Blacked-out bumpers and suspension tweaks head the changes to Honda Civic hatch... Along with a price increase of a $1000 across all models!
The changes come a little over a year after Honda slashed $2000 from UK-built entry-level Civic hatch models to buoy sales.
Since re-launching in 2012, Honda has sold more than 14,000 hatches. Nevertheless, overall sales of the Civic have fallen sharply in the first three months of 2014.
In the first quarter of 2013, 4212 Civics were registered. This year the number is just 2385, although the hatch accounted for the lion's share of that with 1602 units.
The Japanese company says the new prices reflect an increase in standard equipment, although only mid and top-spec models get redesigned alloy wheels.
All models now get privacy glass and a refreshed interior and firmer spring rates in a suspension retune.
The latter is highlighted by white stitching around the front seats, steering wheel, and centre armrest. The steering wheel features a piano-black finish and the dashpad is more brightly accented with new trim around the air vents and controls.
Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, says the more expensive five-door hatch still represents good value.
"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," said Collins.
Honda has also added a new colour to the Civic hatch range, Urban Titanium, while the diesel-powered DTi-S sees Deep Ocean Blue and Crystal Black colours discontinued.
2014 Honda Civic Hatch pricing (does not include on-road costs):
VTi-S manual $21,650
VTi-S auto $23,950
VTi-L auto $26,490
VTi-L with navi auto $30,590
DTi-S manual $27,990