The Honda Civic has always been one of the most balanced C-segment sedans you can buy in Malaysia, as it combines practicality, comfort, and driving enjoyment in a way that it has earned it a solid reputation over the years.
For 2025, Honda has refreshed the Civic range, and the highlight of the lineup remains the Civic RS e:HEV hybrid. It is now slightly sharper in design, more advanced in technology and still delivers that signature satisfying drive.
Design
From the outside, the changes are subtle but significant. The facelift gives the Civic a slightly younger and more athletic presence. The front bumper and grille have been reshaped, giving the car a cleaner, sportier profile.
It still looks like a sophisticated sedan, but now there is just a bit more attitude in the way it sits on the road. Compared to the pre-facelift model, the car feels fresher and more contemporary, especially in the RS trim with its blacked-out accents.
The overall proportions remain long and sleek, which is part of why the Civic looks more premium than many of its rivals. However, this also means the car is quite low to the ground, something to keep in mind if your daily driving involves steep driveways, uneven parking ramps or older areas with broken tarmac.
Driving it
The highlight of the Civic RS e:HEV is still the hybrid powertrain. It features a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with dual electric motors, delivering around 184 PS and 315 Nm of torque.
That torque figure is especially noticeable because it comes on almost instantly thanks to the electric motors. The result is acceleration that feels smooth, eager and surprisingly punchy for a hybrid sedan.
The car switches seamlessly between electric drive and engine support, so the whole experience feels refined and effortless. On city streets, the Civic can glide along quietly under electric power.
On highways, there is more than enough strength to overtake without hesitation. The chassis and steering also continue to be one of the Civic’s strongest points. It feels planted, stable and confident, especially when driven with some enthusiasm.
This is where the Civic stands out compared to rivals. It is simply more exciting to drive than the Toyota Corolla GR-S, which looks somewhat sporty but does not deliver the same punch. At the same time, it is more practical and user-friendly than the Mazda3, which prioritises design over day-to-day space and rear passenger comfort.
Hybrid Benefits
Because this is a hybrid, fuel savings are another clear advantage. The e:HEV system is very effective in real-world conditions. In gentle urban driving, the engine switches off often, and the car relies on electric power.
On longer journeys, the system balances petrol and electric drive intelligently to maximise efficiency. Many owners can realistically see fuel consumption figures around 4 to 6 litres per 100 km depending on driving style and traffic.
So you end up with a sedan that offers spirited performance when you want it and excellent fuel savings when you need them. That combination remains very hard to beat in this segment.
Interior and Infotainment
Inside, the Civic remains a well-built and thoughtfully designed cabin. The materials feel good to the touch, and the layout is simple and uncluttered. The honeycomb-style air vent trim continues to be a nice design touch.
The biggest upgrade here is the new Google-powered 9-inch infotainment system. This system is a major improvement over the older Honda interface. You get Google Maps, Google Assistant and even access to apps via Google Play.
It is faster, clearer and far easier to use. Voice commands work naturally, and navigation updates happen in real time. For a daily driver, this kind of tech integration makes a noticeable difference in convenience.
The digital instrument cluster also continues to offer good visibility, and the hybrid-specific energy flow graphics are useful if you like to monitor how efficiently you are driving.
Comfort and Space
The front seats are comfortable and supportive for both short commutes and longer drives. Visibility is good and the driving position can be adjusted easily to suit different preferences.
However, there are two practical considerations worth pointing out. First, the Civic sits low, which may make it less convenient for older occupants to enter and exit. Second, the rear seats, while spacious in legroom, are shaped in a way that might not be very friendly for elderly passengers.
The seating position is slightly lower and the roofline does slope gently, so some people may need to duck more than they would in something like a Corolla.
That said, compared to the Mazda 3 sedan or hatchback, the Civic remains the more practical choice. The boot is larger, the interior space is better utilised, and the cabin feels more accommodating for family use.
Verdict
The 2025 Honda Civic RS e:HEV continues to hit the sweet spot for Malaysian buyers: it is efficient, powerful, stylish and genuinely enjoyable to drive. The refreshed design gives it a slightly younger and more premium feel. The new Google-based infotainment system is a major upgrade and finally brings seamless connectivity to the Civic.
Yes, the car is low and the rear seats are not the most senior-friendly. But these are relatively small compromises when the overall package is considered.
For many buyers, the Civic RS e:HEV represents a sedan that does almost everything well. It is more practical than a Mazda 3, more engaging than a Corolla GR-S and more efficient than many turbo petrol rivals.
So, if you want a car that looks good, drives beautifully, and saves fuel without feeling slow or compromised, the Civic RS e:HEV remains one of the best choices you can make today in the C-segment market. In case you’ve forgotten, the Civic RS e:HEV here asks for RM167,900.
