2018 Honda Civic Hatchback

The engine one offer is the 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder unit that is available in two tunes. The base LX and the mid-table EX and EX-L trims feature the 174 hp tune while the performance-oriented Sport and range-topping Sport Touring features the 180 hp tune. The gearbox on duty on the base LX and Sport trims is a 6-speed manual while a CVT is also offered as an optional extra. The auto box comes standard on the EX, EX-L and Sport Touring variants.

The Honda Civic Hatchback is available in a total of 5 trims. The LX features the standard 174 hp 1.5 L turbo engine with both 6-speed manual and CVT automatic transmission on offer. The mid-spec EX and EX-L Navi variants are available with the same engine but in only CVT guises.

Trims	LX	Sport	EX	EX-L Navi	Sport Touring
MSRP	$20,150	$21,750	$23,250	$25,750	$28,750
Features	Front passenger’s windows Tilt and telescopic steering column Capless fuel filler 5-inch color LCD screen Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and streaming audio USB Audio Interface (front)	Sport adds to or replaces LX features 18-inch alloy wheels Underbody spoiler kit Center outlet dual exhaust system Fog lights Textured aluminum pedals Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob	EX adds to or replaces LX features Remote engine start Standard (CVT) 17-inch alloy wheels Multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines Honda LaneWatch Heated front seats and side mirrors Fog lights One-touch power moonroof with tilt feature Smart Entry with push-button start Dual-zone automatic climate control system	EX-L Navi adds to or replaces EX features Automatic-dimming rearview mirror Driver’s seat with 8-way power adjustment Leather-trimmed seats Leather-wrapped steering wheel Leather-wrapped shift knob Honda Satellite-Linked Navigation System with voice recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic	Adds to or replaces EX-L Navi features 18-inch alloy wheels Side mirrors with integrated LED turn indicators Underbody spoiler kit Center outlet dual exhaust system Rain-sensing windshield wipers LED headlights (low & high beam) with auto-on/off Textured aluminum pedals Heated outboard rear seats Front passenger’s seat with 4-way power adjustment 540-watt premium audio system with 12 speakers, including subwoofer

The performance-oriented sport trim features the 1.5 turbo engine in a 180 hp tune. Both manual and automatic gearboxes are on offer. The range-topping Sport Touring trim features the same engine and tune but comes only with a CVT.

"The Civic offers two four-cylinder engines, one turbocharged and one not. Both are excellent; the turbo, in particular, is swift and parsimonious with fuel. Nor can you go wrong with either of the two available transmissions: a slick-shifting six-speed manual or one of the best CVTs in the business"- Caranddriver.com

Engine and Transmission

The engine that does duty on the Civic hatchback is a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder motor that is available in a 174 hp and 180 hp tune. Both 6-speed manual and CVT gearboxes can be availed depending on the chosen trim.  The engine produces respectable power on a tap of the pedal. Both the gearboxes set benchmarks in their respective segments by providing accurate shifts.

Models	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Volkswagen Golf (S)	Kia Forte5 (LX)	Mazda 3 (Sport)
MSRP	$20,150	$20,910	$18,300	$18,095
Engine	1.5L I-4 DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged	1.8L TSI DOHC 16V Turbocharged 4-cyl	2.0L, DOHC, 16-valve I-4	2.0L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder
Transmission	6-speed manual	5-Speed manual	6-Speed Automatic	6-speed manual
Power	174 hp	170 hp	164 hp	155 hp
Torque	167 lb-ft	184 lb-ft	151 lb-ft	150 lb-ft

The Civic Hatchback is actually one of the better-powered hatchbacks in the segment. It overpowers all its competitors both engine wise and transmission wise.

Acceleration

Owing to its lightweight built and a powerful engine, Civic's acceleration is bound to make you smile from ear to ear. The car builds up power linearly and darts forward as soon as the turbo is spooled up.

Models	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Volkswagen Golf (S)	Kia Forte5 (LX)	Mazda 3 (Sport)
0-60 MPH	7.5 sec	6.7 sec	6.9 sec	7.6 sec
Quarter mile	15.5 sec	15.3 sec	15.2 sec	16.0 sec
Engine	1.5L i-4	1.8L i-4	2.0L i-4	2.0L i-4
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	5.3	6.1	6.3	5.6

In comparison with its rivals, the Mazda 3 is actually the slowest to 60 mph at 7.5 seconds. Mazda is followed by the Honda Civic at 7.6 seconds. The VW Golf takes the chequered flag with the segment-leading time of 6.7 seconds while the Kia Forte follows closely at 6.9 seconds.

