson Cycle engine with direct injection and paired with the Japanese carmaker’s latest hybrid system both are managed by an Electric Continuously Variable Transmission (eCVT).
The engine alone produces 143PS at 6,000rpm and 189Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. Combining this with the electric motor, the numbers jump to 184PS from 5,000 to 6,000rpm and 315Nm of torque up to 02,000rpm.
Aside from performance, the Civic e:HEV RS is able to sip on 4.0 litres of petrol per 100km and owners will be able to decide how those ‘ponies’ behave with two driving modes of Econ or Sport mode while a large (and colourful) 10.2-inch TFT instrument cluster stares back at them.
With such power figures, it allows the Civic e:HEV RS to get from 0 to 100kph in just 7.9 seconds (0.4 to 0.6 seconds quicker than the 1.5 turbocharged Civic) before topping out at 180kph.
While the Civic e:HEV RS will take the lead against its 1.5-litre turbocharge stablemate in terms of acceleration by 0.4 to 0.6 seconds (depending on variant), it’s the turbocharged variant that will claw back and surpass the hybrid’s Vmax at 200kph.
Suspending the latest Civic’s 1,445kg (kerb) body which measures 4,678mm-long (+30mm), 1,802mm-wide (+3mm) and 1,415mm-tall (-1.0mm) over its predecessor, are front MacPherson struts with rear multi-links. The wheelbase has been elongated to 2,735mm (+35mm).
The Civic e:HEV RS rolls on newly designed 18-inch two-tone wheels wrapped by 235/40 series tyres and the combination partially hides its disc brakes found at all corners while a full-sized 16-inch spare wheel resides in the 497-litre boot.
External features of the latest Civic e:HEV RS include LEDs for its automatic headlights, daytime running lights, fog lamps and rear light clusters.
Additionally, there’s also a blacked-out shark fin antenna and chromed tailpipe finishers.
New owners will now receive a sleek key card that’s as thick as two credit cards that replaces the usual keyFOB for the keyless entry with push-start system all while an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, upholstered in half-leather, awaits.
For added comfort and convenience, the cabin features dual-zone climate controls, auto-dimming rearview mirror, paddle-shifters for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, an in-car wireless charger, active noise control with active sound control and even a remote engine start system as well as a walk-away auto locking system.
Other notable mentions include an eight-speaker sound system that powers up a 9.0-inch display with a multi-angle reverse camera, two USB ports (two more found under the rear airconditioning vents at the rear for charging duties), Bluetooth connectivity, AndroidAuto and Apple Carplay (wired & wireless).
For safety, there’s the usual list of six airbags, anti-lock braking system, speed-sensitive automatic door locks, vehicle stability assist, agile handle assist, electronic brake-force distribution, automatic brake hold, hill-start assist, front and rear proximity sensors and emergency stop signal.
Further bolstering safety levels is Honda Sensing’s advanced driver assist system which includes lane departure warning, front collision warning, crash mitigation braking system, lane-keep assist, road-departure mitigation, adaptive cruise control, low-speed follow, automatic high-beam control and an audible lead car departure notification system to finally round up all the goodies.
Those interested in adding some personalised touches to their new ride can opt for some Modulo parts found in three main packages.
Starting with the Urban package includes door visors, illuminated side steps, sports pedals and foot-well lighting.
For some sporty external bits, there’s the Modulo package that will add on a pair of front under spoilers, side skirts, rear under spoiler and a boot spoiler.
Going for the range-topping Modulo Premium Package means adding on a front grill garnish, rear lower garnish and an exhaust pipe finisher.
There’s even a Utility Package that provides a cargo tray for the boot, sunshades, a trunk organiser, body cover, and reflective films while the Protection Package includes an ultra glass body coating, wheel lock nuts and an ultra window coating.
New owners can also have their new ride come pre-installed with Honda Authorised window tint film and/or a digital video recorder.
