2017 Honda Civic Hatchback

The all-new redesigned "Civic hatchback" features a standard 1.5L I-4 DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged with powerful acceleration in the segment. The Japanese manufacturer has added aggressive styling on exteriors, new LED headlights, new decent quality interiors and a good amount of cargo space in the latest Civic. New performance-focused models i.e. Civic Si and Civic Type R are also added with a massive turbocharged power of over 300 hp.

Starting at a price of $19,700, Honda Civic Hatchback features five trims options with "Manual and CVT" transmission options. (The CVT transmission trim is priced $800 higher than the "Manual" option). The major competitors of "2017 Honda Civic Hatchback" include "Ford Focus SE Hatchback", "Mini Hardtop 4 door cooper", and "Fiat 500L pop". Let's find out, how does it compete with its rivals in different segments?

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback features five trims named as "LX", "EX", "EX-L", "Sport", and "Sport Touring". The base trim costs $19,700 and tops up to $28,300 for the Sport touring trim. The main highlights of the standard "LX" trim include a 1.5L I4 DOHC engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED Daytime running lights, split-folding rear seats automatic climate control system, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, Rear window wiper/washer with heated wiper zone, 5-inch infotainment system, and Body-colored rear roofline spoiler on the board.

The "EX" trim offers additional features including multi-angle rearview camera, Honda LaneWatch, Heated front seats, and side mirror, Fog lights, One-touch power moonroof, Smart Entry with push-button start, Dual-zone automatic climate control system and an additional 7-inch Display Audio with a touch-screen.

The EX-L trim features upgraded Driver' s seat with 8-way power adjustment, Automatic-dimming rearview mirror, leather-trimmed seats, and leather-wrapped steering and shift knob, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Trim	LX	EX	EX-L	Sport	Sport touring
MSRP   (Manual)	$19,700	N/A	N/A	$21,300	N/A
MSRP   (CVT)	$20,500	$22,800	N/A	$22,100	$28,300
MSRP   (w/Honda sensing)	$21,500	$23,800	$23,800	N/A	N/A
MSRP   (w/navigation)	N/A	N/A	$23,800	N/A	N/A
Key   Features	Multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) One-touch turn indicators Projector-beam halogen headlights with auto-on/off Rear window wiper/washer with heated wiper zone Body-colored rear roofline spoiler Fin-type roof-mounted antenna Automatic climate control system Power windows with auto-up/down driver' s and front passenger' s windows	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 USB Audio Interface13 (front and center console) 7-inch Display Audio with electrostatic touch-screen SiriusXM Radio HD Radio	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 SystemTM with voice recognition and Honda HD Digital Traffic Dual-zone automatic climate control system USB Audio Interface13 (front and center console) 7-inch Display Audio with electrostatic touch-screen SiriusXM Radio HD Radio	Underbody spoiler kit Center outlet dual exhaust system Fog lights Textured aluminum pedals Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob (Honda Sensing suite not available on Sport) LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) One-touch turn indicators Projector-beam halogen headlights with auto-on/off Rear window wiper/washer with heated wiper zone 7-inch Display Audio with electrostatic touch-screen SiriusXM Radio HD Radio	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 Standard Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive features

The uppermost "Sport" and "Sport Touring" trims feature Center outlet dual exhaust system, Fog lights, Textured aluminum pedals, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), One-touch turn indicators, Projector-beam halogen headlights with auto-on/off, Rear window wiper/washer with heated wiper zone on the board. The uppermost "Sport Touring" is also equipped with Rain-sensing windshield wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels, heated rear seats, Front passenger's seat with 4-way adjustments, Honda sensing suite (additional safety and driver-assist features), and an upgraded 12-speaker audio system.

We recommend you to opt for the uppermost "Sport Touring" trim as it offers a bunch of additional safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure intervention, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.

