2020 Honda Civic 1.5 TC-P CKD Review.

As you guys already know the FC Honda Civic had just receive its first facelift or mid-cycle refresh. As one of the most popular sedans in Malaysia, Honda had some updates and changes on what was already a good sedan. The changes made to the Civic are more evolutionary than revolutionary. One of the things that did not change is the trim level or variants of the civic which are the 1.8 S, 1.5 TC and 1.5 TC-P. But compare to old pre facelift model, the difference between the variants are more apparent and significant.

Starting of with the exterior the Civic front bumper has been slightly nipped and tucked. The front grill now is also fully painted black on the highest TC-P variant while lower variants still get chrome one just like the old one. LED headlights and LED fog lights are fitted to the 1.5L variants while lower 1.8L one make do with just halogen. Moving towards the side you can differentiate the variants even more with the different wheel size fitted. The base 1.8 S gets a rather bland looking 16-inch wheels while the 1.5 TC still uses the same 17-inch wheel design of the pre-facelift model. The top of the range 1.5 TC-P however gets a brand new sporty looking 18-inch wheels which personally fill up the wheel arc nicely. The signature side front bumper parking light is still standard as well. Moving towards the rear however and no new changes are made with only an addition of the wide and low trunk spoiler fitted to the to TC-P variant. The iconic “claw” style taillamp and the hidden exhaust pipes also remains the same.

Speaking of remaining the same. The previous engines and transmission combo have also been carried over. The base 1.8 S variant feature a 1.8L 4-cylinder SOHC i-VTEC petrol engine that makes 141 Ps and 174 NM of torque while the 2 higher variants are powered by the 1.5L 4-cyliner turbocharged DOHC VTEC engine that makes 173 Ps and 220 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired to a CVT and power is sent to the front wheels. 0 to 100km/h time of the 1.5L turbocharged variants remain at 8.2 seconds.

From behind the wheel there is no denying the Civic is a great fun especially with the more powerful turbocharged engine. The multi-link set of the rear suspension combines with the bigger wheels of the top spec variant provide good handling on the limit while not being too stiff. The steering has a rather quick turning ratio and tight turning radius which makes it agile in tight situation. Although the steering feel is lacking like most EPS and could be better.

Inside, you need to have train eyes to spot the subtle differences made over the pre-facelift model. The standard 7-inch touch screen infotainment system now has a volume knob and physical short cut buttons on the right side of the screen. There also a new button style volume switch on the multifunction steering wheel as to compare to the old capacitive touch type of the old car. Lastly there is also a physical up and down aircon blower switches next to climate button below the touch screen. Other than that, the cabin largely remains the same. Front and rear passengers enjoy good head and leg room. All variants also feature rear aircon vents behind the centre console and 8-way power driver seat. The multifunction and practical centre console are also unchanged over the old model. Boot capacity is rated at 519 litres.

Standard equipment list across all Civic variants include single zone automatic climate control, cruise control, keyless entry with push start button, a tilt and telescopic multifunction leather steering wheel, 60:40 split folding rear seat on all variants, Apple carplay with Android Auto, 8 speakers, an LDC info screen, front parking sensors and a multi-angle rear view camera. Standard safety feature includes 6 airbags, vehicle stability assist, hill start assists, auto brake hold and rear ISOFIX child seat mount. The Civic is also awarded the 5 stars ASEAN NCAP. The 1.5 TC variant add black leather upholstery, more interior garnish, chrome outside door handle, and Honda LaneWatch camera system. The top of the range 1.5 TC-P further add on dual zone automatic climate control and Honda Sensing safety system which bundles features like lane departure warning, automatic high beam, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning and collision mitigation system.

Pricing for the Honda Civic CKD (Completely Knock Down) unit the end of December 2020 in East Malaysia starts at RM110,395.06. The 1.5 TC is selling at RM126,116.73 while the range topping 1.5 TC-P comes in at RM135,746.91 respectively. All Civics comes with 5 years unlimited mileage warranty and comes in 5 colour option. They are Lunar Silver Metallic, White Orchid Pearl, Modern Stell Metallic, Passion Red Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl. Optional accessories on the Civic are plenty from body kits, coating, and shades upon purchase from dealership. Be sure to get further information from the local Honda dealers near you.

Photos and written view by Afiq Bazli Bin Busairi.