Don’t get fooled by the hatchback-styled rear end — it’s still a sedan
Following the European launch of the all-new Civic hatchback early this year, Honda is now adding a second body style in the region, the Civic Sedan.
As with the US-spec Civic Sedan, the European model shares the architecture and the looks with the hatch (minus the longer rear end that features a trunk instead of a hatchback cargo area). The compact sedan is wider (46 mm), longer (74 mm), and lower (20 mm) than its predecessor. Honda says the result is a "class-leading" interior space and a 15 percent improvement of the drag coefficient.
The redesigned cabin features a lower seating position, new technologies, and improved materials — the same ones found in the hatchback. Behind the 60:40 split-folding rear seats, the Civic can carry 519 liters of cargo — 20.8 percent more than the previous model. Thanks to a low sill and wide boot opening, Honda says broader and longer items can now be loaded.
Like the Civic hatch, the 2017 Honda Civic Sedan is powered by an all-new 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo four-cylinder gasoline engine, mated to either a new six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. With the manual, the engine delivers 182 hp at 5,500 rpm and 240 Nm of torque between 1,900 and 5,500 rpm. With the CVT, maximum power is 182 hp at 6,000 rpm while peak torque is 220 Nm between 1,700 rpm and 5,000 rpm.
The 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine is not available on the sedan.
Honda claims the new Civic Sedan targets "class-best handling and ride comfort" thanks to an all-new suspension with a rear multi-link set-up, a lower center of gravity and a more rigid chassis.