2017 HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK QUICK TAKES

TESTDRIVENOW QUICK TAKES: 2017 HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK SPORT TOURING OVERVIEW

The 2017 Civic Hatchback joins the 2016 Civic Sedan and Coupe as the third body style in the 10th-generation Civic lineup. Combining striking, Euro-inspired styling and 5-door hatchback versatility with the world-class driving dynamics and Honda direct-injected turbo engine technology, the Civic Hatchback is designed for buyers seeking an even more expressive, sporty and versatile Civic.

Built on the same world-class platform as the Sedan and Coupe, the 2017 Civic Hatchback offers an appealing combination of sporty styling, efficiency, interior utility and premium features. The Civic Hatchback is available in five trims: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L Navi and Sport Touring. All models are equipped with a 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine with peak output of 174 horsepower in LX, EX and EX-L Navi trims, and 180 horsepower in the Sport and Sport Touring trims which feature a center-mounted dual exhaust system and are designed to benefit from premium unleaded fuel.

The turbocharged engine can be mated to either a sporty CVT (all trims) or a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission (LX and Sport trims). In LX, EX, and EX-L Navi models, EPA ratings of 31/40/34 mpg1 (city/highway/combined) for CVT-equipped models, and 30/39/33 mpg1 for the LX with manual transmission put the 5-door Honda Civic Hatchback at the top of its class for fuel economy ratings. The Sport and Sport Touring models equipped with the available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) are rated at 30/36/32 mpg1, and the Sport with manual transmission is rated at 30/39/33 mpg1.

Working in concert with the Honda turbocharged powertrain is the Civic’s rigid and lightweight body and sophisticated chassis design, featuring a fully independent suspension system with liquid-filled bushings, sport-tuned electronic power steering (EPS) with variable gear ratio, and powerful 4-channel anti-lock disc brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution and Hill Start Assist.

The interior of the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback carries through on the modern, sophisticated and premium quality of the 10th-generation Civic lineup, with high-grade materials and finishes applied liberally throughout. In terms of packaging, the 2017 Civic Hatchback delivers class-leading volume and cargo capacity, including a roomy interior (97.2 cu. ft.), best-in-class rear seat legroom (36.0 inches) and the largest cargo carrying capacity with rear seats up (25.7 cu. ft. for non-Sport trims) in the competitive set.

Available on LX, EX and EX-L Navi trims is the Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies, which includes Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) integrated with CMBS, Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), Lane Departure Warning integrated with RDM and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow. Other available features include Honda Display Audio with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ (EX and above trims), heated front seats and heated side mirrors, power driver and front-passenger seats, remote engine start and more.

The Civic Hatchback’s all-new Sport Touring grade adds Honda Sensing™, LED headlights, heated rear outboard seats, aero kit, sport pedals and other features as standard equipment.

The Civic Hatchback earned a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and targets an IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK rating with a GOOD rating in all crash test modes and a SUPERIOR rating in frontal crash prevention, when equipped with Honda Sensing.

The 2017 Civic Hatchback was developed jointly by Honda R&D teams in Europe and Japan and is manufactured exclusively by Honda of the UK Manufacturing in its Swindon, UK plant.

Powertrain

In LX, EX and EX-L Navi models which are designed to operate on regular unleaded fuel, the 1.5-liter 16-valve DOHC direct-injected turbocharged powerplant is rated at 174 horsepower at 5,500 (6MT) or 6,000 (CVT) rpm. Torque output is set at 162 lb-ft. between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm when equipped with the CVT. When equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission (LX) the torque rating increases to 167 lb-ft.

In Civic Hatchback Sport and Sport Touring models that are designed to benefit from premium unleaded fuel, output jumps to 180 horsepower at 5,500 (6MT) or 6,000 (CVT) rpm. Torque output crests at 162 lb.-ft. between 1,700 and 5,500 rpm when equipped with the CVT.  For Sport models equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, the peak torque rating increases to 177 lb.-ft.

The highly efficient engines and transmissions, along with exceptional aerodynamics and low running resistance, result in impressive performance and fuel efficiency. The Civic Hatchback is rated by the EPA at 30/39/33 mpg1 (city/highway/combined) when equipped with the standard 6-speed manual transmission (LX and Sport). When equipped with the available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the Civic Hatchback in LX, EX and EX-L Navi trims is rated by the EPA at 31/40/34 mpg1. Sport and Sport Touring trims equipped with the available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) are rated at 30/36/32 mpg.

