The hatchback, once thought to be on the verge of extinction in North America, seems to be making a comeback. Look around you and you see models like the Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and all manner of Subaru. You could even throw in sporty five-doors like the Volkswagen Golf and enviro-sensitive models like the Toyota Prius, Chevy Bolt and even the Nissan Leaf.
So there’s a fairly good-sized market already. Into this Honda recommits by re-upping its Civic Hatchback. This 2022 model, available in a few months, comes with some promising improvements over its 2021 predecessor.
Most important for you, sporty driver, is Honda’s promise that this one will be “the most fun-to-drive Civic Hatchback ever.” Specifically, Honda promises an updated suspension and steering tuning for improved handling and ride comfort, and a somewhat sportier flavor than Civic Sedan. Honda did that by tuning almost every facet of the suspensions, from low friction bushings and bearings in front to a half-inch wider track in back. Reducing the suspension friction while improving the bushings also helps reduce shock when whanging a road divot. A new front subframe improves rigidity and stability.
Dimensions are more helpful in the new hatch, too, with the cargo opening widened 1.6 inches and low liftover height for loading up the rear.
Those 2022 advances are bolted into a body structure that offers a 19-percent improvement in torsional rigidity over its predecessor. Along with the stiffness, increased use of structural adhesives and sound deadening mean a quitter ride.
Drivetrains look to be carried over directly from the Civic sedan, a model unveiled just weeks ago. That means your choice of two engines: a 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder or a 180-hp 1.5-liter turbo four. And while you might be disappointed to see that both engines are mated to a CVT, having driven the CVT in the identical Civic sedan, this one will not suck the life out of you or your hatchback’s power output. There’s a Sport mode to help out, too. But the best option on the new hatchback is the option of a six-speed manual transmissions. This one is new, with a stiffer feel and reduced throws.
Inside are new tech features to delight the younger drivers Honda claims will be attracted to the new hatch. The three lower grades of Civic, LX, Sport and EX-L, get a 7-inch color LCD instrument display, while the Sport Touring model gets a 10.2-inch configurable display screen that’ll show your choice of needle dials or bar graphs. Configurations include readouts of Honda Sensing safety systems.
Then there is either a 7-inch color touchscreen or, on the Sport Touring trim, a 9-inch color touchscreen, the largest ever offered in a Civic.
A 12-speaker Bose premium audio system is an option.
Pricing was not released but expect it to range from the low-20s to 30 grand, a reasonable price for a practical, sporty hatchback.
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