Verdict
The Honda Civic 1.5 V is the rational buy at RM144,900, because its 180 hp and 240 Nm 1.5-litre turbo, CVT and 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time are identical to the RM149,900 Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo. The RM5,000 gap buys 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and ambient lighting, against the V’s 17-inch alloys, Continental MaxContact MC5 tyres and map lights. Choose the RS if those sharper-looking wheels and tyre upgrade matter; otherwise, the V leaves little performance or safety kit on the table.
Pick the Honda Civic 1.5 V if you want the same 180 hp turbo powertrain and Honda Sensing while keeping RM5,000 in hand.
Pick the Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo if you specifically want 18-inch alloys, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and ambient lighting.
Key differences
- Price: Honda Civic 1.5 V RM144,900; Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo RM149,900.
- Wheels: Honda Civic 1.5 V 17-inch alloys; Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo 18-inch alloys.
- Tyres: Honda Civic 1.5 V 215/50R17 Continental MaxContact MC5; Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4.
- Kerb weight: Honda Civic 1.5 V 1,349 kg; Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo 1,362 kg.
- Interior lighting: Honda Civic 1.5 V map lights; Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo map lights and ambient lighting.
1.5 V
- RM5,000 lower purchase price.
- Same 180 hp, 240 Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre engine and CVT.
- Same Honda Sensing, adaptive cruise control and eight-speaker 9.0-inch touchscreen.
- 17-inch wheels and Continental MaxContact MC5 tyres instead of the RS’s 18-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
- No ambient lighting.
1.5 RS Turbo
- 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres.
- Ambient lighting joins the map lights.
- Same 180 hp, 240 Nm output and 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time as the V.
- Costs RM5,000 more than the Honda Civic 1.5 V.
- Weighs 13 kg more than the Honda Civic 1.5 V.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM144,900✓ | RM149,900 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM90 | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,498 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 180 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 73 mm | 73 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10.3 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.3 seconds | 8.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,678 mm | 4,678 mm |
| Width | 1,802 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,415 mm | 1,415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,735 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Weight | 1,349 kg | 1,362 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 497 litres | 497 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/50R17 | 235/40R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/50R17 | 235/40R18 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental MaxContact MC5 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 18" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, Honda Sensing | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Passenger Seat | Powered Driver Seat, Manual Passenger Seat |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-fold | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 9.0" Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers | 9.0" Touchscreen with Google Services Built-in, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Digital/Analogue | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 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 cars for sale
1.5 V vs 1.5 RS Turbo FAQ
Is the Honda Civic 1.5 V or Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo better?
The Honda Civic 1.5 V is the better-value choice because it matches the RS’s 180 hp, 240 Nm, CVT, Honda Sensing and 8.3-second sprint. Choose the RS only if its 18-inch Michelin-shod wheels and ambient lighting justify the extra spend.
What is the price difference?
The Honda Civic 1.5 RS Turbo costs RM5,000 more than the Honda Civic 1.5 V.
Do both variants get the same safety equipment?
Yes. Both get Honda Sensing autonomous braking, lane-keeping steering correction, collision warning, adaptive cruise control, six airbags, stability control, front and rear parking sensors, and a reverse camera.