Verdict
At RM106,800, the Aion ES is RM27,100 cheaper than the RM133,900 Honda Civic and cuts annual road tax from RM90 to RM70. Its 55.2-kWh battery brings a stated 442 km range, 60-kW DC charging and 3.3-kW V2L, making it the clear EV choice for buyers able to charge. The Civic counters with a 180-hp, 240-Nm 1.5-litre turbo, an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time and a far fuller stated safety and cabin equipment list. It is also 47 litres better for boot space.
Pick the Aion ES if you can charge regularly and want 442 km of stated EV range, V2L and a RM27,100 lower entry price.
Pick the Honda Civic if you want the stronger 180-hp turbo petrol drivetrain, 497-litre boot and its stated Honda Sensing safety kit.
Key differences
- Price: Aion ES RM106,800; Honda Civic RM133,900.
- Power and torque: Aion ES 136 hp and 225 Nm; Honda Civic 180 hp and 240 Nm.
- Length and width: Aion ES 4,810 mm and 1,880 mm; Honda Civic 4,678 mm and 1,802 mm.
- Boot space: Aion ES 450 litres; Honda Civic 497 litres.
- Warranty: Aion ES 8 years/160,000 km; Honda Civic 5 years/unlimited mileage.
- Annual road tax: Aion ES RM70; Honda Civic RM90.
ES
- RM27,100 lower purchase price.
- 55.2-kWh battery with 442 km stated range.
- 60-kW DC charging and 3.3-kW V2L.
- 450-litre boot is 47 litres smaller than the Civic's.
- Its 136 hp and 225 Nm trail the Civic's 180 hp and 240 Nm.
Civic
- 180 hp and 240 Nm from its 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine.
- 497-litre boot and an 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time.
- Honda Sensing, six airbags, adaptive cruise control and an eight-speaker infotainment system are stated.
- Costs RM27,100 more than the Aion ES.
- Annual road tax is RM20 higher.
- Five-year warranty is three years shorter than the Aion ES's eight-year cover.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM106,800✓ | RM133,900 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70✓ | RM90 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC, turbocharged with variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,498 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 180 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | — | 240 Nm at 1,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 73 mm × 89.4 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.3 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 136 hp | — |
| Motor Torque | 225 Nm | — |
| Battery Capacity | 55.2 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 442 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 6.6 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 60 kW | — |
| V2L | 3.3 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | CVT Automatic |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | — | 8.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | — | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,810 mm | 4,678 mm |
| Width | 1,880 mm | 1,802 mm |
| Height | 1,545 mm | 1,415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,750 mm | 2,735 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,349 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 47 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 450 litres | 497 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 215/55R16 |
| Rear Tyre | 215/55 R17 | 215/55R16 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental MaxContact MC5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | — | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | — | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 17 | 16" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17 | 16" Alloy |
| Steering | — | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | — | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | — | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Honda Sensing |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | — | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | — | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | — | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | — | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | — | 60:40 Split-fold |
| Front Air-con | — | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | — | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | — | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | — | 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, Front Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | — | Keyless Entry (Push Button Start) |
| Locks | — | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | — | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | — | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | — | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Digital/Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 160,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 8 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 ES & Civic for sale
ES vs Civic FAQ
Is the Aion ES or Honda Civic better?
The Aion ES is the better pick for lower upfront cost and EV use, with a stated 442 km range. The Honda Civic is better if you prioritise its 180-hp turbo, 497-litre boot and the stated Honda Sensing equipment.
What is the price difference?
The Aion ES costs RM106,800 and the Honda Civic costs RM133,900, so the Civic is RM27,100 more expensive.
Which one is more practical for charging or long journeys?
The Aion ES is the charging-focused choice, with a 55.2-kWh battery, 6.6-kW AC charging, 60-kW DC charging and 442 km stated range. The Civic is petrol-powered, with a 47-litre fuel tank and no charging requirement.