"...Still, the turbocharged four-cylinder is worth a look. It provides even better acceleration for a more enjoyable drive. If that isn’t enough for you, each body style has a performance-oriented model. For those looking for a sporty ride, there’s the 205-horsepower Si sedan and Si coupe, and the Type R Civic hatchback ups the ante with 306 horsepower."-Cars.USnews

Engine and Transmission

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback is equipped with a powerful turbocharged 1.5L I4 DOHC 16-valve engine which produces competent power and torque counts in the entry-level hatchback segment. The power count for the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback counts at 174hp @5500 rpm which is best among competitors. On the other hand, competitors including Ford Focus SE Hatchback, Mini Hardtop 4 door cooper, and Fiat 500L pop are offering power counts of 160 hp @6500 rpm [email protected] rpm and 160 hp @5500 rpm respectively.

Models	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Fiat 500L pop	Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper
MSRP	$19,700	$19,765	$20,995	$21,950
Engine	1.5L I-4 DOHC 16-Valve Turbocharged	2.0L I-4 GDI Ti-VCT	Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded I-4 1.4 L/83	TwinPower Turbo, 1.5-liter, inline 3-cylinder direct-injection
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-Speed Automatic	6-speed Automatic	6-speed manual
Horsepower	174 hp @ 5500 rpm	160 hp @ 6500 rpm	160 hp @ 5500 rpm	134 hp @ 4400 rpm
Torque	167 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm	146 lb-ft @ 4450 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 2500 rpm	162 lb-ft @ 1250 rpm

Torque figure for the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback stands at 167 lb-ft @1800 rpm which is average for an entry-level hatchback. Rivals like Fiat 500L pop, Mimi Hardtop 4 Door cooper and Ford Focus SE are offering torque counts of 184 lb.-ft @4450 rpm, 162 lb-ft @1250 rpm, and 184 lb-ft @2500 rpm respectively. At last, 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback is up to date with a turbocharged engine; the hatchback is giving a tough competition to its rivals in engine segment.

Acceleration

The 1.5L Turbocharged engine in the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback throws brisk acceleration in the segment. The hatchback takes just 7.0 in boosting from 0-60 mph from still which is impressive for a $20k hatchback. Honda has equipped its all new facelifted "2017 Civic Hatchback" with best in class acceleration performance which is impressive. The quarter-mile results are again impressive for the Civic as it takes just 15.2 seconds in measuring a quarter-mile distance.

Models	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Fiat 500L pop	Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper
0-60 MPH	7.0 sec	7.6 sec	8.0 sec	7.7 sec
Quarter mile	15.2 sec	16.2 sec	16.2 sec	NA
Engine	1.5L	2.0L	1.4L	1.5L
Emission   (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	5.4	5.7	7.1	5.5

The competitors like Ford Focus SE Hatchback, Fiat 500L pop, and Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper take 7.6, 8.0, and 7.7 seconds respectively in the 0-60 acceleration test. The competent DOHC engine in the "2017 Civic Hatchback" is the Eco-friendlier engine in the segment with CO2 emission of just 5.4 Tons/yr. At last, the all-new 2017 Civic is performing above our expectations in the acceleration segment with its best in class scores.

Riding and handling

The 1.6L turbocharged engine throws best-in-class acceleration as you paddle the accelerator. The power and torque produced by the engine are better than other low powered hatchbacks in the segment. Though the CVT transmission is a bit clumsy, the handling and steering are really nice. The steering is firm and slightly heavy; it offers a decent confidence and firm grip through the ride also even sudden turns.

The seating and comfort have improved in the latest facelifted "2017 Honda Civic Hatchback". The seats are very comfortable though power and heating options are available in upper trims only. The ride quality is decent, and the car handles rugged roads nicely. The improvements are most appreciated, and the latest "Civic" is one of the toughest contenders in the current entry-level hatchback segment.

Braking

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback is equipped with medium-sized braking pads of 11.1 and 10.2 inches for the front and rear respectively. The braking system is powerful as the hatchback covers just 117 feet while decelerating from 60 mph to standstill. The upper trims of "2017 Civic Hatchback" offer advanced braking features including Automatic braking system along with texture aluminum pedals on the board.

