Sometimes, success can be a detriment.
The
Honda Civic Coupe has been so accepted and so embraced by the youth car culture that it has gained the unfortunate reputation in some circles as being nothing more than a kid’s tuner car. But in reality, it’s a lot more than that. The Civic Coupe is bought by people of all ages and demographics that seek an economical, practical and fun-to-drive compact.
And as of 2016, it’s now a survivor. With the recent announcement that the Scion tC will cease to exist after this summer, Honda’s small coupe is left with just one, true competitor – the Kia Forte Koup. But rather than rest on the brand’s laurels and watch the cash roll in, Honda has introduced an all-new Civic Coupe for 2016 that may just be the best one yet.
Love it or leave it, the styling that debut on the 2016 Civic Sedan is present and accounted for on the Coupe. But, like what typically happens during the metamorphosis from four- to two-doors, the Civic looks much better in coupe form – especially around its hind quarters. From some angles, it almost looks like a two-door hatchback, bringing back fond, teary-eyed EG and EJ memories for Civic diehards.
Under the shiny sheet metal are the same mechanics as found in the sedan. That means a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine making 158 hp and 138 lb-ft is standard, while a 1.5-liter turbocharged powerplant making 174 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque is optional. As is the case with the sedan, a
six-speed manual transmission can be had in the base Civic Coupe while the rest of the lineup comes with a continuously variable transmission – for now.