Interior

As the latest model to join the 10th-generation Civic lineup, the all-new 2017 Civic Hatchback benefits from Honda’s latest advances in spaciousness, smart design, comfortable fit and intuitive controls. Plus, its hatchback design gives it class-leading sedan-style passenger comfort coupled with added utility and versatility, making it an ideal fit for active lifestyles.

With 97.2 cubic feet of passenger cabin volume, the Civic Hatchback offers generous space and comfort. Class-leading forward visibility of 84.3 degrees is aided by ultra-thin A-pillars, and rear-seat passengers will appreciate front seats with a narrow upper profile (in the shoulder area) and compact headrests that lend the rear cabin a more open, airy feel.

The Civic Hatchback has a class-leading cargo capacity of 25.7 cubic feet (22.6 for Sport and Sport Touring) – spacious enough to easily accommodate several large golf bags. A low lift over height of just 26.7 inches and large tailgate opening help make loading easy. A clever side-mounted tonneau cover helps conceal belongings from view and can be positioned on either side of the cargo area as desired. All trims feature 60/40 split and folding rear seatbacks. Cargo capacity expands up to 46.2 cubic feet* with the rear seatbacks folded.

The Civic Hatchback brings an elevated level of comfort and convenience to an affordable, compact-class car, with numerous standard or optional premium features typically found in more expensive vehicles. The Civic Hatchback offers the latest in-vehicle connectivity and audio performance with a new generation of advanced technologies. Available features include a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen Display Audio interface with Android operating system, and an all-new Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System™ developed in cooperation with the experts at Garmin®. The Civic Hatchback’s Display Audio system is compatible with the Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ platforms, giving customers seamless integration of key smartphone features and functions, including smartphone-powered GPS navigation and voice-controlled search capabilities. Featuring standard Pandora® compatibility, streaming Bluetooth® audio and many other content choices, including available SiriusXM®, the Civic Hatchback offers a rich selection of entertainment options.

Key Interior Features

• 97.2 cubic feet of cabin space (94.8 cubic feet with moonroof)
• Class-leading 25.7-cubic foot cargo area with rear seats up (22.6 cubic feet for Sport and Sport Touring)
• Up to 46.2 cubic foot* cargo area with rear seats folded
• 60/40 split and folding rear seat
• Ultra-thin A-pillars for enhanced visibility
• Soft-touch, one-piece instrument panel upper
• 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen with integrated HVAC controls (EX and above trims)
• 7-inch Driver Information Interface (DII) (EX-L Navi and Sport Touring)
• Available Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ compatibility (EX, EX-L Navi and Sport Touring)
• Available premium comfort and convenience features:
  • Smart Entry and Push Button Start
  • Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
  • Driver Preference Settings
  • Electric Parking Brake
  • Steering-wheel mounted Paddle Shifters (CVT-equipped Sport and Sport Touring trims)

Interior Materials
The new Civic Hatchback interior features high-quality premium touches and upscale materials applied liberally throughout.

Highlights include a soft-touch instrument panel upper surface, door pad deck seams and soft door upper panels. Fit, finish and materials have received close attention, and soft leather seating is standard on EX-L Navi and Sport Touring trims.

Interior Colors
The Civic’s interior palette is sophisticated and sporty, and is offered in either black or ivory/black colors.

Interior Design
The new Civic Hatchback interior shares key styling cues with the Civic Sedan, blending a dynamic and wide layout with smoothly integrated technology features and-high quality materials. EX and above trims feature a full-color 7-inch Driver Information Interface (DII) display, and 7-inch color touchscreen Display Audio system with a clean and sleek appearance.

The Civic Hatchback has an open roomy feel with design features like sleekly styled front seatbacks that help give rear passengers a spacious, open feeling. With its hatchback design and 60/40 folding rear seatbacks, the Civic Hatchback interior is incredibly versatile with room for five people and a substantial amount of cargo. You can also mix cargo and passengers creatively to handle a variety of missions.

Interior Finish
The Civic Hatchback’s interior palette is sophisticated and coordinated and is offered in black or black/ivory color – fabric in the LX, Sport, and EX; leather in the EX-L Navi and Sport Touring.