Ride and Handling

Honda Civic Hatchback has always been a breeze to drive due to its easy-going nature and beautifully balanced chassis. The car has the ability to munch miles on the freeway without stressing the driver. But, floor the pedal and the car comes out of its disguise. The steering response is sharp and allows the driver to enjoy the drive.

Brakes

Honda Civic Hatchback features a stout braking system that provides all the required stopping power in a predictable manner. 60-0 mph is achieved within  115 feet. These stats are shared by the Kia Forte5 which manages to stop within the same distance.  The VW Golf and Mazda 3 lag behind in terms of stopping power.

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Volkswagen Golf (S)	Kia Forte5 (LX)	Mazda 3 (Sport)
Brake Front(in)	11.1	11.3	11.0	11.0
Brake Rear(in)	10.2	10.7	10.3	10.4
Curb weight(lbs)	2822	2963	2928	2899
60-0 MPH (ft.)	115	117	115	120

"Honda proves that power and fuel efficiency need not be mutually exclusive. Both Civic four-cylinders sip fuel as if it were fifty-bucks-a-snifter brandy, but, interestingly, the more powerful turbocharged engine manages to return slightly better fuel economy than the base 2.0-liter found in lower-level Civic sedans and coupes."- Caranddriver.com

Civic has forever been known to be a frugal hatchback and the latest model follows the legacy. The fuel efficiency of 33 mpg (combined) allows the Civic to enjoy the top position in the segment.

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Volkswagen Golf (S)	Kia Forte5 (LX)	Mazda 3 (Sport)
mpg (city)	29	25	25	28
mpg (highway)	38	34	34	38
mpg (combined)	33	29	28	31

The Mazda 3 at 31 mpg (combined) falls second in line. The VW Golf and Kia Forte5 both return 29 and 28 mpg (combine) which puts them at the bottom end of the comparison.

"The Civic delivers a large, versatile cabin for both people and their things, with good rear legroom and clever storage solutions. The easy-to-use interior control layout is marred by terrible touch-sensitive audio volume and tuning controls and a poorly optimized touchscreen interface."- Edmunds.com

Seats and Comfort

Honda has cleverly managed the seating for the Civic Hatchback. Seats offer adequate bolstering without being too uptight. There is seating for 5 in the cabin but the available space can accommodate 4 adult passengers, comfortably.  

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Volkswagen Golf (S)	Kia Forte5 (LX)	Mazda 3 (Sport)
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume (ft cube)	97.2	N/A	98.2	96.3
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/57.0/42.3	38.4/55.9/41.2	39.4/56.1/42.2	38.6/57.2/42.2
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.4/55.0/36.0	38.1/53.9/35.6	38.7/54.9/35.9	37.6/54.4/35.8

In comparison with rivals, the Civic Hatchback offers one of the largest passenger volumes in the segment at 97.2 ft. cube. It is closely followed by the Mazda 3 at 96.3 ft.cube while the Kia Forte5 tops the list at 98.2 ft.cube. 

Infotainment System

A 5.0 inch LCD display is standard on the LX and Sport trims. The EX, EX-L, and Sport Touring trims feature a 7 inch LCD as standard with an optional 10 inch LCD available as well. The overall performance of the interface is frustrating.

The inputs take an eternity while the response times are even slower. The inclusion of modern connectivity like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay somehow manage to save the Civic from complete embarrassment.

Cargo capacity

Even due to the visually bootless body style, the Honda Civic Hatchback has one of the largest rear cargo space in the segment. There is also a panel that can be removed for more storage. The rear seats can be dropped down in a 60:40 split or completely to make extra space for the cargo.

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Volkswagen Golf (S)	Kia Forte5 (LX)	Mazda 3 (Sport)
Behind 2nd Row (ft.cube)	25.7	17.4	23.2	20.2
2nd Row Folded (ft.cube)	46.2	53.7	N/A	47.1

Space of 25.7 ft.cube behind the 2nd row on the Civic Hatchback makes it the segment leader. It is followed by the Kia Forte5 at 23.2 ft.cube. The Mazda 3 and VW Golf are some way off the segment leader.

