Like the 2016 Civic Sedan, the 2017 Civic Hatchback incorporates Honda's latest active safety, passive safety and driver-assistive features, including available Honda Sensing™ technology. The Civic Hatchback has earned a 5-star Overall Vehicle Score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and is anticipated to earn a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) when equipped with Honda Sensing.

Active safety features include a suite of Honda Sensing™ features that can detect and help avoid a potential collision. In the Sport Touring trim, the Auto High-Beam System (HSS) is offered for the first time on a Honda Civic. When HSS is set to Auto, the high beams are automatically selected until an integrated camera detects an oncoming or preceding vehicle in the vicinity, when the system automatically switches to low beams.

Passive safety begins with the Civic Hatchback's advanced unibody engineering and construction, which, like the Civic Sedan, includes the most high-strength steel (61-percent) in model history. An Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure and energy-dispersing crash stroke front frame rails are employed, and additional passive-safety features include dual-stage, multiple-threshold front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags with rollover sensor.

Key Safety & Driver Assistance Features

• Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure with crash stroke design
• Hot-stamped ultra-high-strength steel door rings and sills
• Multi-Angle Rearview Camera
• Expanded View Driver's Mirror
• Seatbelts with Crash Locking Tongue
• Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Honda LaneWatch™
• Available Honda Sensing™:
  • Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™)
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Integrated into CMBS
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Integrated into RDM
  • Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
  • Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)

Crash Safety Ratings

Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) Body Structure Honda's Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body-structure enhances occupant protection and crash compatibility in frontal collisions by distributing crash energy more evenly throughout the front of the vehicle. (See the Body & Exterior section for more information.)

Pedestrian Injury Mitigation Design Structures in the front of the 2017 Civic Hatchback are designed to help absorb energy in the event of a collision with a pedestrian. Research by Honda shows that the following features can dramatically improve a pedestrian's chance of survival if struck by a moving vehicle.

Specific pedestrian head injury mitigation features include:

• Hood is designed to deform if contact is made with either an adult or a child pedestrian
• Sufficient clearance exists between the hood and hard engine parts, allowing the hood to deform if impacted by a pedestrian
• Windshield base has a unique section structure for efficient impact energy absorption
• Energy-absorbing fender mounts and supports
• Breakaway windshield wiper pivots
• Deformable hood hinges

Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) with Traction Control Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) is an Electronic Stability Control system that works in conjunction with the Drive-by-Wire™ throttle and the 4-channel ABS systems to enhance control capability while the vehicle is accelerating, braking, cornering or when the driver makes a sudden maneuver. VSA functions by applying brake force to one or more wheels independently while also managing the throttle, ignition and fuel systems to help the vehicle maintain the driver's intended path of travel.

VSA also provides a limited-slip differential effect for the front wheels by applying braking force to a slipping wheel, thereby redirecting driving force to the wheel with more traction. By pressing the VSA button, the driver can temporarily reduce the traction control effectiveness, allowing more wheel slip during stuck condition. ABS remains fully operational at all times.

Brake Assist A function of the VSA® system, Brake Assist recognizes emergency or hard braking situations and almost instantly applies added braking force to ensure maximum stopping force, an action that can help shorten braking distance.

Advanced 4-Channel ABS with Electronic Brake Distribution Like other Civic models, the Civic Hatchback is fitted with 4-wheel disc brakes with 4-channel anti-lock braking (ABS). The ABS system also incorporates Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) circuitry that automatically proportions front-to-rear brake force based on the dynamic load on each wheel. Large front brake disc dimensions and a large master cylinder provide excellent stopping performance and pedal feel. (See the Chassis section for more information.)

Seatbelts Three-point seatbelts are standard for all seating positions. The front seatbelts are equipped with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners and load-limiting retractors to help mitigate injuries in a frontal collision.

Dual-stage, Multiple-Threshold Front Airbags Both the driver and front passenger are protected by advanced front airbags (SRS) that incorporate dual-stage and multiple-threshold activation technology. If deployed, these airbags are capable of being inflated at different rates depending on crash severity, seatbelt usage and other factors. Like other Honda vehicles, the driver's front airbag is located in the steering wheel while the passenger airbag is located on the top of the dash. When deployed, the passenger airbag inflates upward and then rearward to maximize its protective potential while reducing the likelihood of injuries caused by airbag deployment.

