GROWING up with Honda Civic, you'll know what makes the C-segment sedan a winner time and time again.
The key is consistency. Be it drive feel, performance, interior, or design DNA, no matter the generation, there's always a returning element, subtle or otherwise, in each iteration.
What's great about the formula is that you knew what you were getting with each new model. Honda made sure both old and new owners weren't getting the short end of the stick when they bought into a new one, driving home the sense of confidence.
On the flip side, especially for long-time owners, the familiarity can dull the element of surprise. There's always a bit of new but as a whole, why buy a new one when it's more or less the same, just updated in areas?
But this may be the greatest strength of the 11th-generation Honda Civic FE, especially the top RS variant, by far.
SWITCHING GEARS
The new front-wheel drive Civic is a flip in design philosophy from the previous FC model.
The sharp sporty edges, especially its iconic crescent (crab claw) rear lights, are gone, replaced by a sleek fastback-styled silhouette with a long bonnet and short tail.
Of course, the lines are still there, especially the C-pillar design but everything else has been polished or smoothen out for a classier look.
Dimension wise, it is 30mm longer, 3mm wider and 1mm lower than before. The wheelbase is also longer at 2,733mm but boot space, at 497 litres, is smaller than the FC model.
According to Honda, the FE's front ergonomics borrow design elements from the third-generation model with a large glass area incorporated for a sense of spaciousness and airiness.
A first for a Civic is the RS variant, which is distinguished by sportier design elements over the normal variants, including the darkened headlight internals, gloss black rear spoiler, visible twin pipes, black side mirrors, black window trims and the larger 18-inch black alloy wheels.
The cabin has a clean, minimalist design for the most parts with a honeycomb metal mesh covering the horizontal dashboard that houses the full-width air vents.
Though it employs modern features and design choices, many of its frequently-used functions are still operated by physical buttons, such as the air-conditioning controls.
The infotainment system on the RS is a nine-inch floating screen unit that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The seats upholstered in leather have been redesigned for improved support and comfort. The RS gets suede and red stitching inserts.
Other standard features in the cabin include keyless entry, push-button start, a seven-inch digital instrument display, automatic climate control, reverse camera and the new windshield washers integrated into the wipers.
At the heart of its performance is a 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine, which is a standard fit across the range and paired to a EarthDreams CVT transmission.
This delivers 182hp and 240Nm of torque for a maximum speed of 200kph and fuel consumption of six litres per 100km.
It can also complete the century sprint in 8.3 seconds.
All variants come with the Honda Sensing advanced safety suite, which has adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, lane keep assist system, lane departure warning and auto high beam, among others.
Pricing starts from RM125,634.64 for the Civic 1.5L E to RM144,350.09 for the range-topping RS.
EUROPEAN STANDARD
Historically, the Civic has had bouts of hits or misses with the public despite its sales figures. One generation can be deemed great but not so much the next. Oftentimes, it is always that nagging question: what is that next big change?
The Civic FE is no exception to this trend. When it was first unveiled, people were wondering where it was heading.
Coming after the hotly received, revolutionary and edgy 10th-gen, the latest Civic model looks timid by comparison.
Some hate it for having lost the 10th gen's sportiness while others love it for its sleek throwback to earlier generations.
At Cars Bikes & Trucks, we are in the latter camp. Not to throw shade at the FC's Japan-centric design sensibilities despite being the template for the modern Civic, but its aggressiveness feels a bit much in some areas (hint: rear lights).
The car does look way better in the flesh than pictures give it credit for. It really warms up to you the longer you spend time with it.
Honda Malaysia says there's no one exact reason as to why the carmaker decided to scale back on the aggression but you won't get any complaints from us as we find its new image very much in tune with its performance.
The 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine delivers a smooth initial acceleration and brake performance as well as a powerful drive (especially in Sports mode) that raises the Civic's performance dynamics.
Put the two together and we see how the Civic now exudes more European characteristics than a Japanese one.
The Civic goes very continental with hints of signature design and performance elements from BMW, Audi and Volkswagen inside out while taking cues from Honda's own Accord.
What I have also come to love is the redesign of the car's front ergonomics for the driver. In some subtle way, Honda has managed to deliver a better front window view.
This allows for better and more precise space estimation while driving and parking.
POLISHED PERFECTION
Don't be mistaken, the Civic hasn't suddenly transformed itself into a German sedan and gained regional performance while losing all the qualities that make it the Japanese C-segment model that you've come to know throughout the years.
It is a Civic at its core and still as sporty it has ever been, just very European in presentation.
And it's not just its design motives or the tinge of performance, it's also from the drive feel.
A small example is how the driver can sometimes forget he's driving a Japanese make by mixing up the indicator and wiper switches. It's embarrassing for the driver but also a testament to Honda's achievements.
Owners of the 10th gen Civic, especially the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo four-cylinder engine variant, won't be missing out much as there's minimal change in performance and the aesthetics aren't wildly game changing.
However, for everyone else, this is the popular C-segment sedan at its present best. Consider the 11th generation Civic FE a refinement over the previous models in almost every way.
As a bonus, with the right mindset and expectations, we can say this may be one of the best alternatives to experience a premium make entry-level continental without having to break the bank.
