Over the past decade, the argument for the sedan has been made progressively weaker by the rise of the crossover. In fact, some automakers find the demand weak enough for such vehicles to be eliminated them from their lineups. But Honda is sticking to its guns with the iconic Civic, and it wants to prove that model still has a place in the Philippine market.

We’ve detailed the automaker’s decision to give the Civic a more mature look in this article. And that hasn’t changed for the Philippine-spec model with a squared-off theme for the headlights, the window line, the rear-quarter glass, and the bumper intake. The rear lights get a tamer hockey-stick signature as well. In fact, the things that were a bit overdone on the outgoing model were toned down.

Restraint was clearly exercised in the design of the interior. Gone is the space-age instrument cluster of the previous Civic, replaced by more conventional twin-gauge layout in partially and fully digital forms. But an eye-catching feature of the dashboard is the honeycomb design which cleverly hides the air-conditioning vents.

Even the infotainment software received a makeover as well, with a black default theme and clearly marked app labels. Speaking of entertainment, all Civic variants get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

One thing that Honda is proud of is that every single variant now comes with turbo power. The 1.5-liter VTEC engine has 176hp and 240Nm, and is mated to a continuously variable transmission. The automaker guarantees that maximum pulling power will be available between 1,700-4,500rpm, so there is no need to work the engine hard even when overtaking. Keeping all that performance in check are MacPherson struts up front, and a multilink setup at the rear.

Another thing worthy of mentioning is that Honda Sensing will be available across the range. And buyers of even the base variant don’t get the short end of the stick as the suite of driver aids includes the following features as standard equipment:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Low Speed Follow
• Collision Mitigation Braking System
• Lane Keep Assist System
• Road Departure Mitigation
• Lane Departure Warning
• Auto High Beam
• Lead Car Departure Notification

Starting off the Civic range is the S which comes with a seven-inch infotainment display, a partially digital instrument cluster, 16-inch wheels, fabric seats, automatic climate control, and push-start button. The mid-spec V adds rear vents, four more speakers (for a total of eight), 17-inch wheels, daytime running lights, LED headlights, fog lights, and ambient lighting.

Predictably, the RS gets all the goodies starting with a fully digital instrument cluster, a nine-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apply CarPlay, Bose 12-speaker audio system, and leather and suede seats. The black 18-inch wheels are shod in 235mm wide Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. And finally, its Honda Sensing suite is assisted by LaneWatch, a camera that keeps its eyes on blind spots.

Here are the prices of the all-new Civic:

• RS Turbo CVT – P1,690,000
• V Turbo CVT – P1,498,000
• S Turbo CVT – P1,290,000

Honda is currently offering a promo the all-new Civic. Buyers making reservations until November 30 can get the Platinum White Pearl paint job at no extra charge. In addition, customers making reservations for the V variant until December 31 will get a genuine Modulo trunk tray and exhaust-pipe finisher.

What do you think of the all-new Civic’s prices?