7 Reasons Why the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport is Still a Great Choice

The 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport is one of those cars that just gets it. You know what I mean—a car that delivers on what you actually need instead of just what the marketing department thinks sounds cool. If you're shopping for a hatchback that’s sporty, practical, and won’t completely empty your wallet, this one should definitely be on your radar.

But what makes it stand out? Let’s dive into the features, quirks, and everything in between to see why the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport still holds its own in a market flooded with compact cars.

Design that Turns Heads

When you look at the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport, you know right away it's not just your run-of-the-mill commuter car. Honda gave it a bold front fascia with an aggressive look. The blacked-out grille and 18-inch alloy wheels scream performance, even if you're just heading to the grocery store.

The Exterior Details

• LED Daytime Running Lights: It's always nice to see and be seen, right?
• Center-Mounted Dual Exhaust: It adds a little extra attitude at the back.
• Rear Spoiler: Because who doesn't want a bit of aero to spice up their drive?

Now, it might not look as flashy as some of those ultra-aggressive hot hatches, but that’s where the 2019 Civic Hatchback Sport finds its sweet spot. It’s sporty without being obnoxious. Plus, it still looks good today—a big win considering how fast car designs can get outdated.

Interior Comfort: It's Practical... and a Little Sporty

Okay, let’s be honest. No one is expecting the Civic Hatchback Sport to have a luxury-car interior. But Honda didn’t slack off here either. The inside is a nice blend of sporty design cues and practicality. You’ve got leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, which add a premium touch.

Interior Features That Matter

• 7-inch Display Audio Touchscreen: Includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for all your smartphone needs.
• Sport Pedals: Because even your feet deserve to feel cool.
• Rear Magic Seats: These things are super flexible. You can fold them flat or flip them up to fit oddly shaped cargo.

The seats themselves are cloth, which might not appeal to those who want that plush leather experience. But hey, cloth seats are much better for those sweaty summer days. Leather can turn into a hot frying pan if you leave your car out in the sun.

Alex Collantes on the Interior

"I've been driving my 2019 Civic Hatchback Sport for about two years now," says Alex Collantes, a Civic owner who works in tech. "And honestly, I think the interior hits the right balance. It’s got the tech you need without overwhelming you with too many buttons. My only gripe? The armrest—it’s just too short! You’re gonna find yourself awkwardly adjusting it all the time."

Performance: Zippy but Not a Speed Demon

Alright let’s talk about the engine. Under the hood of the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport, you get a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 that puts out 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Now, those numbers might not seem earth-shattering, but when paired with a lightweight chassis, this Civic can hustle.

Performance Highlights

• Manual or CVT: Yep, you can actually get this hatch with a 6-speed manual transmission if you like to shift gears yourself. But the CVT is available for those who prefer a more relaxed drive.
• Front-Wheel Drive: No AWD here, but that helps keep the cost down and fuel efficiency up.
• Sport Mode: Switch to this mode if you want a little extra throttle response.

That being said, if you're expecting Civic Type R levels of speed, you might be a little disappointed. This car isn’t built for outright performance—it’s more about being a fun daily driver.

One Potential Drawback

Let’s talk about the CVT for a second. Some people love it for its smoothness, but others—well, they aren’t as big of fans. The main complaint? It doesn’t give you that same “connected” feeling you get with a manual transmission. Imagine going to a rock concert but wearing earplugs—it works, but it's not the same experience.

Handling: Sharp and Nimble

For a front-wheel-drive car, the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport handles surprisingly well. Honda's engineering team nailed the suspension tuning, giving the car a tight and responsive feel. The electric power steering is precise, and the overall balance of the car makes it feel a lot sportier than you'd expect.

Handling Features

• MacPherson Strut Front Suspension: Keeps the front end light and nimble.
• Multi-Link Rear Suspension: Adds stability when you push it through corners.
• Sport-Tuned Suspension: It’s stiffer than the regular Civic, but not too stiff to make you hate driving on bumpy roads.

