Small Changes Coming to 2020 Honda Civic Hatch; at Least There's Another Stick

Unlike its predecessor, the accolades heaped on the 10th-generation Honda Civic far outweigh any criticism levelled against it. And yet while a next-gen model looms just over the horizon (a 2021 model year intro seems likely), Honda’s not resigning the Civic to the status quo for 2020.

The hatchback variant undergoes a minor refresh for the coming model year, a year after its sedan and coupe siblings, but you’ll probably have to carry a photo of a 2019 model to tell them apart. Most notable of the changes is something a dwindling number of people care about: manual transmissions. No, the base LX will not gain the six-speed stick found on the base sedan, but Civic hatch buyers who like nice things will soon be able to row their own.

For 2020, the Civic hatch offers a manual in two trims: the mid-range Sport, and now the top-flight Sport Touring. Both trims can also be had with a continuously variable transmission.

Minor changes adorn the model’s front and rear fascias. Notable alterations include the fog light housings (now featuring a body-color crossbar), blacked-out accents surrounding the headlights, and a modified grille crossbar. The overall look does not change. Out back, the faux vents undergo a similar treatment.

The chances of 2019 Civic hatch fans turning down a free 2020 model on the basis of style is exactly zero.

Anything else? There’s grey and black wheels available in new designs, plus different trim in the cabin. Soundproofing is reportedly boosted. In a bid to make the mid-range EX model more appealing, leather adorns the steering wheel and shift knob while drivers will discover they no longer need to use their arms and legs to push that seat around.

As for the Sport, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity come standard, with its 7-inch touchscreen display audio system undergoing a doubling of speakers (there’s now eight). Push-button ignition and remote start replaces the Abe Lincoln-era practice of starting one’s five-door hatch with the use of a key. Both Sport and Sport Touring buyers can manage their vehicle remotely via HomeLink.

Starting at $22,580 after destination for a base LX, the Civic hatch adds $200 to its starting price for 2020. No trim in the model line sees a significant price boost, thankfully, and the addition of a manual in the Sport Touring means three-pedal fans can pay $800 less for one ($28,980).

New Civic hatches begin appearing on dealer lots at the end of the week.

[Images: Honda]