Honda Civic 2017 Hatchback, Si and Type-R Release Date And Specs

Jun 02, 2016 09:51 AM EDT

The concept of the forthcoming global Civic was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. By the looks of it, the car has a brand new chassis architecture which looks more aggressive than the outgoing model.  Honda also announced the 2017 Civic will have a 1.5L turbo and six-speed manual transmission combination. Here's the latest update about 2017 Civic release date, specs, and price.

Based on images published in Auto Express, the 2017 Civic hatchback has lower roofline with a steep rear screen. Its bonnet is much longer than the current version.  The new model also features sportier bumper, short overhangs and large air intakes on the front.  At the back, one can easily notice the car's redesigned taillights.

Car experts say the 2017 Civic Hatchback is a stark departure from the current model, which has been criticised for its divisive styling.

"We wanted to shock our customers and move them away from traditional evolutionary styling," lead Civic designer Daisuke Tsutamori told in UK-based Car Magazine. He also added that the 2017 Civic needed to have striking and standout exterior design to challenge the conventional European styling.  The car's appearance is a combination of distinctive and sporty outlook, partnered with satisfying driving dynamics and versatile practicality.

The upcoming 2017 Civic is 30mm wider, 20mm lower and 130mm longer than its current version.

Inside, the car's design looks a lot more conventional than the exterior. It has a driver-focused design on the dashboard.  Also, it could have a sophisticated central touchscreen and set of digital instruments.

For Si models, Honda fanatic savant "HondaPro Jason" claimed it will be available in the first quarter of 2017 or later next year. He went on to say that the Si model will be powered with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which chunks out 220 to 230 horsepower.

The Type-R model is rumoured to have a turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine that pumps out at least 300 horsepower. Honda Civic's chief engineer Tadashi Inazu said this model is set to become the fastest FWD car at Germany's Nurburgring circuit.

The 2017 Civic will be built at Honda's manufacturing facility in Swindon, UK. The company recently confirmed its $310 million investment in new technology and processes that will be installed in the car.

The car's hatchback model might be on sale by the end of the year. We'll give more details about the availability of Si model and Type-R model as soon as we know more.