I understand there is a lot of anger out there at Honda, their agency pricing model in Australia, and the high price of the Civic. I understand some would like this video to be angry on behalf of those that feel wronged. However: anger and fireworks isn’t our job or the Chasing Cars style. The Civic is too expensive (laid out in detail at 0:47 for a full minute) - but that doesn’t preclude the Civic from having positive attributes. We equip you with the full story: the good, bad, and ugly. Here is the story on how Honda prices cars if you’re wondering what many commenters are referring to: www.chasingcars.com.au/news/car-industry/honda-introduces-non-negotiable-driveaway-prices-in-australia/ - Tom Baker, editor
More journos should conduct themselves like this, across all media platforms. Lay out the facts and figures in an entertaining and informative way, and perhaps provide an articulated opinion, fully disclosed as such. And then let the audience and market speak for themselves.
Wow what fluff article that link is for Honda just regurgitating their corporate line. As “journalists” where is the balance in your reporting, like Honda’s recent sale figures and maybe quote a few consumers regarding what they think about “Honda’s price promise” and publish that for balance? This whole article completely undermines my trust in the opinions chasing car’s provides.
You lose credibility when you compare the Civic to German brands (with low sales volume...for good reason) instead of current equivalent Korean and Japanese models.
No spare, no sunroof which the 10th gen vti-lx had so how is it a vti-lx? At $47200 (fixed price) the Mazda 3 G25 Astina looks like a far better option at $43k-$44k drive away and is negotiable. Have been a Honda owner for many years but may now shift camps.
@@paularksey1963 There’s already been rumours Honda will exit Australia. With this kind of crazy attitude of course they’ll be shown the door with ridiculous pricing and non negotiable at that. Mazda has always been strong in Australia, so keep that in mind there’ll be far better after sales down the line for Mazda than Honda. Put simply there’s already more Mazda dealers and service available in a given radius than Honda.
Mazda 3 Touring looks more of luxury car than this and I'm a Honda owner. Honda is just preparing to leave our market for good on the path Holden set few years ago.
Honda Australia’s marketing strategy is doomed to failure.. it’s almost a certainty, that they will exit Australia within the next two years if they remain fixated on their excessive per unit profit margin.
@@dsub1994 Huh? Depending on the spec, they were selling at $66k of the dealer floor, but hey what’s a quick Google search these days. Also, I’m not sure how great your maths is, but if civic has a $16k mark up for this model, add that to $55k = $71k. So depending on the spec and level of choice, type r will be close to $80k … but we will see
I do see the neatness of this new 2022 design and have read the follow up comment regarding Chasing Cars not needing to be angry at Honda on behalf of the consumer and rather appreciate the car for what it is - I largely agree. However price should still be a top 1-3 factor in deciding on a car to buy. And I must say, a fully spec’d out 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Astina or X20 Astina is a far, far better deal at a slightly lower pricepoint. The Mazda 3 design is second to none - whether you get the hatch or sedan. In my opinion the hatch is more aggresive and sporty where as the sedan is more on the elegant side. The design of the Astina is insanely beautiful to the point that I can see it up there with Mercedes/Audi/BMW and in many aspects, beating them as well. The burgundy interior of the hatch is 10/10 and a welcome premium feeling, and the white interior of the sedan is similarly incredible. This 2022 Civic’s interior lacks leather seats and trim, sunroof, and is therefore more on par with one of Mazda 3’s basic trims which is offered at about 30k. If you go up to the Touring 3 at 35k, it already smashes this Civic, let alone the Astina which is in a league of its own. Second, you can even add a Kuroi sports pack to the hatch and still beat the price of this Honda Civic. This Kuroi pack adds a front/rear/side bodykit as well as spoiler, door mirror caps and chrome alloys if you wish. This elevates the design even more and is far more beautiful than this Civic, in my opinion of course. The Astina has every bit of tech you can imagine. And I personally prefer Mazda’s naturally aspirated engine over Honda’s fetish of low cc engines with turbos slapped on. Mazda’s still beating it slightly - 138kW to Honda’s 131kW. This is nothing unique to Honda though, but I do prefer Mazda’s feel of the 2.5L NA engine for sure, compared to Honda’s low cc turbo-slapped CVT experience. Mazda is not totaly devoid of flaws though - I still think iStop (stop start engine) is one of the most useless annoyances ever. It barely saves any petrol and makes the experience rather annoying, and is just there to meet European emissions targets on paper. But I think they have improved its experience on the latest X20 Astina, but I have not heard much about this. Mazda’s paint selection is also superior to Honda, imo. Colours like polymetal grey, machine grey, soul red - these are just not matched by any colour offered by Honda. Overall this move by Honda confuses me - they definitely had a cult like following for the entry level model right up to the RS at ~$37k. However even the 2021 Civic RS’ interior just did not stack up to a Mazda 3 GT/Astina. However on the note of interiors, as basic as Honda’s is, it is still much better than Toyota’s which always feels like it’s 5-10 years behind (even at top trim). Overall - if you’re about to cop a 2022 Civic for $47k, I strongly recommend looking at a fully spec’d out 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Astina/X20 Astina with accessories, or a 3-4 year old C-Class, or an equivalent Audi. You’re going to get more out of it. That’s the end of my essay, thank you 😂😂
It's honestly a bloody shame. I dig the interior apart from the strange attempt at a semi digital dash. Mazda's implementation is far more convincing while retaining anaolgue components.
Honda are on drugs. I'm sure it's a great car in isolation and an improvement over the previous model but realistically this car should be priced at approx $37 to 40k max. This isn't a premium car and at $47,200 drive away with no ability to haggle I can't see how Honda AU will sell more than a handful. What makes it worse is that there's no sunroof, no ventilated seats, no parking sensors, no 360 degree camera, no rear USB ports, no hybrid drivetrain and probably more that I've missed that one would expect in a close to $50k car. Two viable alternatives: A Kia Cerato GT at $36k has more power and more features with a longer warranty. A Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at $50k has a better drivetrain, uses less fuel, has more features and is a bigger car for only a few grand more!
