14/06/2026

Contributing Editor Keshy Dhillon / keshy@piston.my Editorial

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SUNDAY | JUNE 14, 2026

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Default answer Honda Civic has always been a great car, but it is even better with the e:HEV powertrain

BY SHAUN LEE

EVERY segment has a benchmark. Not necessarily the fastest car, the longest equipment list, or the most aggressive financing package. Instead, it is the car that consistently finds itself on every buyer’s shortlist because it gets the fun damentals right. In Malaysia’s C-segment sedan mar ket, that car has been the Honda Civic for decades. Ask 10 different people what they want from a car and you might get 10 different answers. Some prioritise practi cality, others value performance, fuel effi ciency, comfort, technology or brand reputation. The reason the Civic has remained relevant for so long is because it manages to sit comfortably at the intersection of all those requirements. It looks good without being overly dra matic. The black trim pieces, spoiler and 18-inch wheels in the RS variant give it a more purposeful look, while the leather and-suede seats, alloy pedals and black headliner add just enough sporting fla vour inside. It is not an aggressive car by modern standards, but perhaps that is precisely why it has aged so well. The Civic no longer needs to shout. It offers enough performance to be enjoyable without becoming intimidating. It is practical enough for family duties yet engaging enough to satisfy those who still enjoy driving. More importantly, it has always been easy to recommend. Having spent time with the FE-genera tion Civic when it first arrived in Malaysia, what stood out most was not any single headline feature. It was how complete the package felt. The driving position was excellent. Visibility was among the best in its class. The controls fell naturally to hand, and the cabin offered enough space for four adults to travel comfortably. Honda sim ply nailed the fundamentals, and that for mula remains intact today. The latest Civic continues to offer the same clean exterior design, spacious cabin and polished driving manners that made it one of the segment’s benchmark models in the first place. The difference now is that the range topping e:HEV RS adds another dimen sion to an already strong package. At the heart of the Civic e:HEV RS is Honda’s 2.0-litre e:HEV powertrain, a system backed by over 22 years of Honda hybrid technology. Unlike some hybrid systems that con stantly remind you of what they are doing, Honda’s approach is refreshingly seamless. Most of the time, you simply drive the car and let it figure out the rest. In urban traffic and lower-speed con ditions, the Civic often operates like an electric vehicle. The electric motor han dles propulsion quietly and smoothly while the petrol engine works in the back ground when required, either generating electricity or assisting directly when con ditions demand it. The transition between power sources

Blacked out rims adds a touch of aggression to the Civic.

This hybrid powertrain has been refined over the years and is now one of the most efficient in the industry.

dently through corners. Body control is excellent, while the chassis strikes a bal ance between comfort and composure that few rivals manage to achieve. The additional weight from the hybrid system actually works in the car’s favour, giving it a more planted and settled char acter. Combined with the slightly lower ride height and improved structural rigidity, the Civic e:HEV feels composed whether navigating daily commutes or tackling your favourite stretch of B-road. Just as

is so smooth that most drivers will never notice it, and that refinement is arguably the system’s biggest strength. The result is a car that feels effortless in traffic, relaxed on longer journeys and remarkably efficient considering its per formance. Yet efficiency alone is not what makes the Civic appealing. The car has always been one of the more engaging sedans in its segment and the hybrid continues that tradition. The steering remains precise and accu rate, allowing the car to be placed confi

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres are great but can be noisy on some surfaces.

Hybrid Honda – Blue hue around emblem.