Though once its defining form, the Honda Civic has abandoned hatchbacks for at least a decade now. At the NY Auto Show today, Honda announced it was bringing hatches back. Oh, and manual transmissions too.
Hatchbacks have not been part of the American Civic lineup since the EP Civic Si. But, they’ve been flourishing in Europe, where people are mature enough to not reflexively dismiss something just because it doesn’t have a trunk. However, that’s been an altogether different model than what we got in the US. With the tenth-generation Civic as part of a global platform shared by both continents, it’s much easier to get the same body styles they do. That also explains why it’ll have five doors rather than three.
That’s also why we’ll get the next Civic Type R in the US too. In a build-up to that, Honda has promised that all Civics — coupe, sedan and hatch — will continue to have the option of a six-speed manual transmission.
It’s a step in the right direction, but with two extra doors, turbo power instead of natural aspiration, and not exactly minimalist styling, we’re not sure it hits the target.
It’s at least a step in the right direction. Lose two doors, keep the styling and offer factory support for tuning options be it turbo or NA.
Always up for the full range of body styles: Two-and-four-door hatchbacks, wagons (longroof, a-la Metro), sedan and coupe.
Everything is popular SOMEWHERE, so just adjust the shipping volumes.
Now, a Civic convertible…
“But, they’ve been flourishing in Europe, where people are mature enough to not reflexively dismiss something just because it has a trunk”
You mean “doesn’t have” I guess? I think a hatchback is so much more practical than a sedan. Ever since I had a Civic coupe, I’m dismissing cars if they do have a trunk. But that’s the Europe way of logic I guess?
Ah, yes, corrected. Thanks!
From a styling standpoint it is the busiest Honda ever,like the hatchback idea returning… the outboard grilles front and rear could go away…
Just guessing, but I’m thinking the outboard grilles might just be for the Si; the lower models might have the smaller style, like the coupe & sedan…
In the US we are told hatch backs don’t sell. Honda, remember who brought you to the dance. You have danced with many Tom, Dick, and Harry’s while at the dance.I am glad to see you are returning to who brought you to the dance. It has been a long night, I think I would you to take you home and make you breakfast in the morning. Then we can head to the Honda Dealer.
I agree with SHC. Offer it with 2 doors and a hatch and I might even consider buying a modern Honda.
On second thought, there’s still all that modern car unnecessary fluff (simply, extra mass). I’ll stick my Nostalgics 🙂
Step 1 to making the perfect Civic: Take Fit chassis, rebadge as Civic
Step 2 to making the perfect Civic: Add Independent Rear Suspension
Step 3 to making the perfect Civic: Profit
Are the new Hondas being designed in Korea?
I can’t wait to see these on the tuner market!