I ended up buying this Honda over the Mazda 3 G25 Astina even though this car doesn’t have a sunroof and parking sensors. The reason I bought it was because of the way it drives. The handling is amazing for a car with this price range! Also it seems more spacious on the inside than the Mazda. Finally, I needed a car asap and the turnaround time of this car is better than it’s competitors at the moment. My recommendation would be to see it in person and give it a go before writing it off purely on the price.
Test drive this recently and really enjoyed it. It's a classy drive. Love all the elements. Yes it's missing some features that other cars worth $47k include (lack of sunroof is disappointing), but this Honda in its own way feels worth the price. Who honestly needs parking sensors? This does everything well and has huge storage with the seats down.
The fact that you have to keep repeating “to justify the price of the car” means it is not justifiable at all! 37-40k car max. Do yourself a favour and get a Mazda 3 GT or Astina if you don’t need huge boot space
Great video review thank you. However with only 1 model option priced at $47,200 with Synthetic seats, front and/or rear parking sensors are $ optional extras, no more sunroof no more LaneWatch camera (amongst other things), not sure how anyone (including Honda) can justify the price.
Honda Australia is on the same slippery slope as Honda New Zealand. Honda continue to lose substantial sales in Australia, just as occurred in New Zealand. They have substantially reduced their dealer network here in Australia & have introduced fixed pricing ...... or is that the other way round ie price fixing. Honda Australia has lost the plot.
hey pitch this at the vti-lx which is the top spec civic model. It has some glaring omissions- a sunroof, seats should also be ventilated, not even usb connectivity in the back and how about a heads up display? Also the amount of blank buttons/panels in the interior makes it look like base model. Don’t even get me started on the delete of front and rear parking sensors. And then slapping 48k on it. A fully packed Mazda 3 can be had for $45k which has much more. Interesting Aussie motoring journalists are not so negative- with so many omissions and being “top spec” their views are skewed… perhaps a Honda affiliation there?Honda have signed their death certificate. Nonetheless another informative review Nathan.
Hmmm, so we don't get the full digital dash available in other markets despite being the top of the range, one of one option? Honda is shooting themselves in the foot not offering entry, mid range options which would have been the volume sellers.
Not really a fan of its looks but the way this car is from the inside and the actual driving experience is probably best in class. The perfect car would be Mazda 3 looks, this driving dynamic and a price tag little bit cheaper. But perfection doesn't exist in this world. 😂😂
Honestly it’s a shame that this model IS good. Because at that ridicules price, no one will get to experience it. I’m a proud owner of a 10th gen VTI-LX (sedan) I thought it was pretty exxy at $34000ish. Also mine has front and rear parking senses, Lane watch, a sunroof and a spare wheel! I actually see a lot of 10th gen models around. Honda is crazy for not offering a full range. Let alone ludicrously over pricing their one offering.
Great review except for the part where you try to convince us that it is good value. All cars with the chip shortage are increasing in price but 47200 for a small hatchback is to expensive. No wonder suvs Are selling like hotcakes.
@@chasingcars Quite frankly speaking every car has good and bad attributes specially cars in this day and age. But 47k out of a 1.5 running 7 seconds for a “ CIVIC SI” is an absolute disgrace
Yea it’s ridiculous next to a Mazda3 GT sedan/hatch for $10k less. You get the same Bose audio, heated leather, but with a heated steering wheel, head up display, a more premium dash, a BMW iDrive like infotainment system. And at Mazda it’s gonna catch more buyers with 6 (now 8 trims), 3 engines, manual or auto (no CVT), sedan or hatch. Honda is already dying in Australia, especially with fixed pricing, and terrible sales. This isn’t gonna help anything by narrowing down to a single model in a single body style with a single engine and single CVT transmission. Not to mention far more Mazda dealers around with a strong brand as opposed to one on the verge of exit. Importantly your comment highlights something strange. CarExpert also copped some flak for not calling out that this isn’t a good value car rather than calling it what it is, and they hid behind a similar defensive response. Did Honda provide early access to an iconic model which will drive viewership to these smaller but trusted channels? Obviously this will be poorly received otherwise and reviews are the main channel driving interest in these niche cars that people wouldn’t immediately pick themselves like a Corolla or 3.
I think this channel has good reviews and I enjoy watching the car content but I understand that they have sponsors and maybe they don't want to upset honda too much. But if you keep saying your independent from car companies sponsors. Could you not have a go at your subscribers for voicing their opinions.
I agree user car expert also gave a review in a similar vein. We as car enthusiasts just want to be told about the vehicle. They had a go at me about positive attributes. I never said the car wasn't a decent car I just mentioned the price which on popular opinion is ridiculous.
It’s long been Toyotas turn but they do rest on their reliability laurels and keep a meh interior, but Honda did it at the price of $48k which is simply ridiculous. Look at a high spec Mazda 3 for $10k less and that is properly premium, moreso than this. No wonder Honda is dying in Australia, not to mention this car is fixed-price so the gap is potentially larger with more negotiation at Mazda.
Maybe this is Honda's idea. How to price themselves out of the market. The brakes look tiny inside the 18s. Manual overseas but oh no us Aussies can't have one. Last dislike - CVT. No thanks.
Like the design, inside and out… albeit typically Honda. Had a few Hondas many years ago; MDX, CRX and a Civic. Great driving cars. Can’t really understand why Honda has so few model choices these days, seems they’re reducing their interest in the Australian market … probably poor sales. That red looks great.
I am wondering, when you review cars do car company's here care about Consumers reaction, do they speak to you and get any Intel like your feedback and your subscribers feedback?. I am just alittle lost as to why they have made these decisions. I often thought company's would make or break by good products, affordable pricing listening to consumers feedback, consumers thinking positive of the company and feel valued as customers. I am at odds and scratching my head about Honda's direction. They certainly would know how angry they made people with their decisions? Wouldn't they (confused)? I agree with others here if this was priced around 38k it may be worth considering but it's missing out on some key features.
This review is a joke. A better tag line should be “Honda is dreaming, but we’ll justify this over priced junk for them”. I own the previous model RS, and there is 0 innovation for a ridiculous price hike, not negotiable. Chasing cars always used to be practical, this review tells me you’ve all become typical journalists removed from the reality of spending your own money on cars. Who in your team would spend 50k on Honda a warm hatch? As a Honda and chasing cars fan, this sort of thing is a kiss of death. Honda would do well to stop dreaming. Chasing cars would do well to stop justifying this delusion.
