Honda introduced the tenth-generation Civic Coupe at the Los Angeles Auto Show last year, and the 2016 model was nothing short of a smash hit. The ninth-generation Civic came as a bit of a disappointment (and just as the car’s competition was starting to get a lot better), so Honda really pulled out all the stops for 2016. It’s been widely praised and buyers have responded with their dollars. Sales can only get better, with the newly introduced Civic Hatchback arriving for 2017 as well as upcoming sporty versions – the Civic Si and Civic Type R.
Since the 2016 model was so well received and because it doesn’t make sense to mess with success, the 2017 Honda Civic Coupe won’t feature much in the way of changes, although prices may increase. Trims include the EX-L, EX-T, LX, LX-P, and Touring, and it's still the same car as the sedan from the A-pillar forward but sits one inch lower and features a sloping roofline and rear spoiler. The car also features standard LED daytime running lights as well as LED taillights, which compliment the bodywork’s sharp creases.
The powertrain for the Civic Coupe remains the same as for the Civic Sedan, so buyers still have the choice of a 2.0-liter normally aspirated VTEC 4-cylinder or a 1.5-liter turbo, Honda’s first turbocharged engine in the U.S., not counting Acura. The 2.0-liter engine makes 158 hp, while the turbo makes 174 hp. The turbo is only available with Honda’s continuously variable transmission (CVT), while the 2.0-liter can be matched with a 6-speed manual in the base trim. Those who want the turbocharged engine with a manual will have to spring for the Civic hatchback.
Civic Coupes equipped with the 2.0-liter engine and CVT will do a very impressive 29 mpg city/41 highway, while cars equipped with a stick shift will still do a perfectly respectable 26/38. Turbocharged cars, meanwhile, which are only available with the CVT, will do 31/41.
Pitted against the old ninth-generation Civic, the tenth-generation car has a larger footprint, sits lower, and has a sportier overall feel. It also has significantly more space inside, weighs less, and has a more rigid structure. An electronic parking brake and automatic climate control system come standard, although a dual-zone climate control system is available on higher trims. A navigation system developed by Garmin is another available option, and LED ambient lighting illuminates parts of the interior. The Civic Coupe also comes with Honda’s Android-based infotainment system, which has a 7-inch touchscreen display and features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Even standard trims come with Bluetooth, and you can also charge your phone via a USB connector and make calls through voice control.
The tenth-generation Civic Coupe has received 5 stars overall in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration testing, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given it top Good ratings in all categories. The car is therefore a solid place to be if you have a crash--but it's also available with plenty of cutting-edge technology to keep you from having one in the first place. The Civic is available with the Honda Sensing safety features found on other new Hondas, including forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, collision and road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control, although you’ll need to climb a few rungs up the price ladder to get these features.
Honda’s ambition with the new Civic has really paid off, and although it’s in its second production year, it still seems as fresh of a design as ever, with nothing really needing to be changed. The model's a hit in terms of fuel economy, driving dynamics, safety, and technology. It even looks great, which is saying something considering the blank-looking Civics of the past. Plus, with a new hatchback and upcoming sport models, there’s more choice than ever.
