2017 Honda Civic hatchback - IAB rendering

Previewing concept to be unveiled on March 1.

The tenth generation Honda Civic range will see an addition of the hatchback version later this year. Honda is previewing the all-new model with the Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype, a near-production concept, at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show on March 1.

Using the teaser image of the concept and the sedan's design, a rendering by IAB's digital artist Shoeb Kalania shows how the production-spec 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback may possibly look.

The 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback will debut the new 1.0-litre VTEC TURBO turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine and be offered with a 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as well - both targeted at Ford's EcoBoost engines offered in the Ford Focus, its arch rival.

According to a recent report, the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine will produce 127 bhp and 148 lb.-ft. (201 Nm) of torque, with a CO2 emission rating of 99 g/km. It would replace the 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, while the 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel engine will likely continue.

The 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback will likely have LED daytime running lights, LED headlights, taillights with integrated LED light bars, electronic parking brake, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, 7-inch high-definition Display Audio infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Collision Mitigation Braking and Road Departure Mitigation.

Also Read: 2016 Honda Vezel Hybrid RS announced for Japan

Honda has confirmed that the 5-door 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback's global version will be built in Swindon, UK. The company says that the European launch of the hatchback version is in early 2017 and thus, the production version should be unveiled late this year, possibly at the Paris Motor Show in October.

Competitors: Ford Focus, VW Golf, Renault Megane, Nissan Pulsar
Expected price: GBP 15,000 - 20,000
Expected release date: Early 2017 in the UK