But that's the whole problem you are charging $47200 (soon to go up in price) take it or leave it, but not offering Aus buyers a top spec model/compared to what they get in US/UK; so Honda Australia are shafting us; - No rear parking sensors (you have to have these when rear parking under pressure in a tight car park with poor lighting); no space-saving spare tyre yet heaps of space in boot underneath for one; terrible visual resolution in reversing camera; half-assed half-digital only driver's cockpit info. panel with 'fuzzy' appearance/not razor-sharp graphics; USB-A instead of USB-C ports with none in back; no sunroof; not full leather on front seats; loudest interior noise in this segment at high speed due to CVT-drone auto gearbox; not the biggest dealer network in Victoria to service your car/etc; you may have to pay for floor mats on top of all this!
Great to see Honda defer to it's traditional demographic; the previous models seemed to try to appeal to the boy racers. This is a more inclusive vehicle. It looks and drives well. No more fake vents and styling tricks. Smooth and sophisticated looks. As a previous Honda and Mazda owner, I think this car -in styling terms - is all over the shark nose styling on the Mazda, that is , in my eyes becoming dated and tiresome. Great review, good camera work and clear sound.Cheers-John
Except Mazda sales are remaining strong even with the shift upmarket while Honda is basically readying an exit from Australia. Won’t be helped when all they bring is a top-spec model only, that’s already $10k overpriced and basically has no reason next to exist next to a Mazda3 GT sedan with a head-up display even on the base variant, same Bose audio and heated leather seats, a Mazda connect controller that’s more BMW like than the run of the mill outgoing Hyundai i30-like touchscreen here . The gap is probably larger as Honda is now onto fixed-pricing, and after sales wise, Honda dealers are dying out while more Mazda dealers are being built - a reflection on how they’re doing in the Australian market. Honda has a good brand name, but clearly they’re making decisions that are gonna reduce sales further. The 10th gen Civic was already a tepid seller at a realistic price point and decent design, this isn’t gonna end well for Honda in Australia which is sad to see.
A clever 45 litres under the boot floor, because there is no spare!!!! I couldn't care less about no sunroof, however no F&R parking sensors in 2022 for a premium trim, not real leather seat, what a joke. Easily 10 grand overpriced.
We are selling our CRV for a Sorento, Honda has lost the plot, closed all their dealers down. No front parking sensors, lumbar adjustment or sunroof on a top spec car priced like a German. Ok Honda, great joke.
..where is the "Si" manual??? If I'm gonna spend near on 50k for a new Civic.... I'd want at least options for the manual, and the 150kw Turbo 1.5, and uprated suspension and brakes. Prolly only me though :) Oh and for 50k a Sunroof too, SOLD Honda!!!!
In reality this car is meant to compete with the VW GLI. And complete failed to do so. Way less power, way less power plant and tune ability, less options, and it actually couldn’t beat the GLI around the track even with the GLI being more lifted and having worse tires. Do you guys not get the GLI? it’s a GTI with a trunk. It currently sells way above MSRP comparing to the GLI. It runs 15 seconds in the 1/4 and 7 seconds 0-60 while the GLI runs 5.6 and 14.05 in the 1/4
So top dollar for vinyl seats, just 4 way adjustment on driver side (only), passenger seat not high adjustable, no lumbar adjustment, hard plastic material on rear door card, no spare wheel, no sunroof, no front parking sensor small infotainment screen and please do not compare it to European brands as Honda does not have the brand cachet of MB or BMW. Sales should be going gangbusters. Oh..they're not, who saw that coming?
You are getting ripped off over there. No full digital dash, no sunroof, no manual, no leather, no spare, no parking sensors. All you got extra are the door light strips and the rear vents (but no USB).
Excellent review, no stone left unturned. Absolutely laughable that Honda omitted lumbar support. Just wouldn't buy any car that hasn't got that. Disappointed in no sunroof either. I assume the sport model that comes next will be sportier but as per with Honda they'll then take away some of the toys.
Honda has gone down hill I went shopping for a Honda back in aug but was horrified at the price and some basic features but I’d take a Corolla zr over a civic any day least I get change out of $47k and way better car cheaper servicing Honda isn’t for everyone 😁
Has Honda "been on the beers" or what? The price just does not make sense - 'add up'. Think again Honda. Losing 'The Jazz' was sad, but this strategy is like an aeroplane in a holding pattern , and one where it's running out of fuel.
You can try justify all you like, its a civic and its expensive. Rubbish. CVT? Honda and Subaru have lost the plot. Only Mazda (sort of) and Toyota are still in the game. Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Mitsubishi have lost the plot.
The new Civic is DULL as dishwater. Honda is not in the same segment as the BMW, Audi, or Mercedes, trying to price the car to be so is insanity. The handling is good, but it's let down by an asthmatic engine, and awful transmission. If you want a Honda Civic experience, buy an Hyundai i30 N instead. The Hyundai is more expensive on paper, but Hinda do NOT discount their cars, meaning the sticker price is what you pay. So it easily possible to get a i30N for less than this "Non-Type R" Honda. Seriously, Honda has completely lost the plot with this car and it's price. The Civic is available in lower specs in other countries, Honda just wants to fleece the Australia buyer.
Would 100% purchase this car if it had a DCT, torque converter or manual box. Plus, it totally needs silver wheels! At least that's easily corrected upon purchasing!
you can justify the price however you want but on the road i ever hardly see top spec Civic, Impreza, 3.... those TOTL cars maybe 5-10% of the segment and now that's all Honda will get out of that tiny %..... imo those people would've bought a Golf GTi with that kind of money
I think that’s right but the counterpoint is that you see lots of Cerato GT and TOTL Golfs have been the most popular for a long time. On the Impreza front I think I agree but I mainly see XV in top spec.
@@chasingcars I think people buy XV don't think they're buying a normal hatch but a RV... if that's the case then totl XV is relatively cheap compared to others
I'd probably buy this for $47k, only because it reminds me of a modernised Accord Euro + Legend and it feels like a Honda from the mid-00s instead of the boring CRVs, HRVs, and Accords of now.
