Whether you're looking for an economical commuter with a bit of flair, or a sporty but practical coupe loaded with the latest technology, Honda's Civic Coupe has you covered.
Launched mid-way through last year, the current generation car has distinctive styling, particularly at the rear. Finished in bright green, blue, or red, it stands out in parking lots - and against other small coupes like the Kia Forte Koup, Hyundai Veloster, and the Volkswagen Golf and Beetle.
The Civic Coupe is available in three trim grades: LX, EX-T, and Touring. Unlike the Sedan, there isn't a bare-bones DX base trim.
For 2017, changes to the Civic Coupe are few but noteworthy. All vehicles with CVT transmissions now receive the Honda Sensing suite of active safety features as standard equipment. Honda Sensing includes radar cruise control, emergency autonomous braking, and lane-keeping assist. Also new this year is the arrival of a six-speed manual transmission for the EX-T trim level.
Equipment levels are generous on the Civic Coupe and mirror the equivalent Sedan model. Standard equipment on the LX includes 16-inch alloy wheels, heated seats, automatic climate control, keyless entry and other goodies including a 7.0-inch touchscreen display audio system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, dual USB ports, and an in-car wi-fi hotspot.
The EX-T adds Honda's LaneWatch blind spot camera system, power moonroof, proximity key with push-button start and remote engine starter, while the Touring adds leather upholstery, LED headlamps, a premium audio system, navigation and wireless device charging.
The LX is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine that develops 158 horsepower and 138 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, with a CVT available as an optional extra. With the manual transmission, the Civic consumes 8.5 L/100 km city and 6.1 highway; CVT economy is rated at 7.8 L/100 km city and 6.0 highway.
The Civic EX-T and Touring trim levels receive a small-displacement 1.5-litre turbocharged four cylinder which develops 174 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque. New for 2017, the EX-T is available with a six-speed manual transmission, which should help increase its appeal to more buyers. A CVT is available as an option on the EX-T, and comes standard on the Touring trim. The Civic EX-T manual is rated at 7.7 L/100 km city and 5.7 highway; the CVT even more frugal at 7.4 / 5.6.
Buyers looking for the sporty Si trim will have to wait for a bit longer. A new Si Coupe is expected to hit the market midway through the 2017 model year, and will for the first time in Si history, come with turbocharged power. Expect such high-performance goodies as a limited-slip differential, plus sport-tuned suspension, a close-ratio manual transmission, and upgraded brakes, too.
Pricing for the 2017 Honda Civic Coupe starts at $19,690 and tops out at $27,790 for the Touring.