We video test the 2017 Honda Civic RS Sport, a remarkably attractive and convincing high quality package.
The Honda Civic has been a mainstay of the Honda vehicle line up since it launched way back in 1972. The tenth generation Civic launched last year as a sedan, but now Honda has unleashed a five-door hatch version onto the local market, a market that really does prefer small hatches over small sedans.
The hatch comes to New Zealand in similar specification to the sedan and launches in SX, SX Sport and RS Sport guises.
The RS Sport is powered by Honda’s excellent new 127kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine hooked up to a continuously variable transmission. The 1.5-litre turbo is an impressively smooth and powerful engine and actually makes for a remarkably pleasant ride around town.
Unsurprisingly, the hatch feels exactly like the sedan on the road, which means a brilliantly resolved ride, responsive and controlled handling and some extremely nicely weighted steering. The high quality, nicely designed and laid out interior of the RS sedan is also mirrored in the hatch, as are the brilliantly comfortable and supportive front seats.
Topping the Civic hatch range at $40,990 the RS Sport comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry with push button start, a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with phone projection, lane departure warning, uprated suspension, piano black exterior detailing, shadow chrome door handles, a sunroof, power folding door mirrors, perforated leather heated sports seats, drilled alloy sports pedals, ambient interior lighting, dual zone climate control and a leather steering wheel with satellite controls.
Much like the RS sedan, the RS hatch remains a remarkably attractive and convincing high quality package, that will no doubt only add to the Honda’s already broad appeal.