With this dumb $47 large price tag I can get a 2.5 engine, 6 speed AT, not a shxty CVT, sunroof, head up display, heated seat, real leather seats, better material inside and most important thing------looking 10X better -----------> a Mazda 3! Honda has lost their plot seriously!
Why are Aussies so obsessed with car and fuel prices but don't mind taking it in the ass for alcohol, meat, housing and taxes? Given the new car 'shortage' I'm surprised it's not double this price.
Maybe because acohol is not a necessary item (cars are), meat has increased as per inflation, people have been "minding" the housing crisis for years now, and taxes in Australia are quite reasonable. Maybe.
@@Another_opinion_ A new car isn't a necessity, however food is. Go look at inflation vs meat retail and you're wrong. Au taxes, excise and duties combined are some of the highest in the western world. You still didnt answer the point on obsession.
@@CathodeRayNipplez it's clearly because everything else is so expensive that we have to nickel and dime for things like cars. If you're paying over a million for a house (but probably not happy about it) then a seemingly superfluous additional $10k on a hatchback can make it seem like just one more thing you're getting ripped off on. You don't need to have a master's in psychology to figure this one out.
I am shocked that this is the only option available for the new Civic!! They took away the last generation which was very good and affordable, which we could buy until a month ago, and replaced it with an automatic only hybrid, which costs nearly double the price here!! The 1.0L and 1.5L manual tenth generation were actually perfect for most people looking for a family car, but this isn't! The "old" Civic started at less than €25,000 here, but this one starts at €47,000!! - it's hardly an affordable family car anymore, when who wants to drive a stupid heavy hybrid automatic?! 😯😂🩲🦨🚗 . While of course the Type R is manual petrol and non hybrid, but it'll probably be €80,000 here if they even sell it, when the last one cost €60,000+, when the likes of Carwow already bemoaned the fact that it's £12,000 dearer than the old model... IF this new car was available with a non hybrid engine and a manual gearbox for less than €30,000, it might have a place in the market, but as it is no chance! And while I wouldn't touch an EV with a bargepole, the Tesla model 3 has come down in price twice recently, starting at around €60,000 a few months ago, but it now starts at €43,000, so if this one drives like an EV, why not buy a silly EV instead?! 😯 Wow, Honda have really screwed up with this! 😂🩲 .
Great review so thanks for doing it. I love Hondas and still have my (now 11 year old) gen 8 Civic. If the gen 11 was about 42K I reckon they'd sell quite well. I far prefer quality over quantity and while there are competing cars with more gadgets for the same $, Hondas to me just 'feel right'. And I know most car reviewers love Mazdas and of course they sell very well but they always feel like toys to me.
I understand there is a lot of anger out there at Honda, their agency pricing model in Australia, and the high price of the Civic. I understand some would like this video to be angry on behalf of those that feel wronged. However: anger and fireworks isn’t our job or the Chasing Cars style. The Civic is too expensive (laid out in detail at 0:47 for a full minute) - but that doesn’t preclude the Civic from having positive attributes. We equip you with the full story: the good, bad, and ugly. Here is the story on how Honda prices cars if you’re wondering what many commenters are referring to: www.chasingcars.com.au/news/car-industry/honda-introduces-non-negotiable-driveaway-prices-in-australia/
- Tom Baker, editor
Still a great review Tom! Ponch did great! I personally love the look.
More journos should conduct themselves like this, across all media platforms. Lay out the facts and figures in an entertaining and informative way, and perhaps provide an articulated opinion, fully disclosed as such. And then let the audience and market speak for themselves.
@@spiffleable 100% well said
Wow what fluff article that link is for Honda just regurgitating their corporate line. As “journalists” where is the balance in your reporting, like Honda’s recent sale figures and maybe quote a few consumers regarding what they think about “Honda’s price promise” and publish that for balance? This whole article completely undermines my trust in the opinions chasing car’s provides.
You lose credibility when you compare the Civic to German brands (with low sales volume...for good reason) instead of current equivalent Korean and Japanese models.
No spare, no sunroof which the 10th gen vti-lx had so how is it a vti-lx? At $47200 (fixed price) the Mazda 3 G25 Astina looks like a far better option at $43k-$44k drive away and is negotiable. Have been a Honda owner for many years but may now shift camps.
No front parking sensor either
@@jeffsvlog203 bugger! Didn't know that. Just another push away from Honda to Mazda
@@paularksey1963 no rear sensors either. Plus they got rid of the lane watch on the left hand side of the mirror either
Agree, this is much more like an RS than a VTi LX
@@paularksey1963 There’s already been rumours Honda will exit Australia. With this kind of crazy attitude of course they’ll be shown the door with ridiculous pricing and non negotiable at that. Mazda has always been strong in Australia, so keep that in mind there’ll be far better after sales down the line for Mazda than Honda. Put simply there’s already more Mazda dealers and service available in a given radius than Honda.
Mazda 3 Touring looks more of luxury car than this and I'm a Honda owner.
Honda is just preparing to leave our market for good on the path Holden set few years ago.
Honda Australia’s marketing strategy is doomed to failure.. it’s almost a certainty, that they will exit Australia within the next two years if they remain fixated on their excessive per unit profit margin.
But it's slow
Great review. Really exciting stuff and has completely changed my mind on the price. Perhaps Honda just needs to market the Civic differently/better
If this is $47k, then the type r will be around north of $70k … yep Honda are leaving the Aus market and taking a huge dump on their way out
looks like it
My dealership group had 2 Honda dealerships. So sad to see all the salespeople lose thier jobs
@@Joobkl From what I see, they often transfer to other brands (Hyundai, Toyota, etc) under the group.
@@dsub1994 2021 civic type r already retails around $70k 🤣🤣🤣 so yeah it will … but a quick Google search could have showed you that 😂
@@dsub1994 Huh? Depending on the spec, they were selling at $66k of the dealer floor, but hey what’s a quick Google search these days. Also, I’m not sure how great your maths is, but if civic has a $16k mark up for this model, add that to $55k = $71k. So depending on the spec and level of choice, type r will be close to $80k … but we will see
Intriguing and on the radar. Looking forward to a drive and price seems spot on.
