Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Executive Summary
Both Civic RS and Puma are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Key Differences At A Glance
Performance
Civic RS
+6 pts
Efficiency
Civic RS
+3 pts
Safety
Puma
+2 pts
Practicality
Puma
+1 pts
Ownership
Equal
Category Score Breakdown
🏆 Overall Winner
Civic RS
Performance
14/20
Efficiency
12/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
11/20
Ownership
12/20
Puma
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
9/20
Safety
20/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
12/20
Pros & Cons
🏆 Overall Winner
Civic RS
Pros
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Cons
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best For:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Puma
Pros
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Cons
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best For:Family Usage
Who Should Buy Which?
Civic RS
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Puma
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specification Comparison
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Ground Clearance
134
170
Wheelbase
2735
2594
Length
4678
4186
Width
1802
1805
Height
1415
1531
Kerb Weight
1350
1325
Gross Vehicle Weight
1800
1775
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
495
456
Towing Capacity
1200
1200
Turning Radius
5.5
5.4
Front Track Width
-
1541
Rear Track Width
-
1534
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Engine
1.5L Turbo Petrol
1.0L EcoBoost Mild Hybrid
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Turbocharged
Inline 3 Cylinder Turbo Mild Hybrid
Displacement
1498
999
Cylinders
4
3
Compression Ratio
10.3:1
10.5:1
Power
178
92
Torque
240
170
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Single Turbo
Single Turbo
Top Speed
210
185
0-100 km/h
8.5
10.5
Valves per Cylinder
-
4
Power @ RPM
-
6000 rpm
Torque @ RPM
-
2000-4500 rpm
Engine Position
-
Front Transverse
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Transmission
CVT Automatic
7-Speed Automatic DCT
Drive Type
4x2
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
LSD Available
Not Available
Not Available
Paddle Shifters
-
Standard
Transfer Case
-
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
-
Not Applicable
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Claimed Mileage
16
16.4
City Mileage
12
12
Highway Mileage
16
18
Fuel Tank Capacity
47
42
Emission Standard
Euro 6
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
-
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
-
Standard
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
CO2 Emissions
135
118
Start Stop System
Standard
Standard
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Mild Hybrid
Noise Level
-
67
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Airbags
6
8
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Standard
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Standard
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
-
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
-
Standard
Alarm System
-
Standard
Central Locking
-
Standard
Side Impact Beams
-
Standard
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Cruise Control
Adaptive
Adaptive
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Standard
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Standard
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Rear View Camera
Standard
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Standard
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
-
Standard
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Seat Material
Leather
Sport Partial Leather
Seat Adjustment
Driver Electric
Electric 6-Way
Heated Seats
Front
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Not Available
Steering Type
Electric Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Multi-color
Ambient Sport Lighting
Folding Rear Seats
-
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
-
Standard
Rear Armrest
-
Standard
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Climate Control
Dual Zone Climate Control
Automatic AC
Power Windows
All Doors Auto
All Doors
Keyless Entry
Smart Key
Smart Entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Standard
Wireless Charging
Standard
Standard
Sunroof
Electric Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
-
Standard
Rain Sensing Wipers
-
Standard
Auto Dimming Mirror
-
Standard
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Infotainment Screen
10.2-inch Touchscreen
12-inch SYNC 4 Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Wireless
Wireless
Android Auto
Wireless
Wireless
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Standard
Number of Speakers
12 Bose
6
Navigation System
Built-in
Standard
Digital Instrument Cluster
-
12-inch Full Digital
USB Ports
-
3
Wireless Apple CarPlay
-
Standard
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
LED Headlamps
LED Projector
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
LED
LED
Alloy Wheel Design
18-inch Alloy
19-inch Sport Alloy
Roof Rails
-
Standard
Chrome Exterior Finish
-
Not Available
Body Cladding
-
Standard
Rear Spoiler
-
Sport Rear Spoiler
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Tyre Size
235/40 R18
225/40 R19
Wheel Type
Alloy
Alloy
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid Disc
Spare Wheel Type
-
Tyre Repair Kit
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
-
Electric
Steering Column
-
Tilt and Telescopic
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Service Interval
10000 km / 12 months
15,000 km or 1 Year
Approx Service Cost
Moderate
Approx R5,000
Battery Warranty
24 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
-
Optional
Specification
Civic RS
Puma
Warranty Years
3
3
Warranty Kilometers
100000
100000
Roadside Assistance
3 Years
3 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
-
6 Years
Final Verdict
🏆Honda Civic RS
wins with 67 pts
vs 61 pts for Puma
In structured scoring, Civic RS emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Puma may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.