" ...the Civic hatchback stands out with its bulbous rear end, high-mounted spoiler and the gaping fake vents on either side of its rear bumper. Sport and Sport Touring hatchbacks can be spied via their center-mounted dual-exhaust outlets, while the new Si boasts its own edgier exterior cosmetics."-KelleyBlueBook

Dimensions and Weight

Honda Civic Hatchback is arguably the lightest hatchback in the segment at 2822 lbs. Its sharp and peculiar body lines also make it one of the lengthiest from end to end. Honda offers a ground clearance of 5.1 inches.

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Volkswagen Golf (S)	Kia Forte5 (LX)	Mazda 3 (Sport)
curb weight(lbs)	2822	2963	2928	2899
Length(in)	177.9	167.5	171.3	180.3
Width(in)	70.8	70.8	70.1	70.7
Height(in)	56.5	57.2	57.1	57.3
Ground clearance(in)	5.1	5.4	5.5	6.1
Wheelbase(in)	106.3	103.8	106.3	106.3
Track width(in) F/R	60.9/61.5	61.0/59.8	61.5/62.0	61.2/61.4

The VW Golf is the shortest while being the heaviest in the segment at 2963 lbs. The Kia Forte5 is second in terms of weight at 2928 lbs. Mazda 3 is the longest vehicle in the segment at 180.3 inches.

Honda has ensured that there is no compromise on the safety front on the Honda Civic hatchback as the car is a big seller. There are a lot of safety features available as standard and more reasonably priced features are offered as optional equipment. All major crash-testing agencies have approved the Civic Hatchback and have even given it 5 star or good rating in most of the segment barring the headlights segment where it has been rated as poor.

NHTSA Rating

Overall rating	5 star
Overall frontal barrier crash rating	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating driver	5 star
Overall side crash rating	5 star
Side barrier rating	5 star
Side pole rating driver front seat	5 star
Combined side rating rear seat	5 star
Rollover rating	5 star
Side barrier rating driver	5 star
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger	5 star
Combined side rating front seat	5 star
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat	5 star

IIHS Rating

Small overlap front driver side	Good
Small overlap front passenger side	Not rated
Moderate overlap front	Good
Side	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good
Front crash prevention	Superior
Headlights	Poor
Child seats anchors (LATCH)	Acceptable

Safety Features

2018 Honda Civic is offered with the following safety features.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ABS And Driveline Traction Control

Side Impact Beams

Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags

Rear Parking Sensors

Low Tire Pressure Warning

Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags

Curtain 1st And 2nd Row Airbags

Rear Child Safety Locks

Back-Up Camera

 

 

Honda Civic Hatchback vs. Volkswagen Golf

Golf has been a legendary car for Volkswagen in the same way as the Civic has been for Honda. They follow similar industry standards like dimensions, engine displacement, and power output.  However, in terms of acceleration, the VW beats the Civic by almost a second and the boot space after folding the 2nd row is better on the VW as well. In reply, the Civic offers better fuel economy and a much better passenger volume. So all in all, both these cars have their own positives and it’s for the buyer to decide what exactly they desire.

Honda Civic Hatchback vs. Kia Forte5

The Kia Forte5 hatchback is another car that competes with the Civic. The Kia offers better passenger volume and more space for the passengers. Bthe ut dashboard features a dull design which prefers form over function. Although optional extras are offered at a cheaper price point than the Civic. Still, active safety features such as automatic braking or adaptive cruise control are not available as standard or even as optional features.

The Civic offers a better dashboard design, fuel economy, more space in the boot and better driving dynamics which translates to a more fun vehicle. The Kia Forte5 is a worthy competitor but it falls short of the Civic which is clearly a better car in the segment.

Honda Civic Hatchback vs. Mazda 3

Mazda 3 is a sporty vehicle to drive but it fails to beat the Honda Civic in terms of utility. Honda Civic offers a better passenger volume, interior design, and better cargo space. 

The 2018 iteration of the Honda Civic Hatchback is everything one desires from a car in this segment. The fuel economy is unparalleled in the segment. The interior quality and ergonomics are spot on but there is room for improvement in terms of the MMI. There is enough space for the passengers both at the front and rear.

The boot space is a hefty 25.7 cubic feet even after the compromised rear design. All in all, the Civic is a marvelous vehicle that carries an even hefty legacy on its shoulders. Potential buyers will be wowed away by its boy racer charm and ease of driving and owning. Honda has managed to sync the car with the wants of today’s buyers and will most likely, continue to sell the car like hot cakes in the near future as well.