Flash Drive

2017 Honda Civic Hatchback

April 3, 2017 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport

The 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport is a great road car, especially when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission.

Engine: 1.5-liter I-4, 180 horsepower 177 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, front-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 30 mpg city/39 mpg highway/33 mpg combined

Base Price: $21,300

As Tested: $22,135

Performance:

Strong, easy revving turbocharged engine

Butter-smooth 6-speed manual transmission and clutch

Sporty, precise handling; very nimble

Very fun to drive

Acceptable highway ride quality

Impressive fuel economy in Econ mode

Our best mileage was 37.5 mpg highway/35.5 mpg overall

The 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback styling is bold and aggressive, which befits the car’s sporty nature. The hatchback design aids versatility.

Sharp dual exhaust and spoilers

Comfort:

Good quality cloth seats

Supportive seats with modest side bolsters

Great thick, contoured leather steering wheel

Good auxiliary controls

Driver seat height pump

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Good headroom

Nice size leather shift knob

Sliding armrest over center console

OK adult back seat room if fronts are up slightly

Good under seat shoe room

Rear seat area is bare-bones, but comfortable

Interior room and comfort and excellent, especially for front seat occupants.

Utility:

Large cargo area

Big hatch with minimal lift-over

Flat cargo floor

Split folding rear seats fold almost flat

No gap between cargo area and seatbacks

Four cargo loops

Big center console with sliding cupholders

Medium size front door bins

Bottle notch only rear door bins

No seatback storage pouches

Large non-locking glovebox

Small radio/info/backup camera screen

WOW Factors:

Sharp styling

Sporty driving characteristics

The sunroof is on the small side. The sharp wheels are 18×8-inches with 40-series tires.

Excellent front seat room

Attractively priced; strong value

Impressive fuel economy 

Whines:

Spartan rear seat features: no armrest or HVAC vents

Steering column adjustment too far under dash

USB port under dash/center console tough to reach

 Bottom Line:

The 2017 Honda Civic Hatch Sport is a stylish, highly fuel efficient compact sedan that’s also great fun to drive when equipped with the super smooth 6-speed manual transmission. The hatchback design greatly increases cargo flexibility. The 2017 Honda Civic offers the best of fun and frugality.