VS
At a Glance
Power
103kW@4000
202 kW
Torque
340Nm@2000
350 Nm
Fuel
5.3
8.5 l/100km
Towing
1400
—
0-100 km/h
8.6
—
Engine
2204
2387 cc
Choosing between the HONDA CIVIC and the Subaru WRX is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The HONDA CIVIC delivers 103kW@4000 while the Subaru WRX produces 202 kW. On fuel, the CIVIC returns 5.3 while the WRX uses 8.5 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R301 525 for the CIVIC and R999 000 for the WRX. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
103kW@4000
202 kW
Torque
340Nm@2000
350 Nm
0-100 kph
8.6
—
Top Speed
205
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2204
2387 cc
Engine Layout
TRANSVERSE INLINE 4
boxer
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
DIESEL
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
MANUAL
automatic
Number of Gears
6
—
Drive Wheels
FRONT
all
Full Time 4x4
✗
✓ Standard
Low Range
✗
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.3
8.5 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
6.7
11.2 l/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
4.5
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
50
63 l
CO2 Emissions
139
192 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4245
4670 mm
Width
1765-2046
1825 mm
Height
1460
1465 mm
Wheelbase
2620
2675 mm
Ground Clearance
151
135 mm
Kerb Weight
1379
—
Doors
5
4
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
423 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1400
—
Load Capacity
1352
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
—
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
8
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✗
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✗
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✗
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✗
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
—
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✗
—
Sunroof
✗
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
BOTH FRONT
✓ Standard
Electric Seat Adjustment
✗
—
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
36
5
Warranty Distance
100000
150000 Km
Service Plan
S
—
Service Intervals
10000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
HONDA CIVIC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
WRX
Fuel Economy
CIVIC
Value
CIVIC
Practicality
CIVIC
Pros & Cons
HONDA CIVIC
Better fuel economy (5.3)
Lower starting price (R301 525)
Few notable weaknesses
Subaru WRX
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (8.5 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the CIVIC or WRX?
The CIVIC uses 5.3 and the WRX uses 8.5 l/100km on the combined cycle. The CIVIC is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the CIVIC or WRX?
The CIVIC produces 103kW@4000 and 340Nm@2000 of torque while the WRX delivers 202 kW and 350 Nm of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the CIVIC and WRX?
The CIVIC starts from R301 525 and the WRX from R999 000. The CIVIC is cheaper by R697 475 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the CIVIC or WRX?
The CIVIC has a braked towing capacity of 1400 and the WRX can tow not specified. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the CIVIC or the WRX?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.