Honda has pulled the covers off its new-generation Civic hatchback, following the reveal of the sedan version earlier this year. While it’s not yet certain whether the new Honda Civic hatchback will make it to South Africa, we are likely to see the new, and yet to be revealed, Type R.
Distinguishing the new Civic hatchback from its more conservative sedan sibling is a distinctive mesh grille design, and unique taillights that span the width of the hatch, while the vehicle’s sloping roofline takes inspiration from European ‘sportbacks’, Honda says.
Beneath the skin is an enhanced structure, where torsional rigidity has been improved by 19 percent, and Honda says that noise, vibration and harshness levels have been reduced too.
Honda mentions two petrol engine options, depending on the market, and a hybrid is expected to join the line-up at a later stage. For now buyers can choose between a normally aspirated 2-litre engine that produces 118 kW and an uprated 1,5-litre turbopetrol that’s good for 134 kW.
Like the new sedan, the Civic hatchback has a minimalist looking cabin created around Honda’s new “human centred” design philosophy and the company says it has also lifted the ambience with “class above” materials. It’s more spacious too, with Honda claiming a 3,5 cm improvement in rear legroom. Driver assist features include the updated single-camera Honda Sensing system, with Traffic Jam Assist and Low Speed Braking Control.