I do see the neatness of this new 2022 design and have read the follow up comment regarding Chasing Cars not needing to be angry at Honda on behalf of the consumer and rather appreciate the car for what it is - I largely agree.
However price should still be a top 1-3 factor in deciding on a car to buy. And I must say, a fully spec’d out 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Astina or X20 Astina is a far, far better deal at a slightly lower pricepoint.
The Mazda 3 design is second to none - whether you get the hatch or sedan. In my opinion the hatch is more aggresive and sporty where as the sedan is more on the elegant side. The design of the Astina is insanely beautiful to the point that I can see it up there with Mercedes/Audi/BMW and in many aspects, beating them as well. The burgundy interior of the hatch is 10/10 and a welcome premium feeling, and the white interior of the sedan is similarly incredible. This 2022 Civic’s interior lacks leather seats and trim, sunroof, and is therefore more on par with one of Mazda 3’s basic trims which is offered at about 30k. If you go up to the Touring 3 at 35k, it already smashes this Civic, let alone the Astina which is in a league of its own.
Second, you can even add a Kuroi sports pack to the hatch and still beat the price of this Honda Civic. This Kuroi pack adds a front/rear/side bodykit as well as spoiler, door mirror caps and chrome alloys if you wish. This elevates the design even more and is far more beautiful than this Civic, in my opinion of course.
The Astina has every bit of tech you can imagine. And I personally prefer Mazda’s naturally aspirated engine over Honda’s fetish of low cc engines with turbos slapped on. Mazda’s still beating it slightly - 138kW to Honda’s 131kW. This is nothing unique to Honda though, but I do prefer Mazda’s feel of the 2.5L NA engine for sure, compared to Honda’s low cc turbo-slapped CVT experience.
Mazda is not totaly devoid of flaws though - I still think iStop (stop start engine) is one of the most useless annoyances ever. It barely saves any petrol and makes the experience rather annoying, and is just there to meet European emissions targets on paper. But I think they have improved its experience on the latest X20 Astina, but I have not heard much about this.
Mazda’s paint selection is also superior to Honda, imo. Colours like polymetal grey, machine grey, soul red - these are just not matched by any colour offered by Honda.
Overall this move by Honda confuses me - they definitely had a cult like following for the entry level model right up to the RS at ~$37k. However even the 2021 Civic RS’ interior just did not stack up to a Mazda 3 GT/Astina. However on the note of interiors, as basic as Honda’s is, it is still much better than Toyota’s which always feels like it’s 5-10 years behind (even at top trim).
Overall - if you’re about to cop a 2022 Civic for $47k, I strongly recommend looking at a fully spec’d out 2022 Mazda 3 G25 Astina/X20 Astina with accessories, or a 3-4 year old C-Class, or an equivalent Audi. You’re going to get more out of it.
That’s the end of my essay, thank you 😂😂
Well said, mate! You nearly mentioned all the reasons pushed me to purchase a Mazda 3! Mazda 3 has powered front driver seat too!
Mazda 3 a way more better option.
Honda has lost it with their vehicles.
Atleast this design is much more classier.
Mazda too too small in comparison - I tested both ended up with Honda - I was very surprised worth checking it out
It's honestly a bloody shame. I dig the interior apart from the strange attempt at a semi digital dash. Mazda's implementation is far more convincing while retaining anaolgue components.
So glad I didn't wait and got the Cerato GT instead.
Honda are on drugs. I'm sure it's a great car in isolation and an improvement over the previous model but realistically this car should be priced at approx $37 to 40k max. This isn't a premium car and at $47,200 drive away with no ability to haggle I can't see how Honda AU will sell more than a handful. What makes it worse is that there's no sunroof, no ventilated seats, no parking sensors, no 360 degree camera, no rear USB ports, no hybrid drivetrain and probably more that I've missed that one would expect in a close to $50k car. Two viable alternatives: A Kia Cerato GT at $36k has more power and more features with a longer warranty. A Toyota Camry SL Hybrid at $50k has a better drivetrain, uses less fuel, has more features and is a bigger car for only a few grand more!
Agreed, hybrid Camry makes more sense at this kind of price point - even if the Civic’s handling is among the best in class
It is premium car
I ended up buying this Honda over the Mazda 3 G25 Astina even though this car doesn’t have a sunroof and parking sensors. The reason I bought it was because of the way it drives. The handling is amazing for a car with this price range! Also it seems more spacious on the inside than the Mazda. Finally, I needed a car asap and the turnaround time of this car is better than it’s competitors at the moment. My recommendation would be to see it in person and give it a go before writing it off purely on the price.
Should have got a n-line sedan. Drives way better than both
Test drive this recently and really enjoyed it. It's a classy drive. Love all the elements. Yes it's missing some features that other cars worth $47k include (lack of sunroof is disappointing), but this Honda in its own way feels worth the price. Who honestly needs parking sensors? This does everything well and has huge storage with the seats down.
@@mharro88 IMO the N-Line doesn't handle quite as sharply, but it does go harder.
The N-Line is also a tad more polarising to look at.
@@jeremybean-hodges6397 disagree with that the n-lines suspension is a bit stiffer and I preferred the steering
The fact that you have to keep repeating “to justify the price of the car” means it is not justifiable at all! 37-40k car max. Do yourself a favour and get a Mazda 3 GT or Astina if you don’t need huge boot space
Agreed
This review is Almost like a paid advert for honda
No, it isn't. We tell you how expensive it is - you make the judgment.
@@chasingcars all good. I was just upset with the price, not your presentation to be clear. I watch lots of your reviews and love them.
Great video review thank you. However with only 1 model option priced at $47,200 with Synthetic seats, front and/or rear parking sensors are $ optional extras, no more sunroof no more LaneWatch camera (amongst other things), not sure how anyone (including Honda) can justify the price.
Nice to see you got dressed up for the review.
You would have to be an absolute idiot to pay $47k+ for this car.
At this price, & it still comes with a CVT. Really Honda?
Honda Australia is on the same slippery slope as Honda New Zealand. Honda continue to lose substantial sales in Australia, just as occurred in New Zealand. They have substantially reduced their dealer network here in Australia & have introduced fixed pricing ...... or is that the other way round ie price fixing. Honda Australia has lost the plot.
