Not only has the all-new Honda Civic Type R (FL5) seen an overwhelming response in Japan but the latest generation of the iconic hot hatch has also been reportedly sold out in Australia. Order books for the FL5 were opened on 1-December 2022 and within one day, the first batch of units for Down Under have been snapped up.

This was reported by the Australian automotive publication Drive with some dealers saying that the next round of orders would only begin in early to mid-2024. Essentially, those looking to place an order for the FL5 would have to wait for another 18 months.

And that’s just to place an order because those lucky few that managed to snag an FL5 last month are expected to wait up to 2 years for their prized hot hatch to reach their driveway. Some dealers have told Drive that delivery could arrive in late 2024 or even into 2025 with a high demand for the iconic Championship White colour.

Also read: Honda Civic Type R (FL5) orders temporarily suspended in Japan due to overwhelming demand

Though Honda Australia has yet to publicly confirm how many FL5s are in the first year’s allocation, dealers have estimated that it is around 600 units. Prior to the opening of the hot hatch’s order books, there were around 4,000 expressions of interest received.

Also read: Honda Type R turns 30 - Here's how the red performance badge became legendary

It is estimated that between 1,200 to 1,300 FK8 Civic Type Rs were sold in Australia throughout its run. The previous generation Civic Type R was sold there from October 2017 to mid-2021.

It’s not all bad news for fans and buyers of the Civic Type R in Australia as the first few units are due to arrive in Australia in February or March 2023 according to dealers. More examples are due to arrive progressively throughout the year so maybe some lucky buyers can get it as soon as possible.

Also read: Getting too expensive? UK raises price of FL5 2023 Honda Civic Type R by 40 percent!

The FL5 Civic Type R is priced at AUD 72,600 (~RM 220k) which is about AUD 12,000 (~RM 36k) higher than the FK8. The Australian market FL5 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre K20C1 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes less horsepower (320 PS) than the Japanese equivalent (330 PS). Recall that this lesser output figure is similar to the Vietnam-spec FL5.

Also read: Priced from an eye-watering RM 470k! Vietnam is first in Asia Pacific to launch FL5 2023 Honda Civic Type R

Still, torque figures remain untouched (420 Nm) and the unit is only paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Closer to home, Honda Malaysia has yet to announce the FL5’s arrival here but it’s pretty much likely seeing the past generation was offered officially.

Also read: Expect RM 350k price for Malaysia - FL5 2022 Honda Civic Type R to be at least 5% more expensive, 6 months waiting list in Japan