A proven formula should be followed by the new hot hatch.
Honda has unveiled the new Civic Hatchback yesterday, a practical and stylish replacement for the sedan model. It will be the first 2022 Civic to have a manual transmission, until the next-generation Civic Type R arrives. We won’t have long to wait until the Japanese hot hatch arrives.
Honda did not include any information regarding the US-market Civic Hatchback, but a press release for global audiences does mention that it will be arriving in 2022 along with the Civic Hybrid. Although the automaker does not specify whether it’s for North American, European or Japanese markets, we believe both models will be available worldwide, with a staged launch in 2022.
Honda has not yet shared much information, but we do have some details about the new Civic Type R. Although there are conflicting reports, we do know that it will only be available with a manual transmission. It will also become the brand’s last gasoline-powered vehicle in Europe. AWD performance hatch is unlikely as the automaker has officially ruled it out.
It appears that the new Civic Type R will be an evolution and tweaking of the existing model. The hot hatch will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. Power is channeled to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Although a slight power boost is possible, don’t expect any major changes as the CTR will only be driven by its front wheels.