The New Civic hatchback is nothing like we have even seen here in North America. Built in England,Honda decided for the 2017 model year to bring the model into the marketplace and it is hands down the best Civic I have ever driven. With some of the most dramatic styling ever on a Civic complete with a great chassis and powertrain it is a game changer for Honda. In my opinion perhaps worthy of new model name.
Honda stretched the wheelbase of the Civic’s new platform to 106.3 inches and created not just a more spacious package with 97.2 cubic feet of passenger volume, but also a more poised platform for serious driving. And it delivers a new kind of Honda performance with a 180-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged engine
Just one year after introducing the all-new 10th-generation Civic sedan and coupe, Honda introduces the new hatchback a new turbo power plant which is available with a manual transmission for enthusiast drivers
Whether you’re a student looking for an inexpensive, efficient and reliable commuter car or an enthusiast seeking a turbocharged manual gearbox equiped commuter car
The Civics CVT (continuously variable transmission) is among the best at mimicking a traditional one. A standard Civic can’t quite match a Mazda3 in cornering dynamics, but it’s still among the best in its class, as is its steering feel.
This suite of safety features and driving aids includes adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, road-departure mitigation, forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist and the Collision Mitigation Braking System, which can automatically apply the brakes if a frontal collision appears imminent.
This latest-generation Civic is longer than the previous model, and it now boasts some of the best interior volume among compact cars, an interior enveloped in premium materials and top-notch plastics. The available navigation system runs through a large, easy-to-read screen, which also serves as the control center for audio, CarPlay and climate control. Rear-seat legroom is impressive in the sedan, but beware of the wide sills when entering and exiting. The all new Civic hatchback which is configuration we haven’t seen in nearly two decades for the U.S. market and it features a unique rear styling treatment. It also stands out with a high-mounted spoiler and gaping fake vents on each side of the rear bumper. Sport and Sport Touring hatchbacks also come complete with center-mounted dual-exhaust outlets.
All 2017 Civics remain front-wheel drive and use regular unleaded gasoline. In the near future the lineup will offer performance variants with a return of the Civic Si and a Civic Type R ( long forbidden in the U.S until now,).
My loaded Grand Touring Hatchback had a 1.5 liter four cylinder engine with the great CVT putting out 180 horsepower and 167 lb-ft of torque.
Fuel economy is rated at 30 Mpg city and 36 Mpg highway. My test vehicle drew admiring stares all over greater Orlando with most never in their wildest dreams thinking it was Civic Hatchback. My loaded Sport Touring model came to non Civic like price of $29, 175 but worth every penny. Recently awarded an Automobile Magazine All Star Award for 217 and a Motor Week TV Drivers choice award for this year as well. The Civic has won its share of awards and I personally would recommend this new Civic hatchback to anyone looking for a practical small car.
The Long Drive Rankings
Front Engine-FWD CVT speed automatic
Highlights
Styling
resale value
Turbo engine
Chassis set up
Loaded with creature comforts, safety features and infotainment
All Arond Comfort
Lowlights
Pricey for a Civis in fully loaded Hatchback Sport Touring Trim
The Long Drive Rankings 1 Low 10 High
Exterior Styling 8
Interior styling and quality 8
Handling 7
Braking 7
Fuel Economy 9
Performance 8
Trunk-Cargo Capacity 9
Audio System 8
Value 9