Honda lobs Civic hatch pricing

HONDA has released pricing for the hatch variants of its tenth-generation Civic small car ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms in May, a full year after releasing the sedan version and with an identical $22,390 before on-roads entry point for the VTi.

Stepping up from the VTi, the VTi-S wears a $24,490 sticker price with both variants powered by a 104kW/174Nm 1.8-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder.

VTi-L, RS and VTi-LX versions are propelled by Honda’s 127kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged VTEC four-pot, and will respectively cost $27,790, $32,290 and $33,590 each.

All variants are mated to Honda’s Earth Dreams continuously-variable transmission (CVT).

The pricing structure matches that of the sedan in all variants bar the RS, which attracts a $500 premium, but includes a Type R-inspired centre-exit twin exhaust with chrome outlets, front and rear under spoiler, side skirts and dark chrome coloured exterior door handles.

While the hatch shares the same wheelbase and front-end styling as the sedan, it is unique in design from the B-pillars backwards, according to Honda.

It features a shorter rear overhang than the sedan, while cargo space is increased with a taller rear roofline.

Other visual highlights are a body-coloured upper tailgate spoiler with black lower rear spoiler, piano black front grille and B-pillar exterior finishes, while on the inside the light roof lining colour of the sedan is replaced by a dark headliner.

Levels of specification will mirror the sedan, with standard equipment across the Civic hatchback range including LED daytime running lights, a 7.0-inch Apply CarPlay and Android Auto compatible infotainment touchscreen, reversing camera, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, electronically adjustable side mirrors and 16-inch steel wheels.

VTi-S variants gain alloy wheels, fog-lights, a leather steering wheel and parking sensors all-round, while VTi-L versions benefit from 17-inch wheels, electronically folding mirrors, dual-zone climate control and automatic headlights and wipers.

Equipment levels in RS-spec Civics rise to include a sportier 17-inch wheel design, LED headlights and fog-lights, sunroof and part-leather heated front seats, and range-topping VTi-LX versions net satellite navigation, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and forward collision warning.

Honda Australia director Stephen Collins said the new Civic hatch was subjected to rigorous development with input from its Australian arm.

“The development of the 10th-generation Honda Civic was one of the most ambitious and comprehensive new model programs ever undertaken by Honda Motor Co. Ltd., with significant input from our local operation and dealer network,” he said.

“We knew when we launched the Honda Civic sedan that our customers were waiting for a complete rejuvenation of the Civic brand and the early response from prospective Honda Civic hatch customers has been just as positive.”2017 Honda Civic Hatch pricing*

VTi (a)	$22,390
VTi-S (a)	$24,490
VTi-L (a)	$27,790
RS (a)	$32,290
VTi-LX (a)	$33,590

*Excludes on-road costs