The Civic sedan is dead again in Japan’s domestic market.
In Japan, the original Honda Civic was first introduced in 1972. It was available in several body styles, including a sedan. The car has been a huge success worldwide, but its popularity has declined in the country it was originally introduced. Honda temporarily removed the model from its JDM lineup in 2010, and brought it back with the tenth generation in 2017.
It’s now in danger of being scrapped as Automotive News reports that Honda Japan has pulled the plug on its Civic sedan due to low demand. How poor? It sold 1,619 units in the past fiscal year, which is a significant decrease from N-Box minicars, Japan’s most-sold kei car in 2019. Honda is not only removing the four-door Civic from Japan, but also the local production of its compact sedan. The Type R, a five-door hatchback, and the spicy Type R will continue to be imported from the United Kingdom until the end.
The Swindon plant will be available as a reminder. Close its doors Next year, the assembly of the Civic Sedan in Turkey will also cease. The future of the hatch’s production remains to be determined. Or, the model will remain in the Honda factory network at a different location. Recent spy photos show that work is underway on a Type R. It’s not surprising there will also be a standard Civic and possibly a warm Si. Expect a boost in horsepower and torque to the range-topper without an electrified engine.
The Civic Sedan’s cancellation by The Land of the Rising Sun shows that even what works in North America can fail in Japan. Honda could bring its tiny, pint-sized Honda Civic Sedan to America, but if we were talking about kei cars we would prefer the superb mid-engined roadster.