The new Honda Civic Type R is more expensive than ever, but demand has never been higher.
Honda has confirmed the turbocharged hot hatch is sold out for the next 20 months, which means anyone who orders one now won’t get the keys until late in 2024 – unless Honda Australia can secure more production.
As is the case across the industry, Honda says it’s “continuously seeking to shorten these wait times”.
Civic Type R
The Type R joins the Toyota GR Corolla, Volkswagen Golf R, and Hyundai i20 N on the list of hot hatchbacks where demand outstrips supply.
Toyota has confirmed there will be just 500 examples of the GR Corolla allocated to the Australian market, and says it’s working to ensure what limited supply there is will be snapped up by enthusiasts instead of scalpers.
“Competition for the car within the Toyota world is enthusiastic to say the least,” said Toyota Australia vice-president of sales, marketing and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.
GR Corolla 
Golf R 20 Years
Over at Volkswagen, deliveries of the Golf R 20 Years special edition were late last year pushed back to avoid extending delays for buyers waiting for the regular Golf R to touch down.
Initially on track to arrive during the third quarter of 2022, the 20 Years still hasn’t hit Australian shores.
Hyundai in 2022 closed orders of the i20 N pocket rocket as it works to clear an order backlog of more than 12 months. Waits for the i30 Hatch N had blown past 12 months late in 2022 as well.
Fiesta ST and i20 N
Also contributing to the Australian hot hatch shortage is the impending death of the Renault Megane RS, and the recent death of the Ford Fiesta ST and Focus ST.
The Megane RS Ultime will arrive Down Under mid-year, and spells the end not only for the much-loved hot Megane, but the RenaultSport brand.
Future fettled Renault products will be sold under the expanded Alpine brand alongside bespoke models.