The Sport and Sport Touring models have a red-themed central display, carbon-look instrument panel accents, black headliner and sport/racing pedals; the Sport Touring models also has red-themed instrumentation.

Front Seats
The front bucket seats are designed to provide welcoming support for a wide range of body types, along with secure lateral support for aggressive cornering. An available adjustable thigh support for the driver’s seat offers 14.1 degrees of tilt for the 8-way power seat. To help improve the forward view and create a feeling of openness for rear seat passengers, the front seatbacks have a narrow upper profile and compact headrests. The Civic Hatchback seats feature fabric seating surfaces in LX, Sport and EX trims, with leather-trimmed seats in the EX-L Navi and Sport Touring trims, using perforated leather on select areas of the front seats.

The driver’s seat in LX, Sport and EX models is manually adjustable for fore-and-aft, seatback angle and height adjustment. The EX-L Navi and Sport Touring feature power-operated versions of the same adjustments, along with an adjustable thigh support, for a total of 8-way power adjustability. The Sport Touring adds a front passenger seat with 4-way power adjustability. Heated front seats are standard in the EX, EX-L Navi and Sport Touring. Heating includes both the seat bottom cushions and front seatbacks (in previous Civics, just the seat bottom was heated). The 3-level front seat heater controls are positioned within easy reach, just below the climate control system controls.

Folding Rear Seats with Available 2-Level Heating
The roomy second-row seating is designed for maximum comfort and versatility, with a folding seatback. The 60/40 split and folding design makes it easy to accommodate passengers or long cargo. Two-level adjustable rear heated outboard seat bottoms are standard in the Sport Touring model. Controls for the rear seat heaters are positioned within easy reach on the rear of the front center console.

Center ConsoleThe Civic Hatchback’s interior offers a range of convenient storage features for the driver and passengers. The center console is specially engineered to offer a sporty appearance coupled with the versatile usability you might expect in an SUV. With the prevalence of smartphones in most people’s lives, the console is engineered around a “tech center” theme. Up front, there is a 2-tier smartphone tray with a wire management.

An electronic parking brake replaces a conventional manual parking brake lever, freeing up more console space for a larger armrest and greater storage space. The main storage compartment is topped by a sliding, deeply padded armrest. A pair of cup holders are centrally located, and can accommodate large 42-ounce cups when the padded armrest is placed in the rearmost position. By sliding the adjustable cup holder rearward, there’s space to accommodate even a large sports drink bottle. Inside the console, a small item tray slides fore and aft the full length of the console. With the cup holder removed, the console offers a class leading 7.2 liters of storage, enough to accommodate tablet computers and other large items.

Cargo Area
The Civic Hatchback’s large, useful cargo area is the key to the car’s day-to-day versatility. A cargo capacity of up to 25.7 cubic feet with seats up is the largest in class. For even more cargo space, the split-folding 60/40 rear seatbacks can be easily folded down to open up a voluminous 46.2 cu. ft. cargo area. The wide and long (front to rear) opening makes loading easy. A clever side-mounted tonneau cover stays out of the way when not in use, and is reversible so it can be positioned on either side of the cabin. (See the Body & Exterior section for more information.)

Steering Wheel
The steering wheel, leather-wrapped on EX-L Navi, Sport and Sport Touring trims, incorporates the most commonly used controls, allowing the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and their attention on the road. Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® and audio system controls located on the left side of the steering wheel make it easy to scroll and select items that appear on the audio screen. Cruise control controls are on the right and Driver Information Interface (DII) controls are located on the left side. Models with Honda Sensing™ have LKAS and ACC controls located on the right side of the steering wheel as well. In all trims, the steering wheel offers manual tilt and telescopic adjustment.

CVT-equipped Sport and Sport Touring trims feature steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters to allow for a more spirited driving style when the driver desires.

Power Windows, Locks and Mirrors
Power windows are standard equipment on all Civic Hatchback models and include auto-up and -down operation on the driver’s and front passenger’s windows. Power door locks and power mirrors are also standard equipment on all models. EX, EX-L Navi and Sport Touring models include heated exterior mirrors and Smart Entry.

One-Touch Power Moonroof with Tilt Feature
EX, EX-L Navi and Sport Touring models have a one-touch power moonroof with tilt feature that will fully open or close with a single touch of a switch. (See the Body & Exterior section for more information.)