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Fiat 500L pop	Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper
Brake Front (in.)	11.1	10.9	12.0	11.0
Brake Rear (in.)	10.2	9.0	10.4	10.2
Curb Weight (lbs.)	2,815	2,948	3,254	2,750
60-0 MPH (ft.)	117	120	119	116

Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper features slightly better best-in-class braking performance as it just slides 116 feet in the 0-60 mph deceleration test. The 0-60 deceleration results for Ford Focus SE Hatchback and Fiat 500L pop are 120 and 119 feet respectively which is average for the segment. At last, Honda Civic Hatchback excels in the braking segment with its powerful braking tech.

For most of the buyers, fuel economy is an important factor while considering a $20K hatchback. The 2017 Honda Civic has something more than impressive to throw in the fuel-efficiency segment. The car features best-in-class fuel economy among competitors, as it offers a fuel-economy of 30 and 39 mpg on cityroads and highways respectively.

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Fiat 500L pop	Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper
MPG (city)	30	26	22	28
MPG (highway)	39	38	30	37
MPG (combined)	33	31	25	32

The combined fuel economy for 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback stands at 33 MPG which is better than most of the rivals including 31 mpg of the popular Ford Focus SE Hatchback. Other rivals including Fiat 500L pop and Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper feature fuel combined economies of 25 and 32 respectively. At last, Honda Civic Hatchback's best-in-class fuel-efficiency makes it the winner in the fuel economy segment.

"Complementing the bold exterior, the Civic Hatchback has the same basic cabin treatment found in its Coupe and Sedan Siblings. It’s impressively roomy with Honda noting these 5-door models have the best-in-class rear-seat legroom (36.0-inches) as well as the largest cargo bay spec of 25.7 cu ft with the rear seat up."-KelleyBlueBook

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback has a seating capacity of five with best-in-class passenger volume in the segment. The interiors are decent looking and spacious. The material quality has significantly improved from previous generation Civic models. The front seats are very comfortable with ample space for the driver and passenger.

The rear seats are surprisingly spacious and comfortable for the segment as other hatchbacks are not that spacious and convenient. The infotainment display is easily accessible but it's not convenient as there are no manual buttons for basic operations like volume control. A bigger infotainment display and 12-speaker set up is available in the upper trims.

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Fiat 500L pop	Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	39.3/57.0/42.3	38.3/55.6/41.9	40.7/57.3/40	39.9/51.2/41.4
Second   (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	37.4/55.0/36.0	37.9/53.7/33.2	38.7/54.6/36.7	37.5/49.6/32.3

There is a 5-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the base trim of the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback. The infotainment system is clumsy and icons are tricky. Lack of physical buttons worsens the experience but the sound output is decent. The connectivity features include Aux, USB, Android Auto smartphone integration and Apple CarPlay on the board. The upper trims feature a larger 7-inch infotainment system with an enhanced sound system and better connectivity options including SiriusXM Radio.

Cargo capacity

Civic Hatchback is equipped with best-in-class boot space of 25.7 cubic feet. The foldable rear seat also helps to increase the rear boot space.

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Fiat 500L pop	Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper
Cargo Volume rear seat up (ft.3)	25.7	23.8	22.4	13.1
Cargo Volume rear seat folded (ft.3)	46.2	44.8	68.0	40.7

On the other hand, competitors like Ford Focus SE Hatchback, Fiat 500L and Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper feature boot capacities of 23.8, 22.4, and 23.1 ft. cube respectively. The Fiat 500L features a massive storage capacity of 68 ft. cube after folding the second row. 

