Honda Civic Hatchback

The Honda Civic hatchback has evolved aesthetically over its long run from a mundane hatch to a quirky model with clever design elements working in its favour. While it has grown bigger, changes are evident on the mechanical front, as it gets a powerful engine under the bonnet. The current generation Civic hatchback is offered in VTi, 50 Years Edition, Luxe+, VTi-S, VTi-L, RS and VTi-LX variants with prices falling in the vicinity of $24,990 to $37, 064. Priced slightly more than the base VTi is the 50 Years Edition grade at $26,490 followed by Luxe+ at $ 29,990. The VTi-S and VTi-L are available for $27,738 and $31,090 respectively, while the RS trim, positioned just below the top-spec VTi-LX is offered at $ 35, 725 (all prices MSRP). 

 On the styling front, the existing Honda Civic has a strong resemblance to its sedan version, which is currently in its 10th generation. The UK sourced Civic hatchback sold previously had almost nothing in common with the Thai-sourced sedan. While the existing versions of both Civic hatchback and sedan share copiously, some differences set them apart. That said, the design of the front grille varies a bit. The hatchback gets an additional spoiler at the rear, placed right above the rear window. Besides, both the models are available with slightly different exterior colour options. 

 Elements such as low slung bonnet, sculpted fog lamp housings doubling as side skirts with an inset mesh grille, black radiator grille and sharp swooping headlamps incorporate a sports car look to the hatchback. The sides are reminiscent of the sedan version with chunky wheels tucked under the meaty arches. A prominent spoiler at the rear is another additional bit missing in the sedan. 

 As you step inside, you are greeted by a fairly spacious cabin done with top quality materials. The rear also offers generous space to the occupants, and there is enough storage room for keeping luggage, which expands further by folding the rear seats completely. In a bid to enhance the driving experience, Honda has integrated plethora of new-age connectivity tech in tandem with rivals including an infotainment system with a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Besides, it comes with voice control, engine start-stop, driver interface, leather-appointed seats, heated front seats, 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, etc. depending on the variant one picks. 

The Honda Civic hatchback mechanicals comprise of a 1.8-litre SOHC i-VTEC in-line, 4-cylinder engine tuned to put out a maximum power of 104 kW at 6,500 rpm along with 174 Nm of peak torque at 4,300 rpm. This unit powers the lower trims only, while the higher variants are equipped with a 1.5-litre engine good for 127 kW between 1700 to 5500 rpm. Torque figures are also higher compared to the 1.8-litre unit at 220 Nm between 1700 to 5500 rpm. A CVT automatic gearbox is standard across line-up with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel. Coming from Honda stables, Civic hatchback packs a bunch of safety tech such as walk away door locking, multiple SRS airbags, ISOFIX anchorage points, ABS, EBD, BA, ESS, Honda Sensing, and a bunch of others.