New Honda Civic Hatchback Breaks Cover

Honda Motor Co. officially unveiled the hatchback version of its new Civic compact car today at the Geneva auto show.

The so-called prototype model is expected to be virtually identical to the production hatchback Honda plans to launch in Europe within the next 12 months. The carmaker also will offer the hatchback variant in the U.S. for the first time since 2005.

The new 5-door hatchback is about five inches longer than the outgoing 3-door model it will replace in Europe. It also is wider, lower and sportier than that vehicle.

Styling cues include a sculpted hood, LED headlights and oversized tires. The short rear end features a pair of spoilers, prominent bumper and twin center-mounted exhaust tips.

The U.S. version of the hatchback will be powered by Honda’s new 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. In the coupe and sedan versions of the Civic, the powerplant makes 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. European models also will offer a 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine and several diesel mills.

Honda will build the Civic hatchback exclusively at its Swindon, England, plant.