Honda has simultaneously unveiled the new Civic hatchback in the USA and Japan. Similar to the new generation sedan, the Civic hatchback features a more matured, less dramatic styling.
The new Honda Civic hatchback is 4,530 mm long (30 mm longer) and 1,415 mm tall (5 mm lower) with an identical 2,735-mm wheelbase and 1.8-metre width as the new sedan.
Styling wise, the hatchback features a unique rear design with a more curvaceous LED lighting cluster and form a continuous look courtesy of the third brake lamp housed in between. The new composite tailgate is not only lighter but provides better rear headroom thanks to the relocated hinges. The boot is said to measure approximately 452 litres in space with marginal improvements over the previous model.
A cleaner looking rear bumper also houses the exhaust tips at the corners in the Civic Turbo hatchback, unlike the sedan.
In front, the central grille features a sportier honeycomb mesh design with a deeper profile. Engine and powertrain choices remain the same as the sedan- a turbocharged 1.5-litre or naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines paired to a CVT or six-speed manual transmission. The CVT has been given additional attention of refinement for better response to the driver’s inputs and commands.
In Japan and Europe, the Civic hatchback is also offered with the e:Hev dual-motor hybrid system, however, with undisclosed technical information.
The turbocharged 1.5-litre engine develops 180 hp and 240 Nm, while the 2.0-litre engine pushes out 158 hp and 187 Nm. Sport, Eco and normal drive modes are now accessed via a more user-friendly toggle switch.
Honda also promises that the new Civic hatchback will drive better and more comfortable for the occupants. The combination of a 19% stiffer bodyshell, suspension and steering upgrades result in a smoother, more linear and more precise feel in turns while a reduction in friction and improved bushings are key to reducing harsh road shocks.
Gone is the Jazz and in comes the City hatchback as the replacement. Find out more here!
Inside, the Civic hatchback also uses the same simplistic dashboard with a standing central display and metal honeycomb mesh trim that conceals the air-conditioning vents. In the models bound for Japan, the black interior with red highlights have similar vibes to the Honda City RS e:Hev.
Like the new Honda Civic sedan, the hatchback gets an updated Honda Sensing driver assistance system. The single-camera LaneWatch has been replaced with a conventional blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert system.
A new ‘False Start’ suppression function works in both directions, applying brakes if an obstacle is detected, thereby reducing the chance of collision during parking.
Similar to the fan-favourite FK8 Honda Civic Type R, the new Civic hatchback will form the basis of the high-performance front-wheel drive hot-hatch that still employs a slick-shifting manual transmission and is slated for production from 2022.
Although developed for Europe as their main market, the previous generation Honda Civic hatchback was also assembled in Thailand and sold there as well as Indonesia. Apart from the new Honda City sedan, the pace of new model introduction in Malaysia seems to require more time and resources than our neighbours so don’t expect the Civic hatchback in Malaysia so soon.
GALLERY
New 11th Gen Honda Civic Hatchback
New 11th Gen Honda Civic Sedan