Honda won't let you negotiate a better price not for me bye bye Honda Australia.
hey pitch this at the vti-lx which is the top spec civic model. It has some glaring omissions- a sunroof, seats should also be ventilated, not even usb connectivity in the back and how about a heads up display? Also the amount of blank buttons/panels in the interior makes it look like base model. Don’t even get me started on the delete of front and rear parking sensors. And then slapping 48k on it. A fully packed Mazda 3 can be had for $45k which has much more. Interesting Aussie motoring journalists are not so negative- with so many omissions and being “top spec” their views are skewed… perhaps a Honda affiliation there?Honda have signed their death certificate. Nonetheless another informative review Nathan.
In the words of Daryl Kerrigan " Tell em they are dreamn "
Hmmm, so we don't get the full digital dash available in other markets despite being the top of the range, one of one option?
Honda is shooting themselves in the foot not offering entry, mid range options which would have been the volume sellers.
Brave man talking to camera with the stop/start traffic on Sydney Road!
not a bad looking car and simple interior is also a win, but almost 50k for a Civic is alot of coin
Drove this car today. Handled really well. Had ample zip. Is solid, seems like good quality. No front sensors is disappointing given the price.
Incredibly no rear sensors either essential in Australian parking and driving
Not really a fan of its looks but the way this car is from the inside and the actual driving experience is probably best in class. The perfect car would be Mazda 3 looks, this driving dynamic and a price tag little bit cheaper. But perfection doesn't exist in this world. 😂😂
Driving dynamics of the Hyundai i30 n-line premium sedan is better
I just went to Eastern Honda today and the price has gone up, this thing is now 10 bucks shy of 50 grand. WTF!!!
Great review. Well done
Honestly it’s a shame that this model IS good. Because at that ridicules price, no one will get to experience it.
I’m a proud owner of a 10th gen VTI-LX (sedan) I thought it was pretty exxy at $34000ish. Also mine has front and rear parking senses, Lane watch, a sunroof and a spare wheel! I actually see a lot of 10th gen models around. Honda is crazy for not offering a full range. Let alone ludicrously over pricing their one offering.
It’s incredible I got one. Brilliant review
I am sad it doesn’t have Honda Connect for remote control and no speed sign recognition. No head up display as well
I'd rather get the Mazda 3 gt this is overpriced by 10k
20k overpriced
It’s an Accord! That cargo blind is genius though.
Extremely overpriced given the lack of leather and a panoramic roof.
Looks like there are paddle shifters. The review doesn’t mention them .. .?...
47 .2k and scores 7.9. Honda needs to lay off the hydroponic stuff
No negotiations at $47k is legit hilarious. Who the hell will be buying these things?
And no rear USB!!
Who buys this car who are the most stupid 😂
Cant wait to see the stats of how many they sell each month. Will be interesting to see who truly is the village idiot.
Millemials
Great review except for the part where you try to convince us that it is good value.
All cars with the chip shortage are increasing in price but 47200 for a small hatchback is to expensive.
No wonder suvs Are selling like hotcakes.
Even overpriced cars are able to have positive attributes, Jason. We made the case that it’s too expensive in the intro.
@@chasingcars Quite frankly speaking every car has good and bad attributes specially cars in this day and age. But 47k out of a 1.5 running 7 seconds for a “ CIVIC SI” is an absolute disgrace
Yea it’s ridiculous next to a Mazda3 GT sedan/hatch for $10k less. You get the same Bose audio, heated leather, but with a heated steering wheel, head up display, a more premium dash, a BMW iDrive like infotainment system. And at Mazda it’s gonna catch more buyers with 6 (now 8 trims), 3 engines, manual or auto (no CVT), sedan or hatch. Honda is already dying in Australia, especially with fixed pricing, and terrible sales. This isn’t gonna help anything by narrowing down to a single model in a single body style with a single engine and single CVT transmission. Not to mention far more Mazda dealers around with a strong brand as opposed to one on the verge of exit.
Importantly your comment highlights something strange. CarExpert also copped some flak for not calling out that this isn’t a good value car rather than calling it what it is, and they hid behind a similar defensive response. Did Honda provide early access to an iconic model which will drive viewership to these smaller but trusted channels? Obviously this will be poorly received otherwise and reviews are the main channel driving interest in these niche cars that people wouldn’t immediately pick themselves like a Corolla or 3.
I think this channel has good reviews and I enjoy watching the car content but I understand that they have sponsors and maybe they don't want to upset honda too much.
But if you keep saying your independent from car companies sponsors.
Could you not have a go at your subscribers for voicing their opinions.
I agree user car expert also gave a review in a similar vein.
We as car enthusiasts just want to be told about the vehicle.
They had a go at me about positive attributes.
I never said the car wasn't a decent car I just mentioned the price which on popular opinion is ridiculous.
Worth 47K if they use Honda F1 engine 😂😂😂
An F1 steering wheel is worth more than most cars
Finally Honda brought up their interior game up to date. It's Toyota's turn now.
It’s long been Toyotas turn but they do rest on their reliability laurels and keep a meh interior, but Honda did it at the price of $48k which is simply ridiculous. Look at a high spec Mazda 3 for $10k less and that is properly premium, moreso than this. No wonder Honda is dying in Australia, not to mention this car is fixed-price so the gap is potentially larger with more negotiation at Mazda.
Poor value against kia Ceraro Gt / i30SR Premium.
Skoda Octavia would also be worth a look
All true
Why would anyone buy this over a Hyundai i30 n-line premium sedan dct for 40k?
Maybe this is Honda's idea. How to price themselves out of the market. The brakes look tiny inside the 18s. Manual overseas but oh no us Aussies can't have one. Last dislike - CVT. No thanks.
Yes, shame there isn’t at least a manual.
I do like it alot. But not at that fixed price. Also the front looks a bit like a grumpy old man. Lol
There's no way you can justify $47 for this piece of sh$t!. Decluttering is just Honda's marketing word for being cheap.
Like the design, inside and out… albeit typically Honda. Had a few Hondas many years ago; MDX, CRX and a Civic. Great driving cars. Can’t really understand why Honda has so few model choices these days, seems they’re reducing their interest in the Australian market … probably poor sales. That red looks great.