Driver's Spiral Airbag The Civic Hatchback incorporates spiral stitching into the driver's front airbag. The spiral nature of the airbag promotes early restraint and maintains a constant pressure by reducing volume early and maximizing volume later in deployment.

Front Passenger's Safety Vent Airbag The passenger's front airbag in the Civic Hatchback features a new safety vent system that increases safety for the front passenger in a frontal collision involving an airbag deployment. If the passenger is sitting "out of position" – such as leaning forward in the pathway of the airbag deployment – the auxiliary vents remain open, directing a significant amount of gas out and away from the occupant. As a result, the potential for injury from the airbag striking an out-of-position passenger is reduced. However, if the passenger is correctly seated, the airbag has an internal tether that will close the auxiliary vents at the necessary time to provide optimal occupant restraint.

Driver and Front Passenger Side Airbags Side airbags mounted in the outboard area of each front seatback are designed to help provide pelvic and thorax protection for the driver and front passenger in the event of a severe side impact. In all 2017 Civic Hatchback models, the side airbags deploy in a manner that helps mitigate the risk of injury to a smaller seat occupant.

Side Curtain Airbags All outboard seating positions are protected by side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor system. In the event of a severe side impact, the side curtain airbags deploy from modules in the roof, providing a significant level of head protection in the window area. In the unlikely event of a rollover, a roll-rate sensor along with multiple G sensors trigger airbag deployment. The side curtain airbags will also deploy and provide head protection in frontal impacts as necessary. For example, small overlap impacts, where the front corner of the vehicle collides with a solid object.

In the case of a rollover, the side curtain airbags on both sides of the vehicle will deploy. However, in the event of a sufficient side impact that does not result in a rollover, only the airbags on the impacted side of the vehicle will deploy. The airbag maintains full inflation for approximately six seconds after inflation to allow for the increased duration of a rollover accident.

Whiplash Mitigation Front Seat Design Both front seats are designed to help mitigate the severity of neck injuries in the event of a rear impact by efficiently dispersing forces against the occupant as the seatback cushion compresses relative to the occupant's head. The seatback springs are optimized so that in a rear crash, when the seatback is pushed forward into the occupant, the seat will absorb the occupant's mass in manner that can help minimize the severity of a whiplash injury.

Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) Both of the second-row outboard seating positions on all Civic Hatchbacks are equipped with the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) child seat-mounting system. Tether anchors are provided the remaining middle seating position.

Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System The Civic Hatchback's indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses wheel-speed data collected by the ABS system to determine when the air pressure in one tire drops below the recommended minimum. When this occurs, a symbol illuminates on the instrument panel to warn the driver.

Multi-Angle Rearview Camera All 2015 and newer Honda models, including the 2017 Civic Hatchback, incorporate a multi-angle rearview camera¹. The camera can show a top view, normal or wide view when the transmission is in Reverse, based on the driver's selection. On LX and Sport trims, the camera display is viewable on the 5-inch color LCD screen. On EX, EX-L Navi and Sport Touring trims, the view is displayed on the 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen. Additionally, the LX and Sport trims feature static guidelines that help the driver better judge distances, while EX and above trims have dynamic guidelines that project the vehicle's future path based on the driver's steering inputs.

Honda Sensing™ Honda Sensing™ helps provide greater awareness of driving conditions around the vehicle, providing warnings to the driver and, under certain conditions, aiding the driver in avoiding or mitigating the severity of a collision. Honda Sensing™ is available on the Civic Hatchback LX, EX and EX-L Navi and is included as standard equipment on the Sport Touring trim.

Honda Sensing™ features include the following:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS™)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW) – Integrated with CMBS
• Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS)
• Road Departure Mitigation (RDM)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) – Integrated with RDM
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low Speed Follow (LSF)

Collision Mitigation Braking System™ All Civic Hatchback models with Honda Sensing™ offer the Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), one of the most sophisticated driver-assistive technologies available. A millimeter wave radar unit, located behind the front grille, and monocular camera, located between the rearview mirror and windshield, scans traffic conditions ahead of the vehicle.

