Honda’s tenth-generation Civic has so far been a smash hit since its launch earlier this year, reaching Asian, European, North American, and yes, Australian markets to critical and customer praise. But that was the sedan, and the Japanese marque has been readying a sportier hatch version for some time and with little bashfulness.
The all-new Civic hatch will be arriving on Australian shores in early 2017, but now Honda has released some pictures of the final production-ready car. Last week, some photos of the car in-transit had popped up on the internet, likely sparking the earlier-than-planned release of these these three photos.
There’s not that much to dissect from these pictures, however, other than the fact that the production version looks strikingly similar to the Civic Hatch prototype that Honda had been peddling since 2015. And in terms of the Civic sedan, there isn’t much discernible difference other than the rear end and extended rear kink that extends from beneath the C-pillar.
There will likely be some tweaks to the suspension setup as the hatch is naturally positioned as the sportier of the two body styles. The 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and CVT drivetrain, however, is likely to be unaltered. The Civic hatch will also be offered locally with the older 1.8-litre naturally aspirated i-VTEC engine, just like the sedan that was launched in May.
“Like the Civic sedan, the Honda Civic Hatch, will be a very important car in the Honda line-up in Australia,” Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins said.
“In the small car segment in Australia, hatches reign so we expect the Honda Civic Hatch to be a relevant option for Honda customers looking for the versatility of a hatch but with the proven quality, style and performance of a Honda,” he continued.
The more exciting piece of news that does follow the Civic hatch’s local launch is the arrival of the Civic Type R hot hatch which is expected to have its launch date in close proximity of the four-door Civic hatch.
More information regarding the exact specifications and pricing tiers of the new Civic hatch will slowly be revealed as the car edges closer to its Australian launch.
For more on Honda vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
