Verdict
At RM144,900, the Honda Civic V delivers the same 180 hp/240 Nm 1.5-litre turbo, CVT and Honda Sensing package as the RM149,900 RS. That RM5,000 gap does not change its 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time, 497-litre boot or 47-litre tank. The RS adds 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and ambient lighting, but is 13 kg heavier. For most Malaysian buyers, the V is the rational choice; pay for the RS only if those tyres and wheels matter to you.
Pick the Honda Civic if you want the identical 180 hp, 240 Nm turbo drivetrain and core safety kit while saving RM5,000.
Pick the Honda Civic if you specifically want 18-inch wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres and ambient lighting.
Key differences
- Price: RM144,900 vs RM149,900
- Weight: 1,349 kg vs 1,362 kg
- Wheels: 17-inch alloy vs 18-inch alloy
- Tyres: 215/50R17 Continental MaxContact MC5 vs 235/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4
- Interior lighting: map lights vs map lights with ambient lighting
1.5 V
- RM5,000 lower purchase price
- Same 180 hp and 240 Nm turbo drivetrain
- Same Honda Sensing and six airbags
- 17-inch Continental MaxContact MC5 tyres instead of 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres
- No ambient lighting
1.5 RS Turbo
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres in 235/40R18 size
- Adds ambient lighting
- Costs RM5,000 more
- 13 kg heavier
- No extra power, torque or acceleration
| 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 at 6,000 rpm | 180 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm at 1,700 rpm | 240 Nm at 1,700 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 73 mm × 89.4 mm | 73 mm × 89.4 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 | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (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 or Honda Civic better?
The RM144,900 Civic is the better buy because it matches the RM149,900 Civic’s 180 hp, 240 Nm, Honda Sensing and 8.3-second 0-100 km/h time. Choose the pricier car only for its 18-inch Michelin tyres, wheels and ambient lighting.
What is the price difference?
The price difference is RM5,000: RM144,900 for the lower-priced Civic and RM149,900 for the higher-priced Civic.
Does the pricier Honda Civic go faster?
No. Both use a 1,498 cc turbocharged petrol engine producing 180 hp and 240 Nm, drive the front wheels through a CVT, reach 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds and have a 200 km/h top speed.
