7 Reasons Why the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Is the Best Daily Driver
The 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport is a standout in its class, combining practicality, performance, and style. If you're looking for a car that's as fun to drive as it is efficient and versatile, the Civic Sport hatchback might just be the one for you. But no car is perfect, and we’ll dig into all the details—the good, the bad, and the funny—so you know what you’re getting into with this hot hatch.
Introduction to the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport
The 2019 Civic Hatchback Sport is the middle child of the Civic family. You know, the one that's athletic but still has its feet on the ground. The Sport trim adds a bit more spice to the mix, featuring aggressive styling cues like 18-inch alloy wheels, a center-mounted dual exhaust, and a piano black grille. But it’s more than just a pretty face—it’s also packed with practicality and Honda reliability.
What's Under the Hood?
Under the hood of the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport lies a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine that pumps out 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. It comes mated to a 6-speed manual transmission as standard (for those who love to row their own gears) but can also be had with a CVT automatic. While the manual gives you more control over the car's performance, the CVT optimizes fuel efficiency, delivering up to 36 mpg on the highway.
The Sport's Performance in Everyday Driving
On the road, the Civic Hatchback Sport delivers a lively yet comfortable ride. It's nimble in the city, quick to accelerate, and can handle some light spirited driving on twisty roads. But let's be real—you're probably not taking it to the track. Still, the firm suspension provides decent handling without making your daily commute feel like a trip down a cobblestone street.
Alex Collantes, a long-time Civic enthusiast, says, "The 2019 Civic Sport is the best of both worlds. It's quick when you want it to be but chill when you're just cruising."
But there are some trade-offs for all this fun, and that leads us to our next point.
Design and Styling – It Looks Good but Prepare for Some Scratches
From the outside, the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport has a distinctive, sporty appearance. The sloping roofline, blacked-out wheels, and bold front fascia make it look like a hot hatch straight from a Need for Speed game. The rear gets a little wild with its spoiler and dual-exit exhaust.
Practicality of the Exterior Design
While the design certainly turns heads, it's not always practical. Those sharp lines and low stance mean you'll probably spend a fair bit of time worrying about scratches and dents. It's one of those cars where you park way in the back of the grocery store parking lot just to avoid door dings—and still somehow end up with a scratch.
Potential buyers be warned: That black piano trim loves to attract scratches like a magnet. Maybe Honda should’ve added a sticker that says "Handle with care."
Interior Comfort and Space: Stylish but Keep Your Elbows In
Open the door, and the 2019 Civic Hatchback Sport greets you with a minimal yet upscale interior. Soft-touch materials, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and sport pedals come standard. The seats are cloth but sportier than the base models, with bolstering that keeps you snug during spirited driving.
Space for Passengers and Cargo
The Civic Hatchback seats five, but let's be honest, it’s more like four and a half. The rear seat space is a bit tight, especially if you’ve got tall friends. You might want to apologize in advance to whoever has to sit behind you if you’re the driver and like to stretch your legs.
That said, the cargo space is surprisingly good for a hatchback, with 25.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats. Fold those down, and you get 46.2 cubic feet. It's almost like Honda wanted to make up for the cramped back seat by giving you tons of trunk space.
Alex puts it best: "It's like, yeah your knees might be in your face in the back seat, but hey, at least your bags have plenty of room!"
Infotainment and Tech – Mostly Good but That Volume Control…
The Civic Hatchback Sport comes with a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is fairly intuitive, though some of the menus feel a bit dated by 2024 standards. But hey, it's not like you're buying a Civic for cutting-edge infotainment, right?
One small but hilariously annoying gripe: there’s no volume knob! Honda thought it’d be cool to give you a touch-sensitive slider instead. Spoiler alert—it’s not cool. You’ll be tapping that slider like you're trying to get extra lives in a mobile game, especially when you're on the highway and just want to turn up the music.
Pros and Cons of the Infotainment System
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Pros:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard
- Decent sound system for the price point
- Clear, easy-to-read display
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Cons:
- Touch-sensitive volume control is frustrating
- Screen sometimes lags under heavy use
Driving Impressions – Does It Live Up to the "Sport" Name?
Now, the Civic Hatchback Sport may not be a full-on performance machine like the Type R, but it holds its own pretty well. The steering is sharp, the suspension is firm, and there's just enough turbo grunt to make city driving exciting.
Engine Performance: Turbo Power!
That 1.5-liter turbo engine is no slouch. With 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque (or 162 lb-ft with the CVT), the Civic Hatchback Sport can get up to speed pretty quickly. It's not a rocket ship by any means, but it offers a good balance between performance and efficiency.
Manual vs CVT – Which Transmission is Better?
If you're a purist, the 6-speed manual is the way to go. It's got a slick shift action and a light clutch, making it easy to live with day to day. The CVT, on the other hand, is great if you prioritize fuel economy or spend most of your time stuck in traffic. But, let’s be honest—CVTs are about as exciting as a wet blanket when it comes to driving engagement.
Alex weighs in again, "I had the manual version and loved it. The CVT is like drinking decaf coffee—what’s the point?"
Ride Comfort and Handling – Good Enough for Daily Driving
As mentioned earlier, the Civic Sport strikes a good balance between comfort and handling. The suspension is firm enough to keep body roll in check but not so stiff that your spine will complain after a long drive. It’s great for zipping through traffic or taking on a twisty back road, but it won’t punish you during your daily commute.
Safety Features – Solid but Watch Out for the Annoying Beeps
Honda's Sensing Suite comes standard on the Sport trim, which means you get adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation braking, and road departure mitigation. All good stuff, and it works pretty well for the most part.
That being said, you might want to turn off some of the beeping features unless you enjoy being scolded by your car. The lane departure warning system can get a little overzealous, beeping every time you so much as glance at a lane marker. It’s like the car is your overly cautious mom, telling you to "stay in your lane" even when you’re just trying to merge.
Key Safety Features:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring
Potential Drawbacks – Because No Car Is Perfect
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The rear visibility is... not great. That sloping roofline that makes the car look cool? Yeah, it also makes seeing out the back window a bit like trying to look through a mail slot.
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The infotainment system is solid, but again, that lack of a volume knob might drive you nuts.
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Back seat space is tight, especially if you’re hauling full-grown adults.
The Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport?
Overall, the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport is one of the best all-rounders in its class. It's got enough power to keep things fun, it's efficient, and it looks great. The interior is mostly comfortable (just don’t sit in the back too long), and the cargo space is top-notch for a hatchback. Yes, there are some drawbacks, like the limited rear visibility and that annoying volume control system, but those are small potatoes in the grand scheme of things.
If you're after a practical, reliable, and fun-to-drive daily driver, the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport should be high on your list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport good for long road trips?
Yes and no. The front seats are comfortable for long drives, and the fuel economy is excellent. However, the rear seat may not be ideal for taller passengers on longer trips.
Does the Civic Hatchback Sport have enough power for highway driving?
Absolutely. The turbocharged engine delivers enough punch for confident highway merging and passing. You won’t feel underpowered.
Is the manual transmission worth it?
If you enjoy driving and want more control, the manual is a joy to use. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, the CVT might suit you better—but don't expect it to be as engaging.
In the words of Alex Collantes: "If you're looking for a daily driver that’s reliable, stylish, and fun without breaking the bank, the Civic Hatchback Sport is a no-brainer."
References:
- Honda Official Website, 2019 Civic Hatchback Specs
- Personal test drive experience with the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport
- Interview with Civic enthusiast Alex Collantes