I am wondering, when you review cars do car company's here care about
Consumers reaction, do they speak to you and get any Intel like your feedback and your subscribers feedback?. I am just alittle lost as to why they have made these decisions. I often thought company's would make or break by good products, affordable pricing listening to consumers feedback, consumers thinking positive of the company and feel valued as customers. I am at odds and scratching my head about Honda's direction. They certainly would know how angry they made people with their decisions? Wouldn't they (confused)? I agree with others here if this was priced around 38k it may be worth considering but it's missing out on some key features.
This review is a joke. A better tag line should be “Honda is dreaming, but we’ll justify this over priced junk for them”. I own the previous model RS, and there is 0 innovation for a ridiculous price hike, not negotiable. Chasing cars always used to be practical, this review tells me you’ve all become typical journalists removed from the reality of spending your own money on cars. Who in your team would spend 50k on Honda a warm hatch?
As a Honda and chasing cars fan, this sort of thing is a kiss of death. Honda would do well to stop dreaming.
Chasing cars would do well to stop justifying this delusion.
How does this compare with the North American si model?
Imagine paying almost 50k for this 😂
$47k, they’re havin’ a laugh
does this mean other new upcoming model are getting higher price in the future? such as new HR-V? and less grade of model just like this civic
Quite possibly
I got no problem with Honda offering a $47,000 car but you’re not going to bring in any buyers if you’re just offering a top spec model
But that's the whole problem you are charging $47200 (soon to go up in price) take it or leave it, but not offering Aus buyers a top spec model/compared to what they get in US/UK; so Honda Australia are shafting us;
- No rear parking sensors (you have to have these when rear parking under pressure in a tight car park with poor lighting); no space-saving spare tyre yet heaps of space in boot underneath for one; terrible visual resolution in reversing camera; half-assed half-digital only driver's cockpit info. panel with 'fuzzy' appearance/not razor-sharp graphics; USB-A instead of USB-C ports with none in back; no sunroof; not full leather on front seats; loudest interior noise in this segment at high speed due to CVT-drone auto gearbox; not the biggest dealer network in Victoria to service your car/etc; you may have to pay for floor mats on top of all this!
Great to see Honda defer to it's traditional demographic; the previous models seemed to try to appeal to the boy racers. This is a more inclusive vehicle. It looks and drives well. No more fake vents and styling tricks. Smooth and sophisticated looks. As a previous Honda and Mazda owner, I think this car -in styling terms - is all over the shark nose styling on the Mazda, that is , in my eyes becoming dated and tiresome. Great review, good camera work and clear sound.Cheers-John
Interesting take. Let’s see how it plays.
Except Mazda sales are remaining strong even with the shift upmarket while Honda is basically readying an exit from Australia. Won’t be helped when all they bring is a top-spec model only, that’s already $10k overpriced and basically has no reason next to exist next to a Mazda3 GT sedan with a head-up display even on the base variant, same Bose audio and heated leather seats, a Mazda connect controller that’s more BMW like than the run of the mill outgoing Hyundai i30-like touchscreen here . The gap is probably larger as Honda is now onto fixed-pricing, and after sales wise, Honda dealers are dying out while more Mazda dealers are being built - a reflection on how they’re doing in the Australian market. Honda has a good brand name, but clearly they’re making decisions that are gonna reduce sales further. The 10th gen Civic was already a tepid seller at a realistic price point and decent design, this isn’t gonna end well for Honda in Australia which is sad to see.
A clever 45 litres under the boot floor, because there is no spare!!!! I couldn't care less about no sunroof, however no F&R parking sensors in 2022 for a premium trim, not real leather seat, what a joke. Easily 10 grand overpriced.
We are selling our CRV for a Sorento, Honda has lost the plot, closed all their dealers down. No front parking sensors, lumbar adjustment or sunroof on a top spec car priced like a German. Ok Honda, great joke.
Around 13:30 the camera man needs to stop moving. It's making me dizzy.
47k no spare tyre, great driving, u blew your tyre.....
Honda is quitting Australia. This new pricing proves it.
Isn't this car like 10k cheaper in USA?
Hey mate, you've got 189 unread messages. LOL
..where is the "Si" manual???
If I'm gonna spend near on 50k for a new Civic....
I'd want at least options for the manual, and the 150kw Turbo 1.5, and uprated suspension and brakes.
Prolly only me though :)
Oh and for 50k a Sunroof too, SOLD Honda!!!!
If only.
In reality this car is meant to compete with the VW GLI. And complete failed to do so. Way less power, way less power plant and tune ability, less options, and it actually couldn’t beat the GLI around the track even with the GLI being more lifted and having worse tires. Do you guys not get the GLI? it’s a GTI with a trunk. It currently sells way above MSRP comparing to the GLI. It runs 15 seconds in the 1/4 and 7 seconds 0-60 while the GLI runs 5.6 and 14.05 in the 1/4
So top dollar for vinyl seats, just 4 way adjustment on driver side (only), passenger seat not high adjustable, no lumbar adjustment, hard plastic material on rear door card, no spare wheel, no sunroof, no front parking sensor small infotainment screen and please do not compare it to European brands as Honda does not have the brand cachet of MB or BMW. Sales should be going gangbusters. Oh..they're not, who saw that coming?
Extraordinarily not even rear parking sensors and shocking resolution on the rear view camera. No space saving tyre
If they have a 6 spd manual version - they can have my cash tomorrow morning.
Type R
It is not far away from Honda leaving Australia
You are getting ripped off over there. No full digital dash, no sunroof, no manual, no leather, no spare, no parking sensors. All you got extra are the door light strips and the rear vents (but no USB).
$47k and no usb or charging points for the rear passengers. Seriously?
Nathan is looking more like Nigel Mansell with glasses!
Excellent review, no stone left unturned. Absolutely laughable that Honda omitted lumbar support. Just wouldn't buy any car that hasn't got that. Disappointed in no sunroof either. I assume the sport model that comes next will be sportier but as per with Honda they'll then take away some of the toys.
Honda has gone down hill I went shopping for a Honda back in aug but was horrified at the price and some basic features but I’d take a Corolla zr over a civic any day least I get change out of $47k and way better car cheaper servicing
Honda isn’t for everyone 😁
Has Honda "been on the beers" or what? The price just does not make sense - 'add up'. Think again Honda. Losing 'The Jazz' was sad, but this strategy is like an aeroplane in a holding pattern , and one where it's running out of fuel.
