THE year-long battle of the powertrains has come to a close and a new champion has been chosen at the 19th Malaysia Car of the Year (MCOTY) award.
Congratulations to Honda Malaysia, for while electric vehicles (EVs) may have dominated the news, it was the Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid that bagged the prestigious "Overall Car of the Year" title.
MCOTY is an annual programme held since 2002 and serves as a platform for automotive enthusiasts and experts to recognise and celebrate the best new cars in Malaysia. It returns after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid 19-pandemic disruptions.
Endorsed by MARii, the programme is one of the only independent "Car of the Year" awards in Malaysia.
This year's big win did not come easy for Honda. The competition was fierce with 121 new cars nominated.
The judging panel consisted of 10 esteemed automotive journalists and two professionals from the legal and medical fields who evaluated the cars based on several criteria, including design, technology, safety, and value for money.
It should be noted that those models that were launched but not yet available for public viewing or test drives by July 31 will automatically be nominated for next year's event.
HYBRID HERO
Unanimously, the judges picked the Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid for its technology that eliminates power-robbing gearboxes, whether continuously variable transmission (CVT) or hydraulic, and for providing the best energy regeneration of all current hybrids in Malaysia.
The judges loved the performance, fuel efficiency and cool comfort of the battery-powered air-conditioning when the combustion engine was off.
It bested nine other cars to be selected as the winner in the "Sedan and Hatchback: Family Car" category within the price bracket of RM111,000 to RM249,000.
Previously, Cars, Bikes and Trucks called the car a "Hybrid Hero" for elevating everything that makes the non-hybrid 11th-generation Civic a step above, along with an added weight to the drive sensation.
Notable for its design, ergonomics, and drive control, the Civic 1.5-litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine variant that's paired with an EarthDreams CVT transmission was launched early last year. It was a showstopper that would go on to win our "Best Car of 2022" title.
The new model variant introduces Honda's new 2.0L e:HEV powertrain paired with an electric CVT (e-CVT) and an Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) for a maximum power output of 184PS and a benchmark setting 315Nm of torque.
Delivering a performance that is comparable with D-segment models, the car can sprint from zero to 100kph in 7.9 seconds with a top speed of 180kph.
Fuel consumption is rated at 4.0L/100km.
The more powerful 2.0L engine has been fine-tuned and continues the best C-segment sedan streak in the present market while also making it a champ of a hybrid to have.
A single tank of fuel easily brought us across a 455km journey from Klang Valley to Desaru and back.
It also has a superior acceleration time, going around 0.4 to 0.6 seconds faster on century sprints than the non-hybrid variant.
A small trade-off is that the powertrain delivers a lower top speed of 180kph, compared to 200kph previously.
Ride comfort has been improved over the non-hybrid variants, where the Active Noise Control works together with Active Sound Control to reduce outside noise while enhancing the engine sound.
The Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid comes equipped with the full suite of enhanced Honda Sensing safety features, which include a collision mitigation braking system, lead car departure notification, road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, lane keep assist system, lane departure warning, forward collision warning and auto high beam.
It also has Honda LaneWatch, walk away auto lock, remote engine start, rear seat belt reminder, driver attention monitor and Honda Connect with telematics technology.
Aesthetically, it mostly resembles the non-hybrid variant while pushing the sporty RS template a little further with the addition of the chrome ring insert headlight and front grille, black half-chrome door handle, and the unique Blue H Mark and e:HEV emblem.
It also sports 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels and a single tailpipe finisher.
This variant, much like the non-hybrid, also houses a 10.2-inch Full TFT Meter, a nine-inch Advanced Display Audio with Wireless Apple CarPlay, a wireless charger, power flow display, and a key card that is no thicker than two credit cards - which acts as a keyless remote both for entry and start function.
The colour options are Ignite Red, Meteoroid Gray, Platinum White Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl.
The Civic e:HEV RS Hybrid is priced from RM166,500, on the road and without insurance (Terms and conditions apply).
