The 2017 Honda Civic lineup offered a variety of trims, each catering to different needs and preferences. Among these, the 2017 Honda Civic Sport stood out as a compelling option, blending enhanced performance with a host of desirable features. Positioned between the base LX and the more premium EX trims, the Sport aimed to deliver a more engaging driving experience and a bolder aesthetic without breaking the bank. This article delves into the specifications and features of the 2017 Civic Sport, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering this model.
Engine and Performance Dynamics
At the heart of the 2017 Honda Civic Sport lies a 1.5-liter, direct-injected and turbocharged in-line 4-cylinder engine. This powerplant is consistent across several Civic trims, including the LX, EX, and EX-L Navi. However, the Sport trim, along with the EX-L Navi and Sport Touring, benefits from a slightly higher horsepower output of 180 hp at 6000 rpm, compared to the 174 hp in the LX and EX trims. The torque figures for the Sport are also robust, delivering 177 lb-ft at 1900-5000 rpm when paired with the 6-speed manual transmission (6MT), and 162 lb-ft at 1700-5500 rpm with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
Alt text: Close-up of the 2017 Honda Civic Sport 1.5L turbocharged engine, showcasing its compact design and performance components.
This engine utilizes an aluminum-alloy block and cylinder head, contributing to weight reduction and improved thermal efficiency. The single-scroll MHI TD03 turbocharger, with a boost pressure of 16.5 psi, ensures responsive power delivery across the rev range. The engine’s redline is set at 6500 rpm, and it features a 16-valve DOHC valve train and a direct fuel injection system, all contributing to a balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
Transmission and Driving Experience
The 2017 Civic Sport offers the choice between a engaging 6-speed manual transmission (6MT) and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with dual-mode paddle shifters. The 6MT is standard on the Sport trim, appealing to driving enthusiasts who prefer greater control and a more connected feel. The gear ratios are specifically tuned to maximize the engine’s torque and power bands, providing brisk acceleration and confident highway cruising.
For those opting for automatic convenience, the CVT in the Sport trim is available and comes with dual-mode paddle shifters. These paddle shifters allow drivers to simulate gear changes, providing a more dynamic driving experience compared to traditional CVTs. The CVT is engineered for smooth and efficient operation, contributing to the Civic Sport’s respectable fuel economy.
The chassis and suspension of the 2017 Civic Sport are designed to complement its sporty character. It features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension, a setup common across the Civic lineup. However, the Sport trim distinguishes itself with a quicker steering ratio of 11.12:1 compared to the LX and EX trims’ 10.93:1. This, combined with a slightly different steering wheel lock-to-lock turns (2.11 vs 2.22), results in sharper and more responsive steering feel, enhancing the car’s agility and handling.
Alt text: Interior view of the 2017 Honda Civic Sport, highlighting the leather-wrapped steering wheel and sporty dashboard design elements.
Dimensions, Weight, and Exterior Features
The 2017 Honda Civic Sport maintains the same wheelbase (106.3 inches), length (177.9 inches), and width (70.8 inches) as other sedan trims in the lineup. However, its height is slightly reduced to 56.3 inches compared to 56.5 inches for the LX and EX, contributing to a slightly lower and sportier stance. The track width is also marginally narrower in the front and rear compared to LX and EX trims, potentially influencing handling dynamics.
The curb weight of the 2017 Civic Sport is 2871 lbs for the 6MT and 2937 lbs for the CVT, placing it slightly heavier than the base LX trim but within the same range as other trims. Weight distribution is approximately 60% front and 40% rear, which is typical for front-wheel-drive vehicles.
Visually, the Sport trim differentiates itself with several exterior enhancements. It boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, larger than the 16-inch and 17-inch wheels on LX and EX trims, respectively. It also includes an underbody spoiler kit and a center-outlet dual exhaust system, further emphasizing its sporty intentions. Fog lights are standard on the Sport, adding to both style and visibility.
Alt text: Close-up of the 18-inch alloy wheels on a 2017 Honda Civic Sport, showcasing the sporty wheel design and tire profile.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside, the 2017 Honda Civic Sport offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin. While it shares interior dimensions like headroom, legroom, shoulder room, and hip room with other trims, there are Sport-specific touches. These include sport pedals, a black headliner, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a leather-wrapped shift knob (on 6MT models), enhancing the sporty ambiance.
The Sport trim includes features like automatic climate control, power windows, power door locks, cruise control, and illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls. For audio, it comes standard with a 160-Watt audio system with 4 speakers and a 5-inch color LCD screen. While it lacks the 7-inch Display Audio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto found in higher trims, it still offers Bluetooth HandsFreeLink and streaming audio, along with USB audio interface.
Safety and Driver-Assistance
The 2017 Honda Civic Sport prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of features. It includes Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist. It also features a multi-angle rearview camera with guidelines.
While the Sport trim doesn’t come standard with the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies like Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), and Road Departure Mitigation System, these were available as options. Higher trims like Sport Touring include Honda Sensing as standard.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite its enhanced performance, the 2017 Honda Civic Sport remains relatively fuel-efficient. EPA mileage ratings for the 6MT version are 30 mpg city, 39 mpg highway, and 33 mpg combined. The CVT version achieves slightly lower figures at 30 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 32 mpg combined. The fuel tank capacity is 12.39 gallons, and regular unleaded fuel is recommended, although premium fuel is recommended for optimal performance.
Conclusion
The 2017 Honda Civic Sport strikes a compelling balance between enhanced driving dynamics, sporty styling, and everyday practicality. It offers a more engaging driving experience than the base LX trim thanks to its increased horsepower, quicker steering, and available manual transmission, while also providing a range of desirable features. For those seeking a Civic with a bit more flair and fun without stepping up to the top-tier trims, the 2017 Honda Civic Sport represents an excellent choice in the model year lineup. Its combination of performance, style, and Honda’s renowned reliability makes it a standout option in the compact car segment.
