18/01/2026

Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / keshy@piston.my Editorial

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SUNDAY | JAN 18, 2026

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New Honda Civic Turbo comes without the financial or emotional baggage of something more extreme BY TIMOTHY PRAKASH Redesigned front bumper and RS badging. Bachelor’s choice Lanewatch camera (left).

Smoked taillights and chrome tailpipe finishers.

THERE are cars built for fami lies, cars designed to impress neighbours, and cars engineered to quietly do everything reasona bly well. Then there are cars like the Honda Civic, vehicles that, gen eration after generation, seem to understand exactly who they are meant for. In its latest facelifted 11th-gen eration (FE) form, particularly in 1.5L Turbo RS specification, the Civic has settled confidently into a role that feels almost tailor-made for Malaysia’s urban professional – the bachelor’s car. This is not a criticism. In fact, it may be the Civic RS’s greatest strength. The facelifted Civic does not chase novelty for novelty’s sake. Instead, it refines a formula that has proven successful globally and locally, blending restrained design, modern technology, and just enough performance flair to satisfy without intimidating. For the single driver who wants something stylish yet sensible, sporty but not juvenile, the Civic RS continues to hit a remarkably sweet spot. SHARPER, CLEANER, MORE CONFIDENT At first glance, the changes introduced with the facelift are subtle, but spend a little time with

Lanewatch toggle.

ished in a cohesive honeycomb mesh that extends to the lower intake. Dimensionally, the facelift adds just 3mm to the overall length, bringing it to 4,681mm, while the width (1,802mm), height (1,415mm) and wheelbase (2,735mm) remain unchanged. On paper, this is insignificant. On the road, however, the Civic still feels long, low, and properly proportioned, qualities that con tribute greatly to its appeal among younger, style-conscious buyers. At the rear, changes are mini mal. The overall shape remains identical to the pre-facelift model, with the only update being smoked taillights that subtly enhance the car’s sporty character without appearing excessive.

the car and the differences become clear. Honda has resisted the tempta tion to overhaul the Civic’s appearance entirely, choosing instead to refine what was already a well-resolved design. The most noticeable update is at the front. The redesigned bumper now features a more pro truding lower section, giving the Civic a stronger, more planted stance. Slender vertical air curtains replace the pre-facelift model’s fog lamp housings, lending the nose a cleaner and more modern appear ance. The main grille has also grown larger, effectively eliminating the pre-facelift’s slightly awkward “forehead” look, and is now fin

Lanewatch safety system.

tion, and the facelift maintains the same clean dashboard design, freestanding infotainment screen, honeycomb mesh air vent treat ment, and straightforward centre console layout. This cabin works because it feels adult. There are no gim micks, no excessive gloss, and no unnecessary design theatrics. Everything is where you expect it

The Civic RS doesn’t shout for attention; it carries itself with a quiet confidence that suits its tar get audience perfectly. FAMILIAR, FOCUSED, AND STILL ONE OF THE BEST Inside, Honda has wisely left well enough alone. The Civic’s interior was already one of the strongest points of the FE genera