Honda’s British Civic increased to $21,650

HONDA has pushed the flagship pricing for its Civic hatchback past the $30,000 mark as part of a subtle mid-life makeover for the British-built model.

Pricing for the five-variant line-up increases by $1000 for petrol-engined models, while the diesel-engined variant also jumps by $1000.

The changes now mean the range starts from $21,650 before on-roads for the VTi-S fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox, with the five-speed auto option adding $2300 to the Civic’s price.

At the other end of the range, the VTi-L fitted with satellite navigation steps up to $30,590.

The only diesel-engined variant in the Civic line-up, the Honda Civic Hybrid sedan-beating DTi-S fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and still lacking an auto option, jumps in price to $27,990.

However, buyers should notice a difference on the road, with increased front and rear spring rates, more steering rigidity and a thicker rear beam stabiliser all aimed at enhancing ride feel and comfort.

Changes to the exterior include a piano black insert around the Civic’s grille and rear air dam, as well as tinted glass for the rear windows.

Upper-specification variants including the VTi-L and diesel-engined DTi-S also add new-look 17-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the Civic hatch now features white contrast stitching on various bits of soft trim including the front seats and steering wheel, along with what Honda says is “brighter trim” around switches and air vents.

“The Civic remains one of our most popular nameplates in Australia,” Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said.

“The European-styled hatch has maintained a strong presence in the small segment, with over 14,000 units finding homes since the new model was launched in 2012.

“With its styling upgrades and changes to suspension, the small price increase still makes it one of the best value-for-money hatches on the market.”

Once cheaper than rival hatchbacks including the Mazda3 Neo, Toyota Corolla Ascent, Hyundai i30 Active and Holden Cruze CD, the entry-level Civic five-door is now more expensive than all of them.

Toyota’s Corolla is a strong cornerstone of the small-car market, selling more than 10,300 units and growing its share of the segment by more than seven percent in the first three months of this year after launching a fresh-faced version of the hatchback in 2012, about the same time as the Civic’s last major update.

However, the Corolla has so far this year been trumped by the Mazda3, which has sold more than 12,100 units over the same period despite only launching an all-new version of its small car in January this year, growing its market share by more than 15 per cent.

Sales of Honda’s Civic have fallen by more than 40 per cent to 2385 units compared with the same period last year.

2014 Honda Civic hatch pricing*

VTi-S	$21,650
VTi-S (a)	$23,950
VTi-L (a)	$26,490
DTi-S	$27,990
VTi-L (a) with navi	$30,590

*Excludes on-road costs.