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Honda launches a hatchback variant for the China-exclusive Integra

Under its joint venture with GAC to sell a spicier Civic for the Chinese market

Launched in 2021, the Integra sports a curvier look than the Civic. PHOTO FROM GAC-HONDA

The Integra has been a staple of Honda, known for being the upscale but still sporty sibling to the Civic. In 2021, the brand revived the nameplate after 15 years for the Chinese market under its joint venture with GAC, as a slightly restyled 11th-generation Civic sedan. This week, GAC-Honda revealed the hatchback version of its enthusiast-oriented offering.

The rear end is practically left unchanged from its original counterpart. PHOTO FROM GAC-HONDA

Not to be confused with the Acura Integra for the North American market, the GAC-Honda Integra is marketed as an driver’s enthusiast choice, alongside the regular Civic sold under the Dongfeng-Honda partnership. And the inclusion of the hatchback version brings some spiciness and practicality to the lineup.

For the eco-mentalists and the mentalists, respectively. PHOTOS FROM GAC-HONDA

The same two engine options found in the sedan will also be carried over: the 240 Turbo with a 1.5-liter turbocharged in-line-four engine (L15BG), also seen in the local Civic RS Turbo, and the 2.0 e:HEV with a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated in-line-four engine with two electric motors. The promo shots also feature a two-tone paint finish, which has never been showcased on the worldwide Civic hatchback.

The biggest selling point of the Integra in China. PHOTOS FROM GAC-HONDA

The Integra fills a unique position in Honda’s overall Chinese lineup as it is offered with both a CVT and a six-speed manual transmission in all gas trims, unlike the Dongfeng-Honda Civic that only comes with the former.

Another worthy note is that a manual option outside of the base model is almost unheard of in the Chinese compact car segment, bringing the Japanese brand streets ahead compared to its rivals for the local enthusiasts.

Would you love to see Honda Cars Philippines offer the current Civic with a manual variant like the good old days?



Justin Young

Justin loves cars of all forms. Molded by motoring TV shows and Internet car culture, he sees the world from a different perspective that not many get to see every day.



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