The C-Segment Sedan Sales for August 2024: Honda Civic Unexpectedly Makes it to the List of the Least Sold Cars in the Market

Similar to mid-sized sedans, compact sedans are also losing their appeal to Vietnamese consumers. More and more customers are opting for taller vehicles such as SUVs, pickup trucks, and MPVs. As a result, compact sedan sales in Vietnam have not been impressive. August 2024 is a testament to this trend.

August 2024 C-segment Sedan Sales Chart (units: cars)

Mazda3: 380 units

In August 2024, all C-segment sedans in Vietnam experienced a decline in sales, including the Mazda3. With 380 units sold, it saw a slight decrease of 0.5%. However, it maintained its top position in the C-segment sedan market.

The Mazda3 Sedan is currently offered in Vietnam with four trim levels and prices ranging from 579 to 739 million VND. In addition to having one of the lowest price points in its class, this Japanese car also boasts a design that appeals to Vietnamese tastes, as well as a comprehensive range of convenience and safety features.

When purchasing this vehicle, Vietnamese customers can expect notable features such as LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, an 8.8-inch central touchscreen, an eight-speaker audio system, a sporty steering wheel with paddle shifters, a head-up display (HUD), a sunroof, an electronic parking brake, automatic brake hold, dual-zone automatic climate control, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors.

Unfortunately, the Mazda3’s engine is relatively less powerful compared to its rivals. It is equipped with a 1.5L SkyActiv-G four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 110 horsepower and 146 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and an advanced GVC Plus acceleration control system.

Kia K3: 308 units

The Kia K3 retained its second position in the C-segment sedan market, with 308 units sold in August, representing a 6.9% decrease.

Similar to the Mazda3, the Kia K3 offers advantages such as attractive pricing and a youthful, modern design. Its convenience features are also quite competitive within the segment. However, it falls short when it comes to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

The Kia K3 stands out with its diverse engine options: a 1.6L gasoline engine, a 2.0L gasoline engine, and a 1.6L turbocharged gasoline engine. These engines deliver 126 hp/155 Nm, 150 hp/192 Nm, and 201 hp/265 Nm, respectively. They are mated to either a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Hyundai Elantra: 132 units

Like most other vehicles in Vietnam, the Hyundai Elantra faced a challenging sales month due to the impact of the Lunar July and the anticipation of reduced registration fees among Vietnamese consumers. Its sales declined by 3.6% to 132 units in August 2024.

The Hyundai Elantra is available in Vietnam in three trim levels, with prices ranging from 579 to 769 million VND. Similar to the Kia K3, the Elantra offers three engine choices: the Gamma II 1.6L gasoline engine, the Nu 2.0L gasoline engine, and the turbocharged 1.6L gasoline engine. These engines produce between 128 and 204 horsepower and 155 to 265 Nm of torque.

Additionally, the Korean car is equipped with features such as LED headlights, hands-free power trunk, automatic wipers, a sporty flat-bottom steering wheel, 10-way power-adjustable leather seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch central touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless phone charging, and a six-speaker audio system.

Toyota Corolla Altis: 33 units

The Toyota Corolla Altis has consistently ranked at the bottom of the C-segment sedan sales chart this year. However, in August 2024, it managed to climb out of the last position and surpass the Honda Civic. Its sales figure, though not impressive, stood at 33 units, reflecting a significant decline of 57.6%.

The Toyota Corolla Altis is priced between 725 and 870 million VND. It boasts features such as a digital instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch multi-information display, auto-dimming mirrors with reverse tilt-down function, a blind-spot monitor (BSM), a rear cross-traffic alert system (RCTA), and a 360-degree camera.

The Toyota Corolla Altis is the only C-segment sedan in Vietnam to offer a hybrid powertrain. It is equipped with a hybrid system that combines a 1.8L gasoline engine with an electric motor, generating a total output of 122 horsepower. The lower trim levels feature a conventional 1.8L four-cylinder gasoline engine that produces 138 horsepower and 172 Nm of torque. Both powertrains are paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive.

Honda Civic: 21 units

In August 2024, Honda witnessed a sales slump across its entire range, and the Civic was no exception. With only 21 units sold, it experienced a staggering 65% decline in sales. Not only did it rank last in the C-segment sedan category, but it also made it to the list of the 10 worst-selling cars in the Vietnamese market for that month.

In addition to the industry-wide challenges, the Civic’s sales performance was impacted by the upcoming launch of its upgraded version. As previously announced by Honda, the new Civic will be introduced in Vietnam in October this year.

The 2025 Honda Civic for the Vietnamese market will be offered in three trim levels: G, RS, and e:HEV RS. Notably, the e:HEV RS will be the first hybrid version introduced in the country.

The Honda Civic e:HEV RS 2025 is expected to feature the same hybrid system as its Thai counterpart, combining a 2.0L four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 141 horsepower and 182 Nm of torque with two electric motors generating a combined 184 horsepower. The total system output is 200 horsepower and 315 Nm of torque.

Meanwhile, the G and RS variants will continue to use the familiar 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, delivering 176 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. The power is transmitted to the front wheels through a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

In addition to the new powertrain, the 2025 Honda Civic for Vietnam will also receive subtle design updates and enhanced features. It will offer a Bose 12-speaker audio system for the e:HEV RS trim, Honda Connect telematics, active noise cancellation, and rear sensors.

The pricing for the 2025 Honda Civic in Vietnam has not yet been disclosed, but it is anticipated to be higher than the previous model’s range of 730 to 870 million VND. The vehicle will continue to be imported from Thailand.