Honda Civic Hatchback patent 1

At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, Honda introduced its Civic Hatchback Prototype, a preview for a next-generation Civic hatchback destined for Europe and the US market. Following this, patent images of the tenth-generation model (in production form) has found their way onto the internet.

As a brief recap, Honda announced that the all-new Civic hatchback will measure 4,600 mm long, 1,800 mm wide and 1,450 mm tall. That makes it 230 mm longer, 30 mm wider and 20 mm lower than the current-generation European Civic five-door hatch. The carmaker did not disclose the car’s wheelbase but it should mirror the tenth-generation Civic sedan’s 2,700 mm.

Based on these patent images, it appears the concept’s design will feature heavily in the final product. Many highlights appears to be retained, including the car’s profile, muscular haunches, rear spoiler elements, large vents and C-shaped tail lights.

Honda Civic Hatchback patent 2

However, this isn’t a carbon copy as revisions have been made for the regular car. Therefore, the aggressive bodywork has been toned down, with smaller wheels to match. The car seen in the patents also appears to get projector headlamps, although LED options should be available on the production car as well.

Elsewhere, the front fog lamp has been redesigned and repositioned, while the exhaust pipe (probably a single outlet now) appears to have been tucked away, unlike the concept’s twin pipe setup. On the roof, you’ll find a shark fin antenna.

The design seen here is pretty consistent with spyshots of Honda Civic Hatchback prototypes caught testing. Like the current Civic Type R based on the ninth-gen Civic hatch, a new hotted up version is expected to be introduced with the tenth-generation Civic hatch, if these spyshots are of any indication.

The tenth-generation Honda Civic hatchback is not due for a European launch until early 2017. When it arrives, expect a 1.0 litre three-cylinder turbocharged VTEC engine (127 hp and 200 Nm), a more powerful 1.5 litre direct-injected turbocharged four-pot (201 hp and 260 Nm) and an updated version of the existing 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine to be offered. Transmission options should include a six-speed manual gearbox and a CVT.

What do you think of the design of the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback? Would you have wanted anything changed in the final design of the car, or was the concept already on the right path? Let us know what you think.


GALLERY: Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype