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2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Review: First Drive

Honda Civic Hatchback Review: Sporty Performance Meets Practical Design | MotorVero

Honda Civic Hatchback: The Perfect Blend of Sportiness and Practicality

Honda Civic Hatchback


The automotive world witnessed a significant evolution when Honda expanded its Civic lineup with the hatchback variant, complementing the existing sedan and coupe models. This strategic move created a trifecta of options that cater to diverse driver preferences while maintaining the Civic's reputation for reliability and performance.

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Why the Civic Hatchback Stands Out

While sharing DNA with its sedan counterpart, the Civic hatchback distinguishes itself through several key enhancements:

  • Expanded cargo versatility with 25.7 cubic feet of storage (46.2 with seats folded)
  • Exclusive Sport and Sport Touring trims with performance-oriented features
  • Standard turbocharged power across all configurations
  • Distinctive styling with a shorter rear overhang and aggressive design elements
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Exterior Design: Form Meets Function

 Civic Sport trim

The Civic hatchback's most obvious departure from the sedan is its rear hatch design, which provides both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. The 4.4-inch shorter rear overhang creates a more compact visual profile while improving maneuverability in tight spaces.

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Signature Styling Elements

Honda designers incorporated several distinctive features:

  • Black honeycomb-patterned front and rear accents (a love-it-or-hate-it design choice)
  • Elimination of the chrome grille strip found on other Civic models
  • Sport trims feature a center-mounted dual exhaust system
  • Exclusive Sonic Gray Pearl paint option with matte-like finish
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Performance and Driving Dynamics

Unlike the sedan and coupe which offer a base 2.0L engine, the hatchback comes exclusively with Honda's acclaimed 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant. This strategic decision positions the hatchback as the performance-oriented option in the Civic family.

Engine Specifications by Trim

LX/EX/EX-L Navi

  • 174 horsepower
  • 162 lb-ft torque (CVT)
  • 167 lb-ft torque (manual)
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Sport/Sport Touring

  • 180 horsepower
  • 177 lb-ft torque (manual)
  • Premium fuel recommended
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Despite the power differences, all variants deliver the responsive handling and precise steering that have become Civic hallmarks. The torque increase in Sport models is noticeable during aggressive acceleration but doesn't fundamentally alter the driving experience for daily commuting.

Fuel Efficiency: What to Expect

The hatchback's fuel economy figures demonstrate the efficiency of Honda's small-displacement turbo technology:

Configuration City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG
LX/Sport (manual) 30 39 33
LX/EX/EX-L (CVT) 31 40 34
Sport/Sport Touring (CVT) 30 36 32

While the Sport and Sport Touring trims see a slight efficiency penalty compared to other hatchback variants, they still compare favorably against competitors in the hot hatch segment. The premium fuel recommendation adds approximately $250 annually to operating costs compared to regular-fuel models.

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Cargo and Interior Practicality

 turbocharged Civic

The hatchback configuration transforms the Civic's utility, offering:

  • 70% more cargo volume than the sedan (25.7 vs. 15.1 cubic feet)
  • Generous hatch opening for easy loading of bulky items
  • Innovative two-piece cargo cover that maximizes space when seats are folded
  • 46.2 cubic feet of total storage with rear seats down
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This practical advantage makes the hatchback particularly appealing for active lifestyles, pet owners, and anyone who regularly transports large items. The design eliminates the trunk-opening limitations of traditional sedans while maintaining a sporty profile.

Trim Level Breakdown and Value Proposition

The Civic hatchback offers five distinct trim levels, each catering to different priorities and budgets:

LX ($20,535)

Entry model with manual transmission option

Sport ($22,135)

Performance styling with manual or CVT

EX ($23,335)

Adds tech features and CVT only

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EX-L Navi ($25,535)

Premium features with leather interior

Sport Touring ($29,135)

Fully loaded performance variant

Key Considerations When Choosing a Trim

The Sport trim's aggressive styling comes with some compromises. Based on the LX rather than the EX, it lacks:

  • 7-inch touchscreen display
  • Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
  • Honda Sensing safety suite

These features only become available in the significantly more expensive Sport Touring trim. Buyers must prioritize between aesthetic appeal and technological convenience.

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Final Verdict: Who Should Choose the Hatchback?

The Civic hatchback justifies its $960 premium over the sedan through:

  • Superior cargo flexibility
  • Standard turbocharged performance
  • Distinctive styling options

While the Sport and Sport Touring trims deliver visual excitement, their value proposition depends largely on how much buyers prioritize the aggressive styling over feature content. The hatchback ultimately succeeds by expanding the Civic's appeal without compromising the qualities that made the sedan so popular.

--SIXTH CAR LIST HERE--

Ideal Buyers for the Civic Hatchback

  • Urban dwellers needing compact dimensions with cargo versatility
  • Performance enthusiasts wanting turbo power in a practical package
  • Active lifestyle owners who regularly transport gear
  • Tech-focused buyers who opt for EX-L or Sport Touring trims
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Last Updated On Sep, 08-2025

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