Climate Control Systems
Like the Civic Sedan, the Civic Hatchback has a standard automatic climate control system. EX, EX-L Navi and Sport Touring trims include dual-zone operation, for the optimal comfort of both the driver and front-seat passenger. In addition to physical controls, the system incorporates climate control functions in the Display Audio touchscreen.

The new system features a refrigerant with a much lower GWP (Global Warming Potential). To help conserve energy, the system employs a new Variable Displacement Compressor (VDC). Unlike a conventional compressor which can only operate at 100-percent and must be switched on and off frequently to conserve fuel when the cooling load is relatively low, the VDC can vary its output based on the cooling needs, resulting in greater efficiency, reduced drag on the engine and smoother climate-control performance.

Sliding Sunvisors
To provide more flexible shading from the sun, all Civic Hatchbacks come standard with sliding sunvisors with a 3.9-inch range of motion. In EX and above trims, the visors have illuminated vanity mirrors.

Meters
The Civic Hatchback LX and Sport trims have analog instrumentation with a large tachometer, flanked by a coolant-temperature gauge on the left and fuel-level gauge on the right. A digital speedometer is positioned in the center of the tachometer. EX and above trims have a central thin-film transistor (TFT) Driver Information Interface (DII) color display that depicts an analog tachometer, digital speedometer and additional selectable information. The Sport Touring trim has a unique red meter theme.

The gauge package progressively illuminates to give the driver a welcoming feel upon entry. When the door is first opened, the instrument lighting illuminates and then brightens progressively to 100-percent illumination when the ignition is switched on. The illuminated instrument panel then comes alive, indicating that the car is ready to go. At the end of the drive, the instrument lighting dims progressively.

Driver Information Interface (DII)

The Civic Hatchback’s instrument panel provides important vehicle information via a Driver Information Interface (DII) positioned centrally in the meter panel. Controls positioned on the right side of the steering wheel allow the driver to cycle the DII display through multiple screens of information from sources including LKAS, ACC and more, when equipped. The Maintenance Minder™ system alerts the driver to upcoming maintenance needs via the DII and should a fault occur with the vehicle, specific warning information will appear. The display indicates when to change the oil, air cleaner, transmission fluid, spark plugs or coolant, as well as when to rotate the tires.

Engine Immobilizer
Complementing the remote entry system is a standard engine-immobilizer system. A special electronically coded key prevents the car from being started – even if a mechanical duplicate of the key is used. A transponder, built into the key, signals the immobilizer control unit that the key is genuine. If the car is hot-wired, or an unauthorized key is used, the engine will not start.

Key Comfort and Convenience Features

• Smart Entry and Push Button Start (available)
• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror (available)
• Driver Preference Settings (available)
• Electric Parking Brake

Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop
The 2017 Civic Hatchback offers the upscale convenience of Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop.

Remote Keyless Entry
Remote keyless entry is standard equipment on all Civic Hatchback models. The wave key design (LX and Sport trims) has an integrated transmitter in the handle with lock, unlock, tailgate open and panic buttons.

Smart Entry
Smart Entry allows the driver to approach, open and use the tailgate without using a key or pressing a button on the remote. With the remote in his or her possession, the driver simply presses the release button and opens the tailgate. As a safety and convenience feature, the Smart Entry system will not allow the transmitter fob to be locked in the interior of the Civic Hatchback.

Push Button Start/Stop
In the Civic Hatchback EX and above, once the driver has opened the door and is seated, the driver simply pushes the START/STOP button positioned on the instrument panel while pressing the brake pedal to start the vehicle. Powertrain operation and certain electrical functions are ended when the START/STOP button is pressed again at the conclusion of the drive. For accessory mode, the driver simply presses the START/STOP button without pressing the brake pedal. The Civic Hatchback’s START/STOP button features a pulsating light to help the driver more easily locate the button.

Auto On/Off Headlights
All Civic Hatchback models feature auto-on/off headlights for greater convenience. The headlights are multi-reflector/projector-beam units on all models except the Sport Touring, which has auto-on/off LED headlights. All models feature dramatic LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL).

Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
The EX-L Navi and Sport Touring models feature an electrochromic interior rearview mirror that automatically dims during nighttime driving to reduce glare from the headlights of following vehicles.

