CARS.COM — The Honda Civic, redesigned for 2016, adds another body style to its lineup for 2017 with the all-new 2017 Honda Civic hatchback. Previously shown as a prototype, Honda just released a few photos and information on the production-ready version. Spoiler alert: It doesn't look very different from the sedan.
Related: Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype: First Impressions
The four-door Civic hatchback's added versatility comes from its "fifth door" rear hatchback that opens up to the main passenger compartment, replacing the sedan's trunk space. The Civic as a four-door hatchback has predominantly been offered in European markets until now and, in the U.S., will join similarly sized hatches like the Mazda3, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf. Aiming for a sporty feel, the hatchback skips the base engine from other Civics and uses the impressive, turbocharged 1.5-liter engine as its standard power plant. Hatchbacks in LX, EX and EX-L trims use a 174-horsepower version, while the Sport and Sport Touring trims gain a high-flow center-mounted exhaust and are rated at 180 hp. Transmission choices are a continuously variable automatic transmission on all trims or a six-speed manual on LX, Sport and EX. Fuel economy with the CVT is expected to reach an EPA-rated 31/40/34 mpg city/highway/combined.
The same features that make the Civic such a popular choice in the compact class are available on the hatchback, including optional Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Honda Sensing with forward collision warning and automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and power seats for the driver and front passenger.
Research and development teams in Europe and Japan jointly designed the Civic hatchback, which is being manufactured in Honda's Swindon, U.K. plant. Along with its added functionality as a cargo hauler, this new body style previews what the new, high-performance Civic Type-R is based on when that car is launched stateside in 2017. The pedestrian version seen here, however, goes on sale in fall 2016.
