2016 Honda Civic hatchback makes 3 in the ‘Year of Honda’

Not too long ago, the only subcompact or compact hatchback in the U.S. Honda stable was the Japanese upstart Fit. Is 3 hatchback choices too many?

With Honda Civic fans demanding the return of the compact Civic hatchback to U.S. markets, the maker will soon be the only automotive brand in North America to offer 3 hatchbacks in the subcompact and compact segments.

Looking to recent sales numbers, we suspect that Honda’s upstart subcompact 2016 HR-V crossover may be eroding Fit and Civic sales in the U.S., and are collectively just a bit surprised to see a Civic hatch coming down the line.

European inspired compact Civic hatchback for North America

As confirmed by Honda’s Sage Marie at the world premier of the 2016 Civic sedan, soon to follow the fall release of what Honda is proudly labeling the most technically advanced and dynamic driving experience in Civic’s 4 decade history, will be the spring release of the first Civic hatchback for the U.S.in well over a decade.

How 2016 Civic Was Revealed

Built in England on Honda’s world-compact-platform and imported to North America, the EarthDreams ™ turbocharged gasoline powered 5 door hatchback, while sporting the Civic name plate, will be nothing like the sub compact Civic of past generations.

Civic has been long supersized, pushing the limits of the compact classification, replaced in the subcompact segment by the popular Honda Fit 5 door hatchback.

2016 Honda Civic colors and interiors leaked

2016 Honda HR-V puts AWD back in the subcompact segment

Fit and HR-V are not Civic. Honda-Torque News predicted that Civic hatchback would not return to North America due to the sales success and expanded aftermarket customization of Honda Fit following the 2015 Las Vegas SEMA Show. Apparently the powers to be at A.H.M. do not agree.

Honda-Torque News likes 2016 HR-V crossover for its all-wheel-drive capability, coupe-style driving environment and 5 door hatchback utility.

No 3 door Civic hatchback

While there’s no talk of AWD for the 2016-2017 european inspired hatchback,, Honda loyal will witness the return of the Civic hatchback to Canada and the U.S., albeit super sized, and based on the 2016 Honda compact-global-platform 4 door sedan. There is no talk of a 3 door hatchback, direct injected diesel, or high performance direct injection gasoline turbocharging for the near future hatchback, yet.

What we do know is that the 5 door hatchback will push the size and sales price restraints of the compact classification, weighing in at close to 3,000 lbs, and be more attuned to hauling paddle boards, groceries and children than carving up an auto cross.

The true sports minded not so hidden among the Honda love fest crowd will most likely opt to the Civic Si; while the financially well heeled sprinkled amongst us will sit patiently with reservation in hand for the long promised Civic Type-R; arguably the extreme driving sport side of the Honda stable,something that Honda fans have eagerly anticipated for years.