I'm quite surprised no one's posted anything on the new Civic a couple of weeks following its M'sian launch. According to today's CBT, 3,600 bookings to date.
Anyway, I've checked it out too many times already. I'm quite seduced. What impresses most is the amount of interior space, particularly shoulder and rear leg room. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach (i.e. telescopic), which must be a first for a CKD car of this level.
The double tier dash isn't a big deal, but I'm sure it sealed the deal for many prospectives. In the first few days following the launch, you could so so many many folk (yes, mostly Cina of course) just dying to put down their RM3k. Tons of parents looking to buy the car for their very lucky kids too.
We test drove the 1.8 with an enthusiastic and excellent SA, who encouraged us to drive as hard as we wanted. Redline "manual" shifts and emergency braking (to test the VSA) were the order of the day. He even encouraged us to try braking with one half on grass! Tire roar is quite evident, and the engine lacks torque (granted, there were 4 guys in the car). Its not particularly smooth too. There's a surprising amount of engine vibration felt from the passenger floor. The tyres are Goodyear NCT 5s, but then again it is a CKD.
The Kamm tail and C-pillar is quite BMW (E46), but all the better for it. Nothing new methinks. The EK sedan's rear has quite a lot of similarities with the E36's anyway.
I'd go for the 2.0, no question. HIDs, "leather", EPS, 6CD, paddle shift and more torque justifies the added expense. The 1.8 is still staggering value. Who would ever consider an obselete PV6 at slightly less now?
Its disappointing that Honda Malaysia has yet to make any post-NAP announcements, but fingers crossed that the savings, if any, would be enough for a Modulo bodkykit!