Here's your first official look at the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback
Available with a single engine, the Civic Hatchback isn't an exact replica of the rest of Honda's Civic lineup.
When Honda announced the 10th-generation Civic, it promised that the US would receive three different variants of the car -- sedan, coupe and five-door hatchback. The first two are already on sale, but now it's time to feast your eyes upon the third.
Obviously, it looks a bit different. The hatch adds a larger rear windshield, with the taillights leading into a spoiler that crosses over the glass. Some folks will draw connections to the Crosstour, but I think it's a far more complete look that is much, much easier on the eyes.
Whereas the Civics coupe and sedan make do with two different engine options, the hatchback features just one -- a 1.5-liter, turbocharged inline-four. In LX, EX and EX-L trims, it will put out 174 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. In the Sport and all-new Sport Touring trims, output jumps to 180 hp and 162 torques. All trims can option a continuously variable transmission, but LX, EX and Sport trims can also wield a six-speed manual.
Sport Touring will make a number of optional technologies standard, including Honda Sensing, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED headlights and heated rear seats. Sport Touring also adds a center-mounted exhaust. Honda Sensing is available on most trims, and includes autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
I've saved the best tidbit for last. This five-door hatch will serve as the basis for the first Civic Type-R to come to the US, which will happen in 2017. The standard, non-Type-R hatch will arrive at US dealerships this fall.