Verdict
At RM108,165, the Honda Civic FC is RM25,735 cheaper and brings a larger 519-litre boot plus an eight-way power driver’s seat. But the Honda Civic FE Facelift makes a clear case for the extra outlay: its 1.5-litre turbo produces 180 hp and 240 Nm against 139 hp and 174 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 10.4 to 8.3 seconds. It also adds Honda Sensing, adaptive cruise control and a 2,735-mm wheelbase. For a Malaysian buyer choosing new against outgoing, the FE is the more complete car; the FC is the budget-conscious pick.
Pick the Honda Civic FC if you want the lower entry price, a 519-litre boot and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
Pick the Honda Civic FE Facelift if you want 180 hp, Honda Sensing and adaptive cruise control.
Key differences
- Power: Honda Civic FC 139 hp; Honda Civic FE Facelift 180 hp.
- Torque: Honda Civic FC 174 Nm; Honda Civic FE Facelift 240 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Honda Civic FC 10.4 seconds; Honda Civic FE Facelift 8.3 seconds.
- Road tax: Honda Civic FC RM280 per year; Honda Civic FE Facelift RM90 per year.
- Wheelbase: Honda Civic FC 2,700 mm; Honda Civic FE Facelift 2,735 mm.
- Boot capacity: Honda Civic FC 519 litres; Honda Civic FE Facelift 497 litres.
FC
- 519-litre boot, 22 litres larger
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Front and rear fog lamps
- 41 hp and 66 Nm down on the FE
- No autonomous emergency braking or collision warning
- Passive rather than adaptive cruise control
FE Facelift
- 180 hp and 240 Nm turbo engine
- Honda Sensing with autonomous emergency braking
- 9.0-inch touchscreen with Google built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay
- 497-litre boot is 22 litres smaller
- Manual-adjustable front seats
- 98 kg heavier
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM108,165✓ | RM133,900 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM280 | RM90✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve SOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,799 cc | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | 139 hp | 180 hp✓ |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 240 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 81 mm | 73 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.3 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | CVT Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | G-Design Shift CVT | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Honda | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 10.4 seconds | 8.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 6.3 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | — | 200 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,644 mm | 4,678 mm |
| Width | 1,799 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,416 mm | 1,415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,700 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Weight | 1,251 kg | 1,349 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 47 litres | 47 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 519 litres✓ | 497 litres |
| Front Tyre | 215/55R16 | 215/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55R16 | 215/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental MaxContact MC5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 16" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 16" Alloy | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| ASEAN NCAP | 5 stars | — |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen Projector | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Driver's Seat | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | Fold-down Centre Armrest | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 7" Advance Display Audio with 8 Speakers | 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, Driver's Side Auto Up and 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 with Walk-away Auto Lock | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Multi-angle | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | 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
FC vs FE Facelift FAQ
Is the Honda Civic FC or Honda Civic FE Facelift better?
The Honda Civic FE Facelift is better for performance and active safety, with 180 hp, an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time and Honda Sensing. Choose the FC instead for its lower cost, larger boot and power driver’s seat.
What is the price difference?
The gap is RM25,735. The FC is the cheaper route in, while the FE adds 41 hp, 66 Nm, Honda Sensing, adaptive cruise control and a larger 9.0-inch infotainment screen.
Which Civic has the larger boot?
The Honda Civic FC has the larger boot at 519 litres, versus 497 litres in the Honda Civic FE Facelift. That is a 22-litre advantage for the older car.