Electric Parking Brake (EPB)
The Civic Hatchback’s Electric Parking Brake makes using the parking brake easier and more comfortable and frees up precious center console space for storage and other functions.

Hill Start Assist
The Hill Start Assist function prevents the vehicle from rolling when stopped on an incline.

Exterior Styling
With just the right balance of form and function, utility and athleticism, the 2017 Civic Hatchback perfectly complements the current Sedan and Coupe body styles for Honda. Like those cars, which were introduced for model year 2016, in front the new Civic Hatchback features a chiseled appearance capped with Honda’s distinctive “wing fascia and premium LED lighting (including available LED in-line headlights and integrated side-mirror mounted turn indicators on the Sport Touring trim). Fog lights come on all but the base LX model. Like other Civic models, the acoustic windshield is flush mounted to the cowl for improved aerodynamic efficiency and interior quietness; side glass is likewise flush with the roof pillars.

With its long wheelbase and flowing roofline, decisive body-side character lines and short front and rear overhangs, the Civic Hatchback’s side profile is at once purposeful and powerful, sophisticated, sporty and innovative. Stainless steel side window trim (black on Sport trims) and the three alloy-wheel choices, from 16 to 18 inches in diameter – the largest ever available on a Civic (excluding Si models) – contribute to the substantial presentation.

In back, the Civic Hatchback uses its own interpretation of Honda’s characteristic LED “light pipe taillights, a substantial flush-mounted rear window, and a wind-cheating spoiler mounted just above the window. On the Sport Touring trim, an additional rear lip spoiler rides just above the tailgate. The piece de resistance for the Euro-inspired Civic Hatchback is the large tailgate, sized to allow easy loading of bikes and backpacks, sports and camping equipment, electronics, musical equipment and even certain appliances.

Body and Exterior Summary

All Models

• 61-percent high strength steel body structure (21-percent ultra-high strength steel)
• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke front frame design
• Class-leading aerodynamic performance
• Class-leading forward visibility
• Advanced Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) countermeasures
• Acoustic-glass, flush mounted windshield
• Sound-absorbing undercovers
• Projector-beam halogen headlights with auto-on/off
• LED daytime running lights (DRL)
• LED turn signals
• LED taillights
• Smart wipers
• 46.2 cu. ft. maximum cargo capacity*
• Capless fueling system
• Rear roofline spoiler

Sport

• Fog lights
• Aero kit
• Black side window trim
• Steering wheel-mounted Paddle Shifters (CVT only)

EX and EX-L Navi

• Fog lights
• Heated side mirrors
• Variable intermittent wipers
• One-touch power moonroof with tilt
• Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop
• Remote engine start

Sport Touring

• Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters
• LED headlights
• Auto High-Beam System (AHB)
• Fog lights
• Side mirror-mounted LED turn signals
• Heated side mirrors
• One-touch power moonroof with tilt
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Smart Entry and Push Button Start/Stop
• Remote engine start
• Aero kit
• Black side window trim

Key Chassis Features

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Dual Pinion, Variable Ratio Electric Power Steering (EPS)
• Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
• Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
• Front and rear stabilizer bars
• Fluid-filled suspension compliance bushings (standard front, available rear)
• Straight Driving Assist
• Agile Handling Assist
• Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold

Chassis Summary

All Models

• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Multi-link rear suspension
• Front and rear stabilizer bars
• Front fluid-filled suspension compliance bushings
• Power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes
• 4-channel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist
• Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD)
• Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control
• Agile Handling Assist
• Dual Pinion Variable Ratio Electric Power-Assisted Rack-and-Pinion Steering (EPS)
• Straight Driving Assist
• Electric Parking Brake (EPB) with Automatic Brake Hold
• Hill Start Assist
• Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

LX

• 16-in. alloy wheels
• P215/55R16 93H all-season tires

Sport

• 18-in. alloy wheels
• P235/40R18 91W all-season tires
• Front and rear fluid-filled suspension bushings

EX and EX-L Navi

• 17-in. alloy wheels
• P215/50R17 91H all-season tires
• Front and rear fluid-filled suspension bushings

Sport Touring

• LED headlights
• 18-in. alloy wheels
• P235/40R18 91W all-season tires
• Front and rear fluid-filled suspension bushings