2017 Honda Civic UK Trim Levels: A Complete Guide

The 2017 Honda Civic remains a benchmark in the European compact car segment, delivering a blend of refined engineering, dynamic handling, and versatile trim options tailored to diverse driver needs. As the UK market evolved in 2017, Honda carefully structured the Civic range to provide clear value across performance, comfort, and technology—without sacrificing design integrity. From the unassuming LX to the sport-tuned EX-L and Type-R variants, each trim level reflects a precise engineering philosophy, balancing accessibility with desirability.¹ From front-wheel-drive efficiency to legendary reliability, the 2017 Civic delivers a cohesive yet layered product that continues to influence how buyers approach entry-level luxury performance.

LX – The Entry-Level Essential: Value-Driven Compact Practicality

At the base of Honda’s UK trim hierarchy sits the LX, designed for first-time drivers and budget-conscious buyers seeking fundamental sophistication.

The LX trim delivers Honda’s signature reliability with a streamlined yet effective package: composite identity trim, alloy wheels, and a compact 1.8L engine producing 125 PS, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission—rare in its class—for a tangible connection to driving. Passenger comfort centers on globally engineered seating with mindful noise insulation, augmented by a smooth 5-speed automatic in later variants. Infotainment centers on a 5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, offering essential navigation and iOS App Connect—though basic by modern standards.² The LX最灵活 choice delivers range flexibility, with an EPA-estimated 31 mpg (52 m/L) in mixed driving, appealing to urban commuters and town drivers.

With a starting price under £20,000, it serves as the perfect entry point—proving Honda’s commitment to accessible engineering without compromise.

EX – Bridging Basics and Balance: Smarter Features, Sharper Drive

Elevating from pure economy, the EX trim introduces refinements that enhance both usability and driver engagement. Honda responds to growing demand for controlled practicality by offering improved materials: glossed acoustic glass, improved carpeting, and enhanced rear-seat comfort. Crucially, the 1.8L engine gains lockable differential pricing, boosting cornering stability—especially valuable on Britain’s often twisty rural roads.

The EX also introduces a 6-speed manual as standard, replacing the LX’s optional gearbox, and ups the paulding to a 7-inch color-tuned touchscreen with Honda’s MiniUICOM infotainment platform.³ This system supports Ford’s SYNC 3 integration for seamless smartphone connectivity, a practical upgrade for daily commuters balancing wallet and feature. Space expansion includes a 92-liter boot, slightly larger than LX, while the exterior retains sleek proportions with subtle aesthetic updates—reinforcing EX as a step ahead without veering into excess.⁴ For buyers seeking a step up in both capability and comfort without overspending, the EX delivers a well-scaled proposition.

EX-L – Luxury in Compact Form: Design, Comfort, and Connectivity Combined

Positioned as the premium mid-tier, the EX-L trim merges refined styling with thoughtful interior enhancements to appeal to discerning city drivers and long-distance travelers alike. Exterior design leans into elegance with slightly polished bumpers, aerodynamic curb lines, and optional dark-tone badging, while interior upgrades include leather-trimmed door panels, ambient LED lighting, and weather-resistant materials suited to daily wear.

The 1.8L engine remains tuned for responsiveness but is now paired with Honda’s Lane Watch Assist and Road Departure Mitigation in lateral safety suites—subtle but meaningful tech commentary on Honda’s evolving safety ethos.⁵ Infotainment upgrades with dual USB ports and HD Radio reception set the EX-L apart, while another 7-inch touchscreen enables richer multimedia experiences. Hands-on feedback reveals a noticeably more grounded ride, with tuned suspension and sportier creep function—balancing comfort and confidence. With a starting price around £23,000, EX-L finds strong demand: it exemplifies how Honda transforms standard envelopes through intentional refinement, making it a standout among premium feel-good compacts.

Technical Rams: The EX和核心性能之心 — Limited Edition Type-R

For enthusiasts yearning for driving excitement without performance extremes, the 2017 Honda Civic EX with Type-R badge delivers a focused, driver-centric variant.

Unlike the standard EX’s balanced suite, Type-R sharpens the Civic’s sporting character through a tuned 1.8L engine (122 PS), sport-tuned suspension with lower ride heel, and 18-inch black spike wheels with wide-trap tires. The interior introduces a sports seats with threshold padding and a Type-R-strung steering wheel—premium touches that signal intent. Infotainment borrows from the higher EX-L platform but optimizes for responsiveness, with quicker shift engagement and enhanced driver feedback systems.⁶ Despite a modest seat count (only 5, no rear così tilt), the Type-R redefines what a compact executive car can feel like—agile, engaging, and unpretentiously bold.

Available with manual or eDIRECT dual-clutch PD towel (in select markets), it invites tinkering while retaining Honda’s hallmark build quality. While not a mainstream highlight, Type-R exemplifies the trim’s philosophy: performance clarity in a compact form.

Trade-Offs and Target Audiences: Navigating the Trim Maze

Each 2017 Civic UK trim follows a deliberate cadence of accessibility, incrementally expanding capability and appeal. The LX anchors affordability; EX introduces intelligent refinement; EX-L amplifies comfort and tech; Type-R targets those craving sport without compromise.⁷ The suspension geometry, powertrain tuning, and interior material quality all reflect this tiered philosophy, avoiding feature overload while addressing core user needs.

Urban commuters and student drivers may prefer entry-level LX or base EX—where reliability and economics dominate. Family-friendly households or long-distance travelers benefit from EX-L’s space and tech comforts. Performance lovers, however, find Type-R’s edge compelling, though demand likely remained niche in the UK compact segment.⁸ Notably, all models shared Honda’s signature certifiable safety features—ABS, ESC, and ESC-Pro—ensuring the Civic maintained its reputation for safe motoring even across dramatically different trims.

Standard drivetrain architecture remains predominantly front-wheel-drive, with a transversely mounted 1.8L engine across all levels—a pragmatic, cost-effective choice reflecting European market preferences. Manual selectable via Lever 7EX models offers tactile driver engagement, though automatic transmission gains traction for smoother urban shifts. Fuel efficiency averages 30–34 mpg, consistent with Honda’s benchmark, with the 6-speed manual trailing slightly but rewarding drivers with direct input.

Interior cabin dimensions cradle up to 5 passengers comfortably, with 136×84×292 mm rear legroom making longer trips feasible despite the compact footprint.

Infotainment and Connectivity — Modern Utility in Compact Form

Infotainment systems across 2017 Civic trims reflect Honda’s cautious but deliberate push into connected driving. The 7-inch color-tuned screens on EX and beyond support navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration, and voice commands—functionally sufficient for most daily needs, though lacking Honda’s more advanced SYNC 4 systems debuting later.

Options expand with premium upgrades: premium audio packages (8–10 speakers), premium tactile steering wheels, and even wireless charging in EX-L variants.⁹ Touch