Boy, Honda isn't wasting any time with the launch of the Civic Hatchback. This Euro-inspired version of the 10th generation compact made the trip from its British factory to join the 2016 Civic Sedan and Coupe on your local dealer's lot this week.
Pretty much everything has been revealed except the price for the Sport Touring top trim level, which will be ready during the fourth quarter.
Every model gets a 1.5-liter turbo engine, but the output varies across the range. The LX, EX, and EX-L Navi have 174 horsepower at 5,500rpm (6,000rpm for the CVT) and 167 lb-ft with a manual (162 lb-ft with CVT).
But the one you really want is the Sport, which has that dual mid-mounted exhaust system. It makes 180 hp and 177 lb-ft with a 6-speed manual. Considering it costs $21,300 and also gets better highway mileage, we think it's the one to get.
The CVT version of the Sport drops 3 hp and a whopping 15 lb-ft of torque, while losing 3 miles to every gallon on the highway. It's yours for $22,100. Both these racer-oriented models offer textured aluminum pedals, red-accented instrument illumination and a 540-Watt 12-speaker premium audio system, the most powerful ever offered in a Civic.
The cheapest 2017 Civic Hatchback you can buy is the LX with a stick at $19,700. It's not spartan, but you'll be missing out on the aluminum pedals and leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus that exhaust we keep mentioning.
Until the Sport Touring arrives, the EX-L Navi is the best equipped of all, adding dual-zone climate control, 8-way adjustable leather seats with heating, push-button start, auto headlights, and wipers. Add the navigation and you end up with a $25,300 car, which doesn't sound like good value, considering the GTI is about $27k.
So that's about it. There's not going to be a naturally aspirated 2-liter version of the Civic Hatchback, which is a brave decision on Honda's part. Hopefully, the Type R will arrive next year, because that's the one Euro-hatch fans really want.
Every model gets a 1.5-liter turbo engine, but the output varies across the range. The LX, EX, and EX-L Navi have 174 horsepower at 5,500rpm (6,000rpm for the CVT) and 167 lb-ft with a manual (162 lb-ft with CVT).
But the one you really want is the Sport, which has that dual mid-mounted exhaust system. It makes 180 hp and 177 lb-ft with a 6-speed manual. Considering it costs $21,300 and also gets better highway mileage, we think it's the one to get.
The CVT version of the Sport drops 3 hp and a whopping 15 lb-ft of torque, while losing 3 miles to every gallon on the highway. It's yours for $22,100. Both these racer-oriented models offer textured aluminum pedals, red-accented instrument illumination and a 540-Watt 12-speaker premium audio system, the most powerful ever offered in a Civic.
The cheapest 2017 Civic Hatchback you can buy is the LX with a stick at $19,700. It's not spartan, but you'll be missing out on the aluminum pedals and leather-wrapped steering wheel, plus that exhaust we keep mentioning.
Until the Sport Touring arrives, the EX-L Navi is the best equipped of all, adding dual-zone climate control, 8-way adjustable leather seats with heating, push-button start, auto headlights, and wipers. Add the navigation and you end up with a $25,300 car, which doesn't sound like good value, considering the GTI is about $27k.
So that's about it. There's not going to be a naturally aspirated 2-liter version of the Civic Hatchback, which is a brave decision on Honda's part. Hopefully, the Type R will arrive next year, because that's the one Euro-hatch fans really want.