Verdict
The Honda Civic is the rational Malaysian buy: its 180 hp and 240 Nm beat the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe’s 156 hp and 230 Nm, trimming the 0-100 km/h run to 8.3 seconds versus 8.6. It also brings Honda Sensing autonomous braking, steering lane assistance, a 497-litre boot and a 2,735-mm wheelbase. The BMW counters with a 230-km/h top speed, 18-inch wheels, powered memory front seats and dual-zone climate control, but the RM39,900 gap is substantial.
Pick the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe if you want its 230-km/h top speed, 18-inch wheels and powered driver’s seat with memory.
Pick the Honda Civic if you prioritise stronger 180-hp performance, Honda Sensing safety assistance and a larger 497-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe RM173,800; Honda Civic RM133,900.
- Output: BMW 156 hp and 230 Nm; Honda 180 hp and 240 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 8.6 seconds; Honda 8.3 seconds.
- Top speed: BMW 230 km/h; Honda 200 km/h.
- Wheelbase and boot: BMW 2,670 mm and 430 litres; Honda 2,735 mm and 497 litres.
- Driver assistance: BMW lane-departure warning only and no autonomous braking; Honda steering lane assistance and Honda Sensing autonomous braking.
2 Series Gran Coupe
- 230-km/h top speed
- 18-inch wheels with 225/45 tyres
- Powered front seats with driver memory and dual-zone climate control
- RM39,900 more expensive
- No autonomous braking; lane system gives warning only
- 430-litre boot is 67 litres smaller
Civic
- 180 hp and 240 Nm
- Honda Sensing autonomous braking and adaptive cruise control
- 497-litre boot and 2,735-mm wheelbase
- 200-km/h top speed is 30 km/h lower
- Manual front seats and single-zone climate control
- 16-inch wheels versus the BMW’s 18-inch set
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM173,800 | RM133,900✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 12-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,499 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 156 hp at 4,900 rpm | 180 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 230 Nm at 1,500 rpm | 240 Nm at 1,700 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 3 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 73 mm × 89.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.3 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Dual-clutch | — |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.6 seconds | 8.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 230 km/h✓ | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,546 mm | 4,678 mm |
| Width | 2,070 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,445 mm | 1,415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,349 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 47 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 430 litres | 497 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 215/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 215/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 | Continental MaxContact MC5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Y-spoke Two-tone Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Y-spoke Two-tone Alloys | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available on Front Passenger and Outer Two Rear Seat | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver-side Memory Function | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.7" BMW Operating System 9 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 9.0" Advanced Display Audio Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, 8 Speakers, Wired Android Auto, Wired and Wireless Apple CarPlay |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 2 Series Gran Coupe & Civic for sale
2 Series Gran Coupe vs Civic FAQ
Is the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe or Honda Civic better?
The Honda Civic is the better all-round choice on these specifications. It is quicker to 100 km/h, has more power and torque, a larger boot, a longer wheelbase and autonomous braking with steering lane assistance. The BMW suits buyers who value its cabin equipment and higher top speed.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe costs RM39,900 more than the Honda Civic.
Which car has better safety assistance?
The Honda Civic has the stronger active-safety package: Honda Sensing autonomous braking, collision warning, steering lane assistance and adaptive cruise control. The BMW has no autonomous braking and its lane system is warning-only, although both have six airbags, ABS/EBD and stability control.
