The third and final bodystyle for Honda’s 10th-generation Civic range, the Civic Hatchback, was previewed in prototype form earlier this month at 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
On the eve of this week’s 2016 New York Auto Show, Honda confirmed some specifications for the production model.
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The new Civic Hatchback will go on sale later this year, as a 2017 model, and will initially be offered with only one engine option. That option will be the turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder already found in the latest versions of the Civic Sedan and Civic Coupe, where it delivers 174 horsepower. But in the Civic Hatchback, the engine will be paired as standard with a 6-speed manual. In the other models it’s hooked up with a CVT which Honda will offer as an option in the hatch.
2018 Honda Civic Type R spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Unfortunately, Honda isn’t showing the 2017 Civic Hatchback in production guise just yet. Instead, we’re being treated in New York with the prototype. It previews the design we can expect, albeit a somewhat amped-up version of the design. It’s possible the distinct elements such as the aggressive front bumper, center-mounted exhaust tips and oversized wheels reflect the look pegged for the new generation of the Civic Type R.
The new Civic Type R has already been spotted in the wild. The engine in this car is expected to be a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that matches the 305 hp that the outgoing Civic Type R produces. Honda confirmed that the new Civic Type R together with a new Civic Si will arrive on the market next year.
For more from the New York Auto Show, head to our dedicated hub.