We were treated with a preview of the hatchback in the form of a thinly-veiled “prototype” version unveiled last month at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and now we’ve spotted actual prototypes out testing in the wild.
Honda’s all-new, 10th-generation Civic is already on the market as a sedanand coupebut there’s a third bodystyle coming down the line: the hatchback.
2017 Honda Civic Hatchback prototype, 2016 Geneva Motor Show
Enlarge PhotoThe new hatchback will go on sale later this year, as a 2017 model, and will initially be offered with only one engine option. That option will be the turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder already found in the sedan and coupe, where it delivers 174 horsepower.
We’re glad to report that by the time the hatchback arrives, the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine will be available with a 6-speed manual across the range. Currently, it’s only available with a CVT.
2018 Honda Civic Type R spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Enlarge PhotoThat’s not all performance fans can look forward to. Honda is also working on a Si and Type R variants, the latter of which has been spied in prototype form. Both are expected to come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. This engine, already found in the outgoing Type Rproduces as much as 305 hp. Hopefully we’ll see a similar figure in the new one.
Both the Si and Type R variants are due next year.
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