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Honda Civic Hatchback Coming to New York, Civic Si and New Type R in 2017

The 5-door Civic hatchback in America has gone from a maybe to a "yes" to "this is it." We couldn't be happier with the fact that the 10th generation Civic hatchback is being presented in New York, even if it's just a prototype. A few days ago, we stumbled upon leaked patent images that suggest 95% of the design will be kept.
2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype 25 photos
Photo: Guido ten Brink / SB-Medien
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Knowing that the Civic Hatchback Prototype has already been shown in Geneva earlier this month, Honda USA didn't want to come empty handed. So the automaker released two juicy bits of information. Firstly, the 5-door will arrive later this year in America and will be offered with the same 1.5-liter DOHC Turbo engine as the sedan, available with either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox.

Secondly, the high-performance models will debut in 2017. These will include a successor for the mental 300+ horsepower FWD Civic Type R and the Civic Si, likely fitted with a de-tuned version of the same turbo mill.

"We knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic's core values," said Daisuke Tsutamori, chief exterior stylist for the 2017 Civic Hatchback Prototype. "This vehicle represents a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality."

The next-gen Civic 5-door is said to have a longer wheelbase, wider stance and reduced center of gravity compared to the current model sold in Europe. The styling is as bold as the NSX, with sharp LED headlights at the front and angular creases and vents at the rear. We don't know which model will get this twin exhaust system, but we suspect it's the Civic Si. The Type R will have three exhaust pipes, including one with a bypass valve located in the middle.

Production of the 10th generation Civic hatchback will begin later this year at the Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) plant in Swindon. So you can tell all your friends that you own a European hatchback and remind the VW Golf people that theirs is made in Mexico.

Editor's note: The photo gallery below is from Geneva, but Honda seems to be showing the same thing in New York.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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