It’s been 11 years since a hatchback version of the Honda Civic->ke236 terrorized the streets of America. The years have definitely piled up and for a while, it appeared that the Civic hatch would be left well out of reach of American customers. But just as it started feeling like the hot hatch would be one of our unicorns, Honda flipped the script an announced that the 10th-generation Civic hatchback will in fact head across the Atlantic. This brings is to the 2016 Geneva Motor Show->ke228 where Honda->ke34 finally pulled the covers off of the model. It’s described as a prototype, but we all know that this version is about as close to a production as any version of the new Civic hatchback->ke304 is going to be.

For now, let’s refer to it by it’s official name: Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype. After all, Honda hasn’t made any concrete statements regarding the future of the car. The new Civic Hatchback Prototype comes with an array of upgrades over its predecessor. These upgrades help the hot hatch exudes a stronger, sharper, and more imposing presence as it prepares to venture in certain markets and regions it hasn’t been into for a little more than a decade now.

As good as the Civic hatchback has been for Honda in the past 11 years, it’s still considered a relative mystery by certain pockets of the American population, a lot of whom probably don't remember what the last iteration looked and felt like. Well, the mystery is about to be answered as Honda showcases the 10th-generation Civic Hatchback Prototype in Geneva.

Moving forward, Honda expects the new hatchback to be available in Europe by 2017. Models headed to the U.S. should follow suit in a matter months after its European debut.

Continue after the jump to read the full review.

2016 Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2016 Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 130
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The obvious takeaway from the Civic Hatchback Prototype is how big and awesome it looks. Granted, spy shots of the car doing some test runs have given us hints on what to expect, but without any camouflage obstructing our view, we can see clearly now how dynamic the car really is.

For starters, the new hatchback is 5.1 inches longer, 1.8 inches wider, and 0.7 inches lower than the model it'll eventually succeed. As for its design, the front end bears an obvious similarity with the sedan version. The LED headlights and the daytime running lights running underneath them are all there. The radiator grille and the chrome louvre are also present in the hatchback version. That said, there are a few exceptions, including the sharper front bumper that houses the larger air intakes and the fog lamps. The hatchback also has a bit of an overhang with the intakes, but all it does is add to the sportier look of the hatchback compared to the sedan. A front spoiler lip also adds to that aggressive appearance.

The side profile of the Civic Hatchback Prototype is nearly identical to the sedan version. It’s got the same character line that runs from the front wheel arches and passes through the door handles before settling in on the taillights. The more distinctive can be found from just behind the wheel, rising up to through the doors all the way to the rear wheel arches. Honda says that these lines help emphasize the hatchback’s forward-leaning stance. We have no disagreements there.

Moving to the rear, we immediately see a super aggressive bumper that has angular creases and enormous vents. This design further emphasizes the sporty intentions of the hatch, echoing what Honda has done on the front and sides of the car. The hatch also uses the same C-shaped LED taillights that Honda found a way to somehow integrate into the rear spoiler, creating a smart and unified look. One big difference between the sedan and hatchback versions of the Civic is the positioning of the tailpipes. Whereas the sedan had them on opposite ends of the rear, the hatchback version has them neatly positioned together in the middle, right below the rear fascia.

Interior

In a bit of a surprise, the windows of the Civic Hatchback Prototype have been blacked out, rendering it nearly impossible to get a good look at the car’s interior. This has raised a few questions about what Honda’s plans are for this section of the Civic hatch. On the one hand, it’s possible that the cabin will retain a lot of the features of the sedan version. That should include the touchscreen display, the digital instrument cluster, the layered dashboard, and the plush seats. But here’s the thing. If it’s really that similar, why the need to keep it a surprise? Clearly, Honda’s keeping something about the interior under wraps, leading us to think that there’s more to the Civic Hatchback Prototype's interior than what Honda’s letting us on.

Drivetrain

Give Honda some credit in this regard. Despite the secrecy behind the prototype’s interior, the automaker has announced that the car will receive three different engines, including two new gas-powered engines and a revised diesel unit. The first is a direct-injected 1.0-liter engine that can produce north of 130 horsepower. The second is a bigger 1.5-liter four-cylinder VTEC TURBO engine that could potentially have 200 ponies. The last is an improved take of Honda’s popular 1.6-liter i-DTEC diesel engine that puts out 120 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque.

It’s unclear if the output numbers will be similar on Civic Hatchback or if U.S.-spec versions would receive the same engines. There’s a possibility that the engine options for Civic Hatchback models earmarked for this region could include the 2.0-liter four-cylinder that’s already available in the LX and EX trims of the Civic sedan. That engine produces 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque.

Conclusion

With the hot hatch segment becoming more and more popular these days, I’m still baffled that Honda didn’t bring the Civic hatchback to the U.S. a lot sooner. But yes, the saying “better late than never” applies here and I’m over the moon excited to see the model make its long-awaited return. As far as the prototype is concerned, I have a suggestion for Honda. Keep it the way it is. Don’t change anything! The design is the embodiment of what a hot hatch should be, even though it doesn’t have the Type R badge yet. Speaking of which, can you imagine what the new Type R model is going to look like? Is it too early to dream, Honda?