2017 Honda Civic hatchback makes North American debut

A prototype version of the 2017 Honda Civic hatchback was unveiled ahead of its North American debut, marking the third body style of the 10th generation of Honda's popular compact.

Honda also announced it will pair the new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder that debuted in the 2016 Civic sedan with a six-speed manual transmission in the hatchback.

The 1.5-litre will be the only engine offered in the North American Civic hatchback.

A continuously-variable transmission will also be available.

"Offered with the first application of the 1.5-litre turbo engine paired with a manual transmission, this sportiest Civic to date will attract a whole new set of enthusiasts buyers to the model and Honda brand," Honda's U.S. senior vice-president and general manager, Jeff Conrad, said in a statement.

The Civic Hatchback will launch later this year as the third new Civic variant, joining sedan and coupe versions.

Civic Si variants and the Civic Type R will follow.

The 2017 Civic hatchback will be built in Swindon, U.K.