Back in April, Honda Malaysia hinted that there could be a big surprise for fans of the Honda Civic later this year. When asked by Honda Malaysia’s With Dreams magazine on whether is there anything exciting in store for Honda fans in Malaysia, President and COO Mr. Sarly Adle Sarkum said, “You didn’t see the Civic 2022 World Premiere on the internet? Where have you been all this time? Hints for 2021… ‘tunggu’…”

Also read: Surprise! All-new 2022 Honda Civic FE could debut in Malaysia in 2021

However, much has changed since April. Today, car showrooms are still not allowed to operate, white flags and black flags are trending on social media, nobody can say for certain when economic activities can return to normal.

It is safe to say that whatever plans Honda Malaysia had for the all-new 2022 Honda Civic FE, will have to pushed back for yet another reconsideration.

According to sources familiar with the matter, Honda Malaysia had initially planned to introduce the 11th generation 2022 Honda Civic FE here as soon as late-Q3 / early-Q4 of this year.

The model will be making its regional debut in Thailand later this month and Malaysia was supposed to host a preview of the all-new Honda Civic shortly after that, with a market launch to happen before the year ends.

Also read: Report: All-new 2022 Honda Civic to launch in Thailand in July

Considering the still fluid MCO situation, few car companies can say for certain when they can launch their next model and it’s no different for Honda Malaysia.

The Civic is not the only model that is delayed due to the worsening Covid-19 situation. The all-new Honda HR-V too has been pushed back, and similar delays are to be expected for the upcoming new 2021 Proton Persona, Proton Iriz, X70 SE, new 2021 Perodua Myvi, and even the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and A-Class Sedan (CKD).

Of course, an online launch is still possible but realistically speaking, there is no point in launching a new model online if showrooms are closed.

Some companies might choose to go ahead with a virtual launch anyway, but others prefer to hold back and minimize the time gap between their virtual launch and reopening of showrooms.

Also read: 11th-gen, all-new 2022 Honda Civic (FE-series) debuts - looks like a downgrade?

The all-new 2022 Honda Civic FE made its global debut in USA in April this year, before going on sale there in June. A hatchback variant has also made its global debut, in Japan, but prices have yet to be announced and sales won’t begin until later this year.

Also read: 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback to be launched in Malaysia? This is Honda’s answer

The outgoing FC generation Honda Civic (priced from RM 109,326 to RM 134,661, valid until 31-December 2021) is locally-assembled at Honda Malaysia’s plant in Pegoh, Melaka and the next generation, all-new model will continue be produced there as well.

Our sources tell us that preparation for pre-production is supposed to be well under way by now but the stop-work order related to MCO, as well as difficulties faced by engineers travelling from Japan (not just from Honda, but also foreign parts manufacturers operating locally), has caused considerable delays in the plan.