When the system determines a collision is possible with a detected vehicle, the integrated Forward Collision Warning (FCW) system's visual and audible alerts prompt the driver to take corrective actions. The visual alert appears on the Multi-Information Display (MID). If the situation is not resolved, CMBS can apply different levels of automatic braking action to help reduce vehicle speed and eventual collision forces, and therefore to help reduce the severity of a collision if the driver doesn't take corrective action on their own. The radar unit and camera work simultaneously and cooperatively to control the VSA modulator, which initiates any required braking.

Due to the effectiveness of its monocular camera, CMBS can recognize shapes and differentiate between a vehicle and a pedestrian, warning the driver in each case. See the 2016 Civic CMBS animation for an active representation of system operation.

It is important to note that CMBS cannot detect all objects ahead, nor is it intended to replace the driver's assessment of traffic conditions and control of the vehicle. The driver must intervene in certain situations, and must always be attentive when using the system. Although in many cases CMBS will stop the vehicle, it is not intended to apply enough braking force to prevent all collisions. Based on the conditions, the system also may not perform all visual- and audible-alert stages, and may instead automatically engage the brakes if the system deems it necessary. CMBS may be turned off by pressing the CMBS button on the left side of the dash.

Forward Collision Warning – Integrated with CMBS Integrated with CMBS, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) uses the monocular camera and millimeter wave radar to detect vehicles ahead and to determine whether a collision is likely. This helps reduce the stress of driving in traffic, while also contributing to an increased level of passive safety.

If the FCW system detects a vehicle in front of the Civic Hatchback and then determines that a collision may occur (due to a speed differential between the two vehicles), it will trigger visual and audible alerts for the driver. These include a "BRAKE" message on the Multi-Information Display (MID), and a series of beeps to alert the driver to apply the brake pedal. The FCW system will not automatically brake, and the driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle and avoiding collisions. If the driver doesn't respond to the FCW warnings, however, the CMBS is triggered into operation.

Drivers may adjust the distance at which FCW alerts occur by pressing the "SETTINGS" button, selecting "Vehicle Settings," and then choosing "Driver Assist System Setup" and the "Forward Collision Warning Distance" option. At this point they may choose between "Long," "Normal" or "Short." FCW may be turned off by pressing the CMBS button on the left side of the instrument panel.

Note that the FCW system cannot detect all objects ahead and may not detect a given object; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and other factors.

Lane Keep Assist System Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) helps provide a less stressful driving experience by reducing the need for steering correction movements and driving effort on the highway. LKAS uses a camera to read lane markings and uses Electric Power Steering (EPS) to assist the driver in maintaining their position within the lane.

Designed for the U.S. road structure, the system uses a monocular camera mounted on the upper portion of the windshield to identify painted lanes, Botts' dots and cats eye markers at speeds between 45 mph and 90 mph. When LKAS senses that the driver is drifting from the middle of a detected lane, the system generates corrective steering torque to assist the driver in maintaining lane position. Drivers using LKAS need to keep their hands on the steering wheel and their eyes on the road.

LKAS may be activated and deactivated using a switch located on the lower right part of the steering wheel. The system will suspend operation after several seconds if the driver takes his or her hands off the wheel, accompanied by a visual warning in the MID, resuming when the driver makes a steering input.

(See the 2016 Civic LKAS animation video for an active representation of system operation.)

Road Departure Mitigation Integrating Lane Departure Warning (LDW) (see below), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM) uses a monocular camera (mounted on the upper portion of the windshield) to identify solid or dashed painted lane lines, Botts' dots and cats eye markers. RDM uses steering force, via EPS to help the Civic Hatchback stay in its lane and, if the vehicle is detected leaving a lane marked by solid lines, braking force, via Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), to keep the vehicle from departing the lane or roadway altogether.

The monocular camera recognizes lane features and identifies the lane. If the RDM system determines that the Civic Hatchback is about to leave a detected lane, it will provide steering assist (primary) and in rare occasions when steering assist is not sufficient to avoid leaving a lane marked by a solid line, braking assist, to help the driver stay on the road. RDM is integrated with the VSA system to provide moderate braking, and with the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system to provide steering input.

Multiple visual warnings alert the driver when the RDM system is taking corrective action. These include a lane departure warning on the driver's Driver Information Interface (DII) along with a steering wheel vibration as an initial warning.

