2021 Honda Civic hatchback arrives in Australia

Once one of Australia’s leading brands is looking to recapture its former glory with a new version of its long standing small car. But buyers are in for a shock.

2021 Honda Civic VTi LX.

Honda’s new Civic hatchback has arrived in Australia, but buyers are in for a shock.

Initially Honda will only bring the top-spec VTi LX grade to Australia, which is priced at $47,200 drive-away. This puts it right at the top of the mainstream small car market with the most expensive VW Golf and Mazda3.

Honda Australia dubs the new-generation Civic its most premium, sophisticated and hi-tech version yet.

The new Honda Civic is launching with a single high-grade VTi LX variant.

The price is non-negotiable after Honda Australia switched to an agency sales model in July this year.

Honda Australia sets the price and owns all the stock, while dealers simply deliver and service the vehicles.

The move is part of a strategy to move the brand more upmarket, selling fewer vehicles at higher price points.

Honda Australia chief, Stephen Collins, says the 11th-generation Civic hatch brings the quality and craftsmanship to anchor this strategy.

The Civic features toned down styling compared to the previous version.

“For Australia, the all-new Civic has been specified to appeal to a new target customer, one that aligns with the move to a more premium positioning for the Civic nameplate and the Honda brand overall,” says Collins.

The new Civic features more conventional styling compared to the outgoing versions, with a smooth profile and less jagged edges.

The Civic hatch is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that makes 131kW and 240Nm. It is paired to a CVT automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Honda claims fuel use of 6.3L/100km.

Power comes from a turbocharged engine.

It also comes packed with equipment to justify the price.

A nine-inch central touchscreen is compatible with wired Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay. A wireless device charging pad, Bluetooth and satnav add extra convenience.

Honda says it will update satnav and audio software with smartphone-like over-the-air updates.

A booming 12-speaker Bose stereo and interior ambient lighting boost its appeal.

Honda is making a push to go more upmarket.

There are faux leather and suede wrapped seats with electronic adjustment and heating in the front.

Active safety aids include a driver attention monitor, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, which sounds an alarm if a vehicle is approaching from the side as you reverse.

The Honda Civic VTi LX will land in showrooms from December 6 and will be joined in 2022 by a hybrid version and the high-performance Type R variant.

Originally published as 2021 Honda Civic hatchback arrives in Australia