All New Honda Civic officially launched - Normally aspirated 1.8 and a turbocharged 1.5.

Honda has launched the tenth generation Honda Civic here in Malaysia. The Civic1.8L, 1.5L Turbo and 1.5L Turbo Premium are priced at RM110,726, RM124,376 and RM132,155. I think the prices are competitive, the 1.8 is priced very right and imagine that with only RM14,000 more you can go Turbo. 

The entry level 1.8 has a single camshaft 1.8liter normally aspirated engine that makes 141ps 174Nm torque. This is paired to a CVT transmission is makes 0-100kmh in 10.8seconds. Quite a respectable figure as a CVT is always more efficient at optimising peak power or torque depending on throttle input. The only issue is that CVTs tend to hold peak revs too long if you are going for it. 

The turbocharged 1.5liter engine adds a single turbo to all of Honda's VTEC stuff and it pumps out 173ps and 220Nm torque. The CVT allows it a 0-100kmh time of 8.2seconds. Somewhere on par with what a Volkswagen Golf 1.4TSI makes and what a C segment car with 220Nm could theoretically do. 

Of course, this new car looks very cutting edge. I like it even though I do think the front and rear overhangs (area from front and rear of the car to the wheels) are a little too much to be considered as truly proportionate. Still a return to form after that horrible, horrible ninth generation Civic when it comes to styling.

The question in the back of my mind is the reliability of the turbocharged variant. No issues at all with the reasonably priced 1.8. That should sell well to those who do not want the added hassle of additional maintenance (in the long run) of a turbocharged car. 

Personally everything is covered under warranty for the moment. Of course, if anything goes wrong with this car don't go all crazy lah and complain on social media this and that like a lot of Volkswagen owners do. Do remember that this is Honda's first mass market turbocharged C segment car ever. Give them some time to get things right...like Proton, with the CFE engine. Their first mass produced turbocharged engine. And also remember, you couldn't wait.

Oh, Honda is already promoting their Modulo bodykit. No. That will not make your Civic into a Type-R. And I think the car looks good as it is. No need to spend extra. Save it for the next higher priced car.

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