Here’s the thing, though: While the handling is fun for a daily driver, don’t mistake it for a track car. Push it too hard, and the front-wheel-drive layout will start to show its limits. Still, for a quick drive through your favorite twisty roads, it's more than enough to put a smile on your face.

A Humorous Drawback

You might find yourself taking corners a little too enthusiastically just because the car feels good. Beware! You might scare your passengers half to death. As Alex puts it, “The Civic Sport is one of those cars where you’re having fun, but your friend in the passenger seat is gripping the handle for dear life.”

Tech and Infotainment: All You Need and Nothing You Don’t

Honda’s infotainment system has come a long way, and the 2019 Civic Hatchback Sport is no exception. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto standard. That means whether you're an Apple fan or an Android loyalist, your smartphone will connect seamlessly.

Infotainment Highlights

• Bluetooth Connectivity: Hands-free calling and audio streaming—no wires needed.
• USB Ports: Charge your devices without a hitch.
• 8-Speaker Sound System: It’s decent, though if you're a hardcore audiophile, you might want an upgrade.

Potential Drawback?

While the tech is solid overall, the touchscreen interface can be a bit sluggish at times. It’s not bad, but sometimes you’ll be tapping it like it's a 2009 smartphone trying to get it to respond. But hey—it’s better than some of the overly complicated systems you’ll find in luxury cars, right?

Fuel Economy: It Won’t Drain Your Wallet

The 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport is also a fuel-sipper. The EPA rating for the manual transmission is 29 mpg city and 38 mpg highway, while the CVT manages 30 mpg city and 36 mpg highway.

For a car that’s this fun to drive, those numbers are impressive.

Real-World Fuel Economy

Some Civic owners, like Alex, have reported slightly higher numbers with careful driving. “I’ve been averaging about 34 mpg combined,” Alex says. “Granted, I’m not always in a hurry, but it’s nice to know I’m getting great mileage even when I have a little fun on the roads.”

Safety: Honda’s Got Your Back

Honda has long been known for its safety features, and the 2019 Civic Hatchback Sport is no exception. It comes standard with Honda Sensing, which includes a suite of driver-assistance technologies to keep you safe.

Key Safety Features

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS): If the car senses an impending collision, it applies the brakes for you.
• Road Departure Mitigation: Helps keep you on the road and not in a ditch.
• Adaptive Cruise Control: Perfect for those long highway drives when you just want to relax a little.
• Lane-Keeping Assist: Keeps you centered in your lane.

With all this tech, you can drive with a little extra peace of mind. However, don’t get too comfortable relying on the tech. Some systems, like lane-keeping assist, can be a bit too aggressive, sometimes nudging the wheel when you’re trying to do a lane change yourself. It’s like having an overly cautious driving instructor sitting in the passenger seat, and it can get a little annoying.

Practicality: More Room Than You’d Expect

One of the best parts of owning a hatchback is the extra cargo space, and the 2019 Civic Hatchback Sport delivers. You get 25.7 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, and with the seats folded down, that expands to 46.2 cubic feet. For a car this size, that’s impressive.

Practical Features

• Rear Seat Magic: Fold them flat for maximum cargo space or flip them up for taller items.
• Wide Rear Hatch: Makes it easy to load bulky items like a bike or even a small piece of furniture.
• Low Loading Height: No need to lift heavy items up high to get them in the car.

Alex says the practicality is one of the main reasons he bought the Civic Hatchback Sport. “I moved apartments recently, and I fit way more in the back of this car than I thought I could. It’s like a mini SUV in disguise!”

Conclusion: The Civic Hatchback Sport is Still a Contender

So there you have it—the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport is still a great car for those looking for a mix of fun, practicality, and fuel efficiency. It’s not a perfect car, but the few minor drawbacks (like the sometimes touchy lane-keeping assist or short armrest) don’t overshadow the fact that this is a well-rounded, enjoyable vehicle.

Sure, it’s not going to blow you away with insane horsepower or track-ready performance, but that’s not what this car is about. It’s about being fun to drive every day, while still being practical enough for all the regular stuff life throws at you.

If you’re in the market for a compact car with some attitude and versatility, the 2019 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport is still one of the best choices out there.