There's New Hope Honda Will Offer the Civic 1.5T With a Manual
Honda is giving us fresh hope that the new turbocharged Civic will be offered with a manual transmission.
At a media event held in California for the new Civic Coupe, Honda is giving journalists (including our own Road Test Editor Mike Schlee) the chance to drive a prototype Civic sedan with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
A 1.5 L turbo engine with a six-speed manual transmission? Yup. Just drove it, can’t talk about it; yet #HondaCivic pic.twitter.com/gx2shukdCZ
— Michael Schlee (@Mikeschlee) February 4, 2016
Honda still won’t explicitly confirm that this combination will be available to the public, but the existence of a prototype with this powertrain combination does suggest that it is in the works. Allowing members of the media to drive it also points to the eventual release of this car, unless Honda is just teasing up.
SEE ALSO: Stop Sale Issued on 2016 Honda Civic 2.0L, Recall to Follow
Currently, Civic buyers must get a CVT if they opt for the small turbocharged engine, with the manual-transmission option offered exclusively with the naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four cylinder. The turbo makes 174 horsepower will the 2.0-liter four banger makes 158 hp.
Driving impressions on the manual-equipped turbo Civic prototype are embargoed, so we can’t share any more info on the car for now.
But watch for the full review, and likely a production announcement, in the next few weeks.
Discuss this story at our Honda Civic Forum
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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Wait for the SI! Joking aside, Honda makes manual gear boxes, they should offer it with the zippy turbo.
Crazy how fast this 1.5t is compared to last gen si. A manual in this would sure be fun.