Honda Civic Review
2016-2023
The tenth and eleventh-generation Honda Civic (FC/FK 10th Gen & FE/FL 11th Gen: 2016–2023) is one of Kenya's most popular sport sedans and hatchbacks. Celebrated for its aggressive low-slung stance, sharp handling dynamics, driver-centric digital cockpit, and bulletproof mechanical reliability, the Civic appeals to young executives and driving enthusiasts in Nairobi. Powered primarily by a 1.5L VTEC Turbo engine (174–182 hp), all standard variants remain at 1,498 cc, qualifying for Kenya's lower 25% excise duty tax bracket.
*This score is awarded by our team of expert reviewers after extensive testing of the car
What’s good
- Sub-1,500 cc KRA duty advantage: 1,498 cc engine qualifies for lower tax valuation baseline.
- Punchy 174–182 hp 1.5L VTEC Turbo performance: Rapid throttle response with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 7.5 seconds.
- Aggressive low-slung fastback styling: Distinctive center dual exhaust (Hatchback), C-shaped LED taillights, and wide stance.
- Exceptional Civic chassis handling: Multi-link rear suspension delivers superior road feedback around high-speed highway curves.
What’s not so good
- Low 130–135 mm ground clearance: Requires cautious diagonal entry over steep estate speed bumps.
- Firm ride on 18-inch RS / Hatchback alloy wheels over corrugated gravel.
Most popular: Civic 1.5T RS Sedan / Hatchback FL1 / Type R FK8
4 doorsPetrolAutomatic, Manual, CVT
At a glance
- Model
- Honda Civic (FC/FK & FE/FL Series)
- Production years
- 2016–2023
- Body type
- 4-Door Fastback Sedan / 5-Door Hatchback
- Seating capacity
- 5 (4 seats on Type R)
- Fuel types
- Petrol (1.5T VTEC Turbo & 2.0T Type R)
- Engine sizes
- 1,498 cc (1.5T) / 1,996 cc (2.0T Type R K20C)
- Transmission
- CVT Automatic (with 7-Speed Paddle Shift) / 6-Speed Manual
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Ground clearance
- 130 mm – 135 mm
- Source market
- UK / Japan / Australia (RHD Spec)
Trims & variants
- Setup
1.5L VTEC Turbo (174 hp / 220 Nm), CVT with 7-speed paddle shifters, 17/18-inch alloys, leather seats, LED headlights, sunroof, Honda Sensing.
- Why it gets shipped
Core executive sport sedan import balancing high power with sub-1.5L duty tax savings.
Fuel consumption
No separate figure for the Civic 1.5T Sedan / RS (FC1 10th Gen / FE1 11th Gen - 174 hp), so these are the car's headline figures. Manufacturer / import-market figures: 13.8 – 15.5 km/L (1.5L VTEC Turbo) / 9.5 – 11.0 km/L (2.0T Type R FK8/FL5). Tank: 46 L (about 674 km combined). Real-world use varies with load, traffic and altitude.
Running cost
- City driving
- KES 1,891 / 100 km
- Highway driving
- KES 1,335 / 100 km
- 1,000 km a month
- KES 15,492
- Full tank (46 L)
- KES 10,440
Based on petrol at KES 226.96/L, 15-10-2026 to 14-11-2026. Combined economy unless stated.
Work out a trip cost →Package tiers
| Package | Level | Key features |
|---|---|---|
| EX / LX | Executive Base | 17-inch alloys, fabric seats, 7-inch digital cluster, electronic parking brake, Honda Sensing. |
| RS / Hatchback | Sport Luxury | 18-inch black alloys, center dual exhaust, leather sport seats, sunroof, 452W 10-speaker audio. |
| Type R | Track Flagship | 316–326 hp 2.0T, 6-speed manual, Brembo brakes, LSD, triple exhaust, red bucket seats, 20-inch wheels. |
About the Honda Civic
Kenya strictly enforces an 8-year age limit from manufacture month and right-hand drive regulations. In 2026, 2019 to 2023 Civic FC/FK and FL models sit comfortably inside the legal direct import window.
Because the 1.5L VTEC Turbo (L15B7 / L15C) engine remains at 1,498 cc, standard Civic models stay strictly under 1,500 cc, qualifying for KRA's sub-1,500 cc tax valuation bracket and saving over KSh 600,000 in customs taxes compared to 2.0L sport rivals like the Subaru WRX or Mazda 3 2.0L.
Disclaimer
Tax figures are estimates based on October 2026 KRA schedules. Always verify specific chassis CRSP entries with your clearing agent prior to purchase.