"The fresh Civic hatchback -- a configuration we haven't seen in nearly two decades for the U.S. market -- features a nubbed tail and rather bulbous rear end. It also stands out with a high-mounted spoiler and gaping fake vents on each side of the 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

Dimension and Weight

The Japanese manufacturer has chosen sportier and stylish exterior design for its latest hatchback. The exteriors styling is aggressive. The main highlights of the exteriors include 16" alloy wheels, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Aggressive projector-beam halogen headlights, body-colored rear roofline spoiler, Fin-type roof-mounted antenna and a moonroof (on upper trims) on the board. The dimensions of the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback measure 177.9, 70.8, and 56.5 for length, width, and height respectively.

Model	Honda Civic Hatchback (LX)	Ford Focus SE Hatchback	Fiat 500L pop	Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper
Curb weight (lbs.)	2,815	2,948	3,254	2,750
Length(in)	177.9	171.6	167.3	157.4
Width(in)	70.8	71.8	69.8	68.0
Height(in)	56.5	57.7	65.7	56.1
Ground clearance (in)	5.1	4.7	4.7	5.7
Wheelbase (in)	106.3	104.3	102.8	101.1
Track width (in) F/R	60.9/61.5	61.2/60.4	59.1/59.4	59.1/59.1

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback offers a decent ground clearance of 5.1 inches while the competitors like Ford Focus SE Hatchback, Fiat 500L pop, and Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper feature ground clearances of 4.7, 4.7 and 5.7 inches respectively. The latest Japanese hatchback features the largest wheelbase of 106.3 inches among the competitors. The track width (F/R) for the Civic Hatch measures at 60.9/61.5 inches.

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback offers decent safety features including VSA Electronic Stability Control, Side impact beams, Low Tire Pressure Warning system, ABS and Driveline Traction Control on the board. LATCH, Child safety seat locks are standard in the 2017 Civic Hatchback. For a safe parking experience, 2017 Civic Hatchback offers a rearview camera on the standard trim as well while the upper trims feature multi-angle rearview camera with dynamic guidelines.

Safety Features
VSA Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags
ABS And Driveline Traction Control
Side Impact Beams
Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags
Low Tire Pressure Warning
Airbag Occupancy Sensor
Rear Child Safety Locks

For driver and passengers' safety there are "Driver and passenger dual-stage front airbags" along with airbag occupancy sensor on the board. Dual Stage Driver and Passenger Seat-Mounted Side Airbags are also standard in 2017 Civic Hatchback. The uppermost "Safety Touring" trim offer additional safety features including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane departure intervention, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The entry-level hatchback shows impressive results in the NHTSA and IIHS Rating but the headlights are rated as poor in the "IIHS Ratings".

IIHS Rating

Category	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

NHTSA Rating

Category	NHTSA Ratings
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

Ford Focus SE Hatchback vs Honda Civic Hatchback

The 1.5L Turbocharged engine in the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback offers better power and torque counts along with better acceleration when compared with Ford Focus SE Hatchback. Civic also excels in segments including cargo capacity, interiors, fuel-efficiency, ground clearance, and braking while the Focus SE excels in infotainment system and transmission.

Fiat 500L Pop vs Honda Civic Hatchback

Though the torque figure is higher for the Fiat 500L Pop, Honda Civic offers better acceleration than the Fiat 500L. 2017 Honda Civic outshines the Fiat 500L in segments like braking, ground clearance, fuel-efficiency, and cargo capacity. On the other hand, Fiat 500L excels in interiors, infotainment system, and transmission.

Mini Hardtop 4 Door Cooper vs Honda Civic Hatchback

Mini Hardtop offers the toughest competition to the Civic Hatchback with its sturdy build quality and decent performance level for the segment. The Mini Hardtop excels in segments including braking, ground clearance, suspension, and infotainment system. On the other hand, 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback offers better engine, powerful acceleration, better cargo capacity and fuel economy, and spacious interiors.

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback marks an impressive comeback of the Japanese manufacturer in the entry-level hatchback segment. The all-new redesigned Civic is more powerful, spacious, comfortable, convenient and capable than previous generation. The main highlights of the hatchback are its best-in-class acceleration, cargo capacity, fuel-efficiency, and spacious interiors, though it lags in infotainment and transmission segments.