Honda Australia claims pre-orders for the new Honda Civic in Australia are “unprecedented” in the brand’s history, with plans to sell around 800/month.
THE 10TH GENERATION Honda Civic was launched in Australia yesterday and will go on-sale next month (June), with Honda Australia boss, Stephen Collins, saying more than 200 orders had already been placed for the small car. And, that by the end of this month, it was expecting more than 300 pre-orders to have been placed.
“The last time we had such strong interest from prospective customers was when we were launching the HR-V and it has now become one of the strongest competitors in the small SUV segment,” Mr. Collins said. “With the arrival of the Civic, it’s becoming clearer by the day that Honda has got its mojo back.”
“We know the Civic has really struck a chord with existing owners and prospective customers looking for premium quality in a contemporary package. Once they drive the Civic and experience the ride and handling, impressive interior and superior connectivity, we’re confident it will go straight to the top of shopping lists.”
The majority of the pre-orders have been for the top-end RS and VTi-LX models. The RS is $31,790+ORC and the VTi-LX is $33,590+ORC. “The RS is very keenly priced but more importantly, the all-new Civic has a price-point to appeal to a range of customers looking for a safe, fuel-efficient car.” The five-model line-up starts with the VTi at $22,390+ORC, topping out at $33,590+ORC for the VTi-LX.”
Headlining the all-new Civic is an all-new turbocharged 1.5-litre DOHC, direct-injected and inline 4-cylinder engine with variable valve timing electrical control (VTC) and high response turbocharger with electronic waste gate, producing 127kW/220Nm. The 1.5L engine is available as standard on the VTi-L, RS and VTi-LX. The VTi and VTi-S are powered by Honda’s proven 1.8L engine which is mated to a new CVT, producing 104kW/174Nm.
In addition to the sedan, Honda will also launch a Civic hatchback in the first half of 2017 and an all-new Civic Type R towards the end of 2017.
300 pre-orders is unprecedented in Honda’s books.
Compare that to the near 3000 Mustangs that were sold before the car ever landed on Aussie shores.
Compare that to the near 500000 preorders on the Tesla Model 3 which hasn’t entered production yet.
True, but it’s horses for courses. The wait for a new Mustang is out beyond a year now, but the Honda will fast make up ground and then outstrip there Pony car. And the Civic doesn’t carry quite the same image as the Mustang… 😉 – Isaac
I purchased a new base model VTI Civic in late 2006 and it has a nearly identical motor to this 1.8 being offered by Honda in the lower trim levels a full 10 years on. It’s been a great little motor (Now 265K) but I do think it’s time to upgrade all Honda engines. Sort of sums up Honda for the last 10 years. I wonder how long it will take for the new motor to become standard equipment? Why not offer the 2.0 motor they get in the states at least? Also no manual available in any spec level? Come on Honda get your act together and at least learn something from Mazda who have run rings around you for the last 10 years. I can’t work out if it’s Collins or Honda Japan that is the real problem? As someone who sold cars for a while I feel sorry for the Honda dealer sales staff. I want to buy a new Civic but I’ll wait until they have a manual with the new motor in a lower spec level. Maybe I’m dreaming and will have to go and test drive others.
Hi Walaby, I had my reservations about the 1.8L still being used but, in its defence it feels like a new engine with the CVT on the back of it. You’re right, there’s no manual, but Honda reckons that manual sales are only 13% of the segment and so the maths didn’t make sense. There’s no diesel, no coupe and we won’t get the 2.0L either. If you compare the cars on spec alone, the Honda wins in every variant and the drive experience is better than the Mazda, as is trim quality and interior room. – Isaac
Thx Issac – I get the 13% maths and I haven’t driven the new one with the CVT but there is something to be said for offering choice don’t you think? How does Mazda manage to do it? I’m a Honda fan boy and reckon they nail the driving position and ergonomic’s / drive experience that the others don’t seem to be able to match. I have test driven others in the class over the years but just love getting back in my old (ish 🙂 Civic afterwards. I love what they’ve done with the new centre console from what I can see from the pic’s. I’ll test drive one when they arrive at my local dealer (already booked) and save my verdict on the CVT / engine combo till then but will struggle in buying the same motor again 10 years on. I look forward to your Oz on road review and comparison of engines when it comes. I really enjoy the site.
Hi Walaby, it could just be part of Mazda’s strategy… maybe it would rather be seen to be offering choice, rather than look out the reality of the situation. But I do get your point. And here’s the review you mentioned… I’ve just published it: https://practicalmotoring.com.au/car-reviews/2016-honda-civic-review/