Honda Civic Expands Manual Gearbox Availability

Bucking the trend to abolish manual gearboxes in the U.S., Honda Motor Co. is adding an optional 6-speed manual for the Sport Touring version of the 2020 model Civic hatchback.  

The manual unit joins the carryover continuously variable transmission, which previously was the only gearbox offered in the Civic Sport Touring hatchback. Honda will continue to offer a choice of the CVT and 6-speed manual in the Civic Sport, while the LX, EX and EX-L trim lines are limited to the CVT.

The CVT adds $800 to the cost of the Sport and Sport Touring. The base Civic LT hatchback starts at about $22,600.

All 2020 Civic hatchbacks are powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-banger engine that generates 174 hp. Styling updates are similar to those introduced last year in the Civic sedan and coupe. Honda says the 2020 hatchback also features improved noise and vibration characteristics.