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  Honda Australia plans four models up to the Civic Hybrid with metallic paint at $36,465.

A $1500 price cut is the early bait for the all-new Honda Civic.

The new Civic, which even company chief Takanobu Ito admits is not as good as it needs to be, is the ninth generation of the once-dominant small car. 

It will land in Australia in early March with a $20,990 starting price for the four-door VTi-L, down from $22,490 for the outgoing car. 

Honda Australia plans four models up to the Civic Hybrid with metallic paint at $36,465. 

The current plan only includes the four-door car and there is no Type R in the new lineup, although that is likely to change as Honda builds its range. 

The Civic has had a big win with a five-star ANCAP safety rating and Honda Australia director, Stephen Collins, touts advanced technology, improved handling and value as cornerstones for the car.

“We are confident our customers will agree that the Civic is a brilliant package and delivers exceptional value for money," Collins says. 

The three Civic models are the VTi-L, Sport and Hybrid, with a 1.8-litre engine making 104kW/174Nm in the base car, a 2-litre with 114/190 in the Sport - with improved economy - and a 1.5-litre petrol engine and upgraded IMA hybrid system making 82/172 in the Hybrid. 

Standard features include a mult-function display, auto aircon, cruise control, Bluetooth with audio streaming, iPod connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls.  

The Sport also gets leather seats, an electric sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels and automatic front wipers.