Hatchback Model Turns Heads and Manual Transmission Pleases Tuners

The 10th Generation Honda Civics continues to steam roll ahead on what has got to be the longest and most anticpated rollouts of any Honda or Acura we've seen. We welcome the new 1.5L turbo (1.5T) motor manual transmission option and hatchback model for the 2017 model year. The sporty / aggressive looks combined with versatility of 5 doors and the amazing 1.5T motor should make this new hatchback model a sales hit. Being that the hatchback is only available with the 1.5T motor, Honda seems to be positioning it as a slightly more premium model compared to the coupe and sedan. In any case, we would always recommend getting this new Civic with the 1.5T motor, since it has more power and better fuel economy than the 2.0L naturally aspirated motor.

The slick new 6 speed manual transmission option for the 1.5T motor is available on all door configurations (coupe, sedan, and hatchback), although not all trim levels can be ordered with it. For example, within the Civic Hatchback door configuration, only the LX and Sport trims feature the manual option. One reason why tuners are excited about this new manual transmission is that it will allow for more consistent dyno measurements, and it will also be capable of holding more torque than the CVT transmission. From what we've heard, this 6 speed manual transmission is very robust and most likely more capable than the previous 6 speeds found in larger K Series motors, like on the last generation Civic Si model. Also, fuel economy on this new 6 speed manual is virtually the same as with the CVT (automatic) transmission.

Built on the same world-class platform as the Civic Sedan and Coupe, the 2017 Civic Hatchback is available in five trims: LX, Sport, EX, EX-L Navi and a new line-topping Sport Touring version. As stated above, all trim levels are equipped with a 1.5-liter DOHC direct-injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine with peak outputs of 174 horsepower in LX, EX and EX-L Navi trims, and 180 horsepower in the Sport and Sport Touring trims which feature a dual-outlet center-mounted exhaust and are designed to benefit from premium unleaded fuel. The 2017 Civic Hatchback has a starting manufacturer's suggested retail price of $19,700 for the LX with 6 speed manual transmission. We think this is simply an amazing deal given the power, technology, fuel economy, and looks you get for the money.

You might be wondering how the Civic Hatchback Sport trims get their extra 6 horespower. Being that 91 octane fuel is recommended for the Sport and Sport Touring trim levels, we're guessing the ECU has been slightly recalibrated to take advantage of the higher octane fuel. It is possible the revised center exit exhaust also brings up power a bit. In any case, the new Hatchback model is a very welcome addition to the Civic lineup and it makes us that much more excited to see what the final Si and Type R models will be like!

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