2025 Honda Civic Facelift – Turbo vs Hybrid in Malaysia: Which One Should You Pick?
The ever-popular Honda Civic has returned with a fresh look for 2025, and while the facelift brings a sharper design and upgraded kit, the variant lineup will feel very familiar to fans of the model. You still get three petrol variants – the 1.5L E, 1.5L V and the sportier 1.5L RS – alongside a more efficient hybrid option, the 2.0L e:HEV RS.
Prices for the updated Civic range start from RM133,900 for the 1.5L E, going up to RM167,900 for the range-topping hybrid RS – all prices on-the-road without insurance.
In this review, we’re zooming in on the two most premium variants: the 1.5L RS turbo and the 2.0L e:HEV RS hybrid. Both look sporty and well-equipped, but under the hood, they offer two very different driving experiences.
Turbocharged Thrills or Electrified Efficiency?
Let’s start with the 1.5L RS. It packs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine pushing out 182 PS and 240 Nm, mated to a CVT with seven virtual gears. It delivers quick response and punchy torque from low RPMs, making it an enjoyable daily driver with a hint of sportiness.
The hybrid 2.0L e:HEV RS, on the other hand, runs on a more complex but efficient system. At its core is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated engine working in Atkinson-cycle mode, producing 143 PS and 184 Nm. However, most of the driving is done by the electric motor, which delivers 184 PS and a meaty 315 Nm of torque almost instantly – from 0 to 2,000 rpm. It uses an E-CVT and feels extremely smooth and refined in urban driving. The petrol engine mainly functions as a generator, but at highway speeds, it can directly drive the wheels through a clutch system for better efficiency.
Feature-Packed from Base to Top
Even the entry-level Civic is decently kitted out – LED headlights, daytime running lights, 16-inch alloys, remote start, walk-away auto lock, and keyless entry are all standard. You also get rain-sensing wipers (now standard across the range), plus driving modes and a partially digital instrument panel.
Move up to the RS variants and you’re treated to even more goodies, including a fully digital 10.2-inch instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, and Active Noise Control (ANC) – a system that cancels outside noise while enhancing the engine’s sound inside the cabin using Active Sound Control (ASC). It gives a more immersive and “sporty” driving feel without being too intrusive.
Safety First with Honda Sensing
All Civic variants are equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of advanced driver assistance systems. This includes:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS)
- Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)
- Auto High Beam (AHB)
- Lead Car Departure Notification (LCDN)
It’s impressive that even the entry variant offers the full suite – safety isn’t an option here; it’s a standard.
So, Turbo or Hybrid?
Here’s where things get personal. If you love a more traditional driving feel with strong mid-range punch, the 1.5L RS is a better fit. It feels responsive, fast enough for most, and has that familiar engine note that some still prefer.
But if you value refinement, silent electric-like take-off, and better fuel efficiency, the hybrid 2.0L e:HEV RS is hard to beat. It’s not just about saving fuel – it genuinely offers a smoother and more premium drive, especially in city conditions.
The Civic Still Reigns Supreme
With over 80% market share in the C-segment, the Honda Civic remains a top pick among Malaysians, even with SUVs and crossovers dominating the conversation. This 2025 facelift brings meaningful upgrades while maintaining the model’s strengths: reliability, technology, safety, and solid performance.
Whether you’re team turbo or team hybrid, there’s a Civic that’ll fit your lifestyle – and now with a fresher face to match.
