Earlier this year, the new Civic was released by Honda, claiming a lot of great features and stunning design, exceeding all expectations from the reviewers. It contained new underpinnings, redesigned cabin, and new engine option. The automaker did not stop there and continued with a five-door hatchback Civic that should be released soon. It is expected to have all the good stuff from the previous model plus to offer a number of new options that could further improve the reputation of Civic as one of the greatest hatchbacks ever.
There is one problem that the new Civic will have to overcome in the international market that can hurt Honda in terms of sales. The thing is, major automobile markets, including North America, have very low sales of hatchbacks because of the crossover fever, which is in full swing.
The situation in Europe is far better since they still do love their hot hatchbacks but it seems that crossovers are getting more popular even in Europe. Can 2017 version overcome this and establish itself as an exception among hatchbacks that failed to succeed in the North American market? Let’s see if it has everything for it.
2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Exterior Design
The pictures of the new Civic revealed that the family hatch had been deprived of some features of the current model, including the longer bonnet high back. Instead, it has a lower roofline with a steep rear window, which makes it sportier and more aggressive looking. When we looked at the exterior for the very first time, the only word that came to mind was “futuristic.”
The pictures of the new Civic revealed that the family hatch had been deprived of some features of the current model, including the longer bonnet high back. Instead, it has a lower roofline with a steep rear window, which makes it sportier and more aggressive looking. When we looked at the exterior for the very first time, the only word that came to mind was “futuristic.”
At the rear, the designers have apparently decided to leave the central twin exhaust pipes that were featured in the concept car. However, their quality was significantly improved, judging from the images we saw. The concept’s boomerang-shaped rear lamps are those that inspired the designers to make the new taillights, and this decision is great because of they very well complement the overall futuristic design.
Among the new exterior features, we found LED headlights and heated side mirrors, but they might be optional or included on higher trim levels.
Interior Design
Even though we only have a set of spy images to discuss the interior, there is some good information that could be retrieved from them. First and foremost, the overall design language of the cabin design is very similar to the sedan version, at least in front.
The photos also reveal digital instrumentation behind the steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment display, and the center console that we saw in the coupe and sedan models previously. Throughout the cabin, there is a contrasting trim, including across the dashboard and around the vents.
The seats will probably stay the same in this version, but the rear deck will be excluded. Given that this hatchback is also considered as a family car, we expected Honda to provide a decent amount of space for all family members. Indeed, the manufacturer helped to maximize the efficiency and space in the cabin by allowing folding down the seats.
As the result, the amount of interior space reached 122.9 cubic feet, with rear legroom providing a remarkable 36 inches. This news certainly suggests that space won’t be the issue in this model, even if you are traveling with the entire family and the luggage.
Some high-tech features appear in the cabin, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Honda Display Audio, but they should be provided on the higher trim levels. Also, the seats have heating functions for both front and rear passengers.
Powertrain
Regarding powertrains, we were surprised to discover that Honda will provide the hatch version with only one engine option. This is not the case with the sedan model, which has two engines available for the customers, including a turbocharged 1.5-liter four cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The hatchback Civic, however, can boast only the 1.5-liter unit.
It is still a very good option, though. It is the direct injection unit boosted by 16.5 psi of turbo pressure, which allows raising the total output to 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. According to the manufacturer, the higher trim levels, including Sport and Sport Touring, will receive a brand new high-flow exhaust that increases the output to 180 horsepower. Although we do not think that Civic owners would want to turn their car into a race unit, they will certainly have the opportunity to spice things up if necessary.
Better news waits for those who need new improved transmissions in their cars. Honda claims that every trim of the latest Civic will receive the option for a CVT, which has been anticipated by brand fans. A manual six-speed gearbox is available for the Sport, EX, and LX versions as well. The fuel economy of the Civic was estimated at 31 mpg city and 40 mpg highway, and 34 mpg combined. This is quite a good result, and it is comparable with other models in the segment.
Pricing
It is very likely that the 2017 Civic will be available later this year and will be offered in five trim levels, including LX, Spot, EX, EX-L, and Sport Touring. Unfortunately, the prices for these trims are to be revealed. However, we can make some predictions based on the price of the previous model. Its starting price was $18,634, but with a number of upgrades Japanese car maker prepared for us we expect to see slight correction here. This pricing strategy should ensure that the label for the latest 2017 Honda Civic does not go beyond $20,000 to $22,000 even for top trims.
This price should be a good deal, considering that it perfectly fits into the segment with the main competitors, such as VW Golf and Opel Astra. Their starting prices are $20,170 and $22,362 respectively. Giving these prices, the Civic should do well but let’s not forget the crossover challenge that remains. The characteristics of the model show that it has what it takes to be a great hatch, but there is only one way to find out if the customers will go for it. Soon after the official introduction, we will see the results.
Also, take a look at the 2016 Honda Civic Coupe.
