Honda has unveiled the 5-door sibling of the new 2022 Civic. The new hatchback configuration builds upon the design and technological ethos of the sedan, but is distinct by being more sporty and sleek.
The new Civic Hatchback has the same wheelbase as the sedan, but is 4.9-inches shorter thanks to the new design. It also has new taillights and the center stop lamp that runs the width of the rear door. Open it up and it has 1.6-inches more opening compared to the sedan, and has a low lift-over height.
There’s also more sporty touches to the rear like the diffuser and dual exhaust vents, though it’s still unknown if those are real exhaust tips.
Another distinction is the front grille. While the sedan has body color panels that go halfway between the headlights, the Civic hatch has a concave grille from the edge of the hood panel and uses hexagonal openings instead of the horizontal slats found in the sedan.
Inside, much is already seen from the Civic sedan that was launched earlier. New for the hatchback version though are the digital gauges. Lower variants get the 7-inch digital display with a speedometer dial on the right while the top of the line model has an all-digital 10.2-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard in either the 7 or 9-inch touchscreen, depending on trim level.
Honda made use of ‘Body Stabilizing Seats’ for enhanced comfort during long drives for this Civic. There’s also more legroom at the back, specifically 1.4-inches more. The rest is virtually identical to its sedan counterpart.
It has the same engine options as the sedan that is the 2.0L naturally-aspirated engine with 158hp and 187Nm of torque, or the 1.5L turbo with 180hp and 240Nm of torque. Both are paired with a CVT but optional for the Sport and Sport Touring variants is the short-throw 6-speed manual. Honda claims it has better shift rigidity and shorter throws, and has less vibrations.
Beneath the panels is a new lightweight structure that reduced the hinge size for a sleeker roofline while increasing torsional rigidity by 19%. Honda Sensing package and a suite of 10-airbags comes standard for all variants.
The new Honda Civic Hatchback introduces new colors called Boost Blue Pearl and Smokey Mauve Pearl. It will be made in Honda’s US factory at Greensburg, Indiana.