2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Revealed Ahead Of Debut — Bolder & Better

The Japanese automaker claims the all-new Civic represents a notable step forward for the brand, with the new Civic benefitting from the largest single model development programme in Honda's history. When launched the new Honda Civic will rival the Ford Focus.

Honda's new Civic hatchback will be powered with the choice of two all-new turbocharged petrol mills; however, diesel unit will come in at a later date. Honda claims the best-seller will be the 127bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, which can be mated to either a six-speed manual or the CVT automatic gearbox.

Also, a powerful 180bhp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit will be available with identical gearbox options. The performance and the mileage details will be revealed closer to the sale date slated for 2017.

Since the Honda Civic will be sold over 70 markets worldwide, the Japanese company will focus only the two petrol engines. By the end of 2017, Honda will offer the 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel unit with the expectations of better fuel efficiency because of Honda's efficient nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Honda is considering a hybrid version as well on the new Civic, the move comes closer the diesel gate scandal at Volkswagen. The company wants to take on the Toyota Prius with the hybrid Honda Civic.

The all-new Civic is 16kgs lighter than the previous model, while the torsional stiffness has improved considerably by 52 percent. Also, it is longer and wider than any of its previous generation.

The lower trims or variants will be of softer design with lesser aggressive bumpers; however, the Sports model is expected to bridge the gap between the entry-level cars and the upcoming Type-R.

On the inside, the quality has taken a huge leap in terms of technology, while a new electronic parking brake is housed on the centre console, it has been incorporated with a sliding armrest and deep central cubbyhole.

Feature-wise, the new Honda Civic, the conventional dials has been replaced with a TFT screen which can be customised to show speed and fuel economy to sat-nav and media. The Honda Connect now comes enabled with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

On the safety front, new features like the Honda SENSING with collision mitigation systems such as emergency braking, lane departure warning and lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and traffic recognition with intelligent speed assist. Honda is confident the all-new Civic will get a full five-star rating from NCAP in the coming months.