The 4 Best Features on the 2017 Honda Civic EX-T

The Honda Civic hardly needs an introduction, but it’s worth mentioning that the incredibly popular compact car has an amazing number of features without compromising a single inch on the price. 2017 isn’t the year of big changes that 2016 was for Honda’s classic compact, but the company added a hatchback design to the sedan and coupe bodies they already offer. The sporty EX-T trim is especially appealing to many buyers.

A New Transmission Option

Most 2017 Civic models come with a continuously variable transmission, which uses cones instead of separate gears to offer a smooth and efficient acceleration. Modern CVTs even simulate gear shifts so the driver can listen to the engine roar up and down, but drivers interested in performance often prefer manual transmissions or automatic transmissions with a manual shift mode. That’s why the 2017 Civic EX-T now comes standard with a six-speed manual, and the CVT is an available upgrade.

A More Powerful Engine

While the LX and EX trims run on a normally aspirated 2.0-liter engine, the EX-T, EX-L, and Touring trims swap it out for a 1.5-liter engine which has four cylinders and a turbocharger. This gives it 174 horsepower, 16 more than the larger engine, along with 162 pound-feet of torque. Also, an EX-T with a manual transmission gets an extra five pound-feet for a total of 167 and reaches maximum horsepower at 5500 rpm, 500 fewer than with the CVT.

Interior Comforts

The EX-T trim of the 2017 Honda Civic is the cheapest trim to come with a pair of important comfort features. While every Civic has automatic climate control, meaning it heats or cools the car to match the temperature you set, the EX-T has two temperature zones for the driver and front passenger. It also comes with heated front seats that keep you toasty even when it’s freezing outside. You also get a convenient push-button engine starter.

High-Tech Audio

Like most 2017 Civic trims, the EX-T has a lot to offer when it comes to the audio and infotainment system. The EX-T audio system has a seven-inch touchscreen and a total of eight speakers, and the modern HondaLink operating system is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM Radio, and HD Radio. Even if you don’t use Auto or CarPlay, you can link your phone to the car’s audio system with Bluetooth and stream music or make hands-free phone calls. Only the Touring model has a better audio system, with 10 high-quality speakers and a standard navigation system with voice commands.

The 2017 Civic EX-T has more features where these came from, including a rear decklid spoiler, automatic headlights, fog lights, and heated side mirrors. But if you really want to find out what the EX-T has to offer, your best bet is to visit your local Honda dealership and test one out to find out how it feels when you drive it. After all, the Civic is one of the best compact cars on the road for a reason.

Image via Pixabay

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