Honda Civic 2025 Review

The Malaysian C-segment sedan market has always been centered around "balanced practicality" as the core demand of consumers. The 2025 Honda Civic 1.5L E, as the entry-level fuel model of the series, enters the market this time with 182PS turbo power, the standard Honda Sensing safety system across all models, and a 497L trunk capacity, targeting family users who prioritize cost-effectiveness and reliable travel. This test drive will focus on its actual driving experience, configuration practicality, and fuel consumption levels to evaluate whether it can become a "well-rounded" choice in the C-segment car market.

The 2025 Civic 1.5L E continues the series' signature fastback design, featuring smooth and slightly sporty lines. With dimensions of 4681mm length and 1802mm width, the vehicle falls into the mainstream size range for C-segment cars. The front adopts a honeycomb-patterned lower grille paired with sharp LED daytime running lights. The headlamp cluster integrates lenses and supports automatic lighting, providing high recognition. The dual waistline design on the sides extends from the fenders to the rear, and the 16-inch multi-spoke aluminum alloy wheels give a visually streamlined appearance. At the rear, the LED taillights with a smoked treatment echo the chrome trim on the rear bumper, and the round design of the rear fog lights adds a touch of simplicity and refinement.

Inside the cabin, the 1.5L E features a black-dominated interior theme. The dashboard combines soft plastic and fabric panels. While it lacks the leather upholstery found in higher-end versions, the craftsmanship is solid. The center console is equipped with a 9-inch floating touch screen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, offering clear operation logic and moderate response speed. The instrument cluster is a 7-inch LCD screen, displaying data such as RPM, speed, fuel consumption, and safety system status, making the information intuitive to read. The seats are fabric upholstered, with the front row supporting six-way manual adjustment, and the rear seats have a 4/6 split-folding feature. When folded down, they can connect with the trunk, further expanding the storage space. Standard features like keyless entry, electric folding side mirrors, and rear air outlets enhance everyday usability.

In terms of space performance, the 2735mm wheelbase provides ample legroom for rear passengers. For a passenger with a height of 175cm, there is about two fists of legroom remaining when seated in the rear, and headroom is about one fist, meeting the expectations for a C-segment vehicle. The trunk offers a capacity of 497L, easily accommodating three 20-inch suitcases, which is sufficient for short family trips. The interior offers plenty of storage options, with the front door storage slots able to fit two 500ml water bottles. The central armrest box is spacious enough for daily small items, and the front cup holders can hold different sizes of cups securely.

On the dynamic driving side, the 1.5L E is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine delivering a maximum power output of 134kW (182PS) and a maximum torque of 240N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. The power response is swift at start-up, with the maximum torque available from 1700rpm, enabling smooth overtaking or lane changes under urban driving conditions. When switched to sport mode, the transmission simulates gear-shifting logic, maintaining higher RPM for a more direct acceleration feel. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is stated as 8.3 seconds, and during the test drive, when the ESP was turned off and sport mode enabled, the acceleration performance aligned closely with the official figures. During everyday driving, the CVT transmission offers good smoothness, with virtually no detectible shift lags, making it well-suited for daily family commuting.

In terms of handling, the combination of a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear multi-link independent suspension ensures comfort while offering a certain degree of sportiness. The steering wheel has a moderate turning resistance, minimal slack, and precise directionality. During cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, giving the driver sufficient confidence. When dealing with road bumps and speed bumps, the suspension effectively filters out vibrations, ensuring that the comfort of rear passengers is not significantly affected. The braking system uses a combination of ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, providing a linear braking response. During emergency braking, the car maintains a stable posture without any significant nosedive phenomenon.

Fuel consumption performance is a key concern for family users. During this test drive of approximately 150km, covering urban congested roads, highways, and suburban roads with an average speed of around 35km/h, the displayed average fuel consumption was 6.2L/100km, which is fairly close to the official combined consumption figure of 6L/100km. The fuel economy performance is impressive. While cruising on highways at a steady speed of 110km/h, the engine speed remains around 2000rpm, and the fuel consumption can be as low as approximately 5.5L/100km.

In terms of safety features, the 1.5L E comes standard with the Honda Sensing safety system across the entire range. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning. While cruising on the highway, the adaptive cruise control system can automatically adjust the speed according to traffic conditions, effectively reducing fatigue during long-distance driving. The lane departure warning system alerts the driver by vibrating the steering wheel if the vehicle deviates from its lane without signaling, enhancing overall driving safety. The car is equipped with six airbags, including dual front airbags, front side airbags, and curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers, providing comprehensive collision protection for occupants.

In conclusion, the core strength of the 2025 Honda Civic 1.5L E lies in its balanced capabilities: the 182PS turbocharged engine meets daily power needs, while the standard safety systems and practical configurations enhance the overall value for money. Its 497L trunk capacity and spacious rear seating make it well-suited for family use. Compared to competitors in the same segment, its advantages lie in a mature powertrain, reliable brand reputation, and relatively low maintenance costs. However, its drawbacks include an interior dominated by plastic materials, which lack a premium feel, and the absence of power-adjustable seats.

In summary, the 2025 Honda Civic 1.5L E is suitable for family users with a budget of around 130,000 MYR who are seeking practicality and reliability. Its well-rounded performance meets the requirements for daily commuting, family outings, and various other scenarios. If you're looking for a C-segment sedan with no significant shortcomings, the 2025 Civic 1.5L E is worth considering as part of your shortlist.