RDM also has customizable timing of the initial warning of the steering wheel shake/vibration. This can be adjusted in the vehicle settings. RDM can be turned off by using the RDM Off button on the left of the dash.

See the 2016 Civic RDM Animation for an active representation of system operation.

Lane Departure Warning – Integrated with RDM Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is designed to alert the driver if the vehicle is leaving a detected lane without the turn signal being activated. The system functions at speeds from 45 to 90 mph on straight or slightly curved roads, alerting the driver of deviations from a detected lane. The LDW system utilizes the same upper front windshield camera used for LKAS and RDM and provides the visual and haptic alerts prior to the other systems actively engaging.

If the vehicle begins to move out of a detected lane without the turn signal activated, LDW illuminates a Lane Departure message on the Multi-Information Display (MID) and oscillates the steering wheel, advising the driver to take appropriate action. The system can be activated and deactivated by pressing the LDW button located on the instrument panel, to the left of the steering column.

There are certain conditions under which the system may not engage or operate, including inclement weather (e.g., snow, ice or heavy rain) and extreme cabin heat (due to operability of the camera). The system will automatically suspend operation when the brakes are applied or the turn signals are used. LDW may not detect all lane markings or lane departures; accuracy will vary based on weather, speed and road condition. The driver remains responsible for safely operating the vehicle.

Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Low-Speed Follow (LSF), available on CVT equipped models (and ACC without LSF, avail. on 6MT-equipped models) allows the driver to set a desired speed and following interval from a vehicle detected ahead, allowing the use of cruise control in light traffic conditions. This significantly reduces the driver stress of driving in traffic. The system uses the millimeter wave radar and monocular camera to continually track the distance to the vehicle detected ahead, and then adjusts the Civic Hatchback's speed to maintain the set following interval. A short, medium, long, or extra-long interval can be selected. When required, the Civic Hatchback automatically brakes using the VSA modulator. Integrated Low-Speed Follow (LSF) extends the automatic following capability to stop-and-go traffic situations (down to 0 mph).

ACC operates in the following ways in the listed circumstances:

• A preceding vehicle is detected in the lane ahead – Decelerates automatically, if required, and then controls the following distance.
• The preceding vehicle slows to a stop – Stops automatically and remains stationary.
• The preceding vehicle accelerates from a stop – Resumes following when the SET or RES switch or accelerator pedal is operated.
• Another vehicle merges in between the Civic Hatchback and the preceding vehicle – Automatically switches "targets" to the nearest detected preceding vehicle.
• The preceding vehicle exits the lane – ACC system continues at cruise-control speed previously selected by driver (25 to 90 mph).

A Driver Information Interface (DII) message and audible warning alert the driver when the ACC function is activated.

See the 2016 Civic ACC Animation for an active representation of system operation.

Honda LaneWatch™ Civic Hatchback EX and above trims include the Honda LaneWatch™¹ ;display. Honda LaneWatch™ uses a camera located at the bottom the passenger-side exterior mirror to display a wide-angle view of the passenger side roadway on the 7-inch Display Audio touchscreen. The image appears when the right turn signal is activated or when a button on the end of the turn signal stalk is pressed. (See the Interior section for more information.)

The typical field of view for a passenger-side mirror is approximately 18 to 22 degrees, but the LaneWatch™ display field-of-view is about four times greater, or approximately 80 degrees. The system helps the driver to see traffic, pedestrians or objects not always seen using the mirror alone. To help make judging distance easier, three reference lines are shown. Drivers should visually confirm roadway conditions prior to changing lanes.

LaneWatch™ can be customized to suit the driver's preferences. Turn-signal activation of the LaneWatch™ system can be switched on or off, as can the three onscreen reference lines. Screen brightness, contrast and black level are also adjustable.

Auto High-Beam System (HSS) The auto high-beam system (HSS), standard on Sport Touring trim and included with Honda Sensing-equipped trims, makes optimal use of the vehicle's headlights. When the headlight switch is set in the Auto position, the system automatically illuminates the high beams until an integrated camera detects oncoming or preceding traffic and automatically switches to low beams.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

(See the Specifications and Features document for all data.)

¹ Display accuracy will vary based on weather, size of object and speed, and the display may not show all relevant traffic. The display is not a substitute for your own direct visual assessment of traffic conditions before changing lanes