Honda is smoking pot thinking we gonna buy at that price lol.
HONDA best japan car brand!
$47k drive away to the rubbish bins
You can try justify all you like, its a civic and its expensive. Rubbish. CVT? Honda and Subaru have lost the plot. Only Mazda (sort of) and Toyota are still in the game. Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Mitsubishi have lost the plot.
The new Civic is DULL as dishwater.
Honda is not in the same segment as the BMW, Audi, or Mercedes, trying to price the car to be so is insanity.
The handling is good, but it's let down by an asthmatic engine, and awful transmission.
If you want a Honda Civic experience, buy an Hyundai i30 N instead.
The Hyundai is more expensive on paper, but Hinda do NOT discount their cars, meaning the sticker price is what you pay. So it easily possible to get a i30N for less than this "Non-Type R" Honda.
Seriously, Honda has completely lost the plot with this car and it's price. The Civic is available in lower specs in other countries, Honda just wants to fleece the Australia buyer.
It’s not dull to drive, but yes, an i30 N sparkles brighter - though it’s $49k driveaway. Better value but it isn’t cheaper than the Honda.
Would 100% purchase this car if it had a DCT, torque converter or manual box. Plus, it totally needs silver wheels! At least that's easily corrected upon purchasing!
desperately needs a panoramic roof and all those other missing features which are in most other competitors..
you can justify the price however you want but on the road i ever hardly see top spec Civic, Impreza, 3.... those TOTL cars maybe 5-10% of the segment and now that's all Honda will get out of that tiny %..... imo those people would've bought a Golf GTi with that kind of money
I think that’s right but the counterpoint is that you see lots of Cerato GT and TOTL Golfs have been the most popular for a long time. On the Impreza front I think I agree but I mainly see XV in top spec.
@@chasingcars I think people buy XV don't think they're buying a normal hatch but a RV... if that's the case then totl XV is relatively cheap compared to others
Good luck, or should that be Goodbye Honda! (definitely not Good buy...)
47k and no spare tyre, not even a space saver. Mazda 3 here we come
Just wait till Honda announces there pulling out of the Australian market they'll have these for sale at 29990 fire sale or price promise gauantee
I'd probably buy this for $47k, only because it reminds me of a modernised Accord Euro + Legend and it feels like a Honda from the mid-00s instead of the boring CRVs, HRVs, and Accords of now.
Yes, it is a step up in quality.
If you've got the money then go for it!
Goodbye Honda.
Great vehicle, made in Japan .. never mind the grumpy couch potatoes here. Well done!
Nobody is disputing the quality of the car, only the price
What 47K?
With this dumb $47 large price tag I can get a 2.5 engine, 6 speed AT, not a shxty CVT, sunroof, head up display, heated seat, real leather seats, better material inside and most important thing------looking 10X better -----------> a Mazda 3! Honda has lost their plot seriously!
But it’s far better than a Mazda. And why are you wearing those ridiculous shorts?
Honda Civic hatch 47k. The only thing that's been elevated here is the price. There are alternatives to this at a better price .
$47000 for a CVT 🤣😂🤣
simple, refined, one model, no options, looks good, made in japan - can't complain. it'll probably last forever too.
50k euro in shaithole called ireland. Enjoy your super low price.
This price is just a joke.
Fantastic driver’s car, you can have your choice of CVT or CVT 🤣🤣
We said it deserved a manual - and steering/handling are able to be positives even if the car has a CVT. It’s not black and white.
Why are Aussies so obsessed with car and fuel prices but don't mind taking it in the ass for alcohol, meat, housing and taxes?
Given the new car 'shortage' I'm surprised it's not double this price.
Maybe because acohol is not a necessary item (cars are), meat has increased as per inflation, people have been "minding" the housing crisis for years now, and taxes in Australia are quite reasonable. Maybe.
@@Another_opinion_ A new car isn't a necessity, however food is. Go look at inflation vs meat retail and you're wrong. Au taxes, excise and duties combined are some of the highest in the western world. You still didnt answer the point on obsession.
@@CathodeRayNipplez Norway, Denmark disagrees
@@CathodeRayNipplez it's clearly because everything else is so expensive that we have to nickel and dime for things like cars. If you're paying over a million for a house (but probably not happy about it) then a seemingly superfluous additional $10k on a hatchback can make it seem like just one more thing you're getting ripped off on.
You don't need to have a master's in psychology to figure this one out.
I am shocked that this is the only option available for the new Civic!!
They took away the last generation which was very good and affordable, which we could buy until a month ago, and replaced it with an automatic only hybrid, which costs nearly double the price here!!
The 1.0L and 1.5L manual tenth generation were actually perfect for most people looking for a family car, but this isn't!
The "old" Civic started at less than €25,000 here, but this one starts at €47,000!! - it's hardly an affordable family car anymore, when who wants to drive a stupid heavy hybrid automatic?! 😯😂🩲🦨🚗 .
While of course the Type R is manual petrol and non hybrid, but it'll probably be €80,000 here if they even sell it, when the last one cost €60,000+, when the likes of Carwow already bemoaned the fact that it's £12,000 dearer than the old model...
IF this new car was available with a non hybrid engine and a manual gearbox for less than €30,000, it might have a place in the market, but as it is no chance!
And while I wouldn't touch an EV with a bargepole, the Tesla model 3 has come down in price twice recently, starting at around €60,000 a few months ago, but it now starts at €43,000, so if this one drives like an EV, why not buy a silly EV instead?! 😯
Wow, Honda have really screwed up with this! 😂🩲 .
Great review so thanks for doing it. I love Hondas and still have my (now 11 year old) gen 8 Civic. If the gen 11 was about 42K I reckon they'd sell quite well. I far prefer quality over quantity and while there are competing cars with more gadgets for the same $, Hondas to me just 'feel right'. And I know most car reviewers love Mazdas and of course they sell very well but they always feel like toys to me.
Why is there no parking sensors in 2022 model year cars
I bought one in crystal blue this week. Can't wait to get it
I recon someone's head is going to role in the top management at Honda!