Less than two weeks ahead of its world premiere in Paris on September 29, Honda has unveiled the European version of the new Civic Hatchback.

The only visible differences between the European and North American specification model that was introduced first in August are (predictably) the amber-colored side markers, and if our eyes aren’t playing tricks on us, the positioning of the Sport version’s twin exhaust pipes on the right for the N.A. model and the center of the rear bumper on the EU car.

In Europe, the new Civic hatch will launch with two turbocharged petrol engines, a 1.0-liter three-cylinder mill rated for 127hp, and a 1.5-liter four-cylinder delivering 180hp, both driving the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual or an optional CVT automatic. A revised version of the outgoing model’s 118hp 1.6-liter turbo diesel will be added to the range in the second half of 2017.

The North American version will be released with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline four producing 174hp and 162 lb.-ft. of torque in LX, EX and EX-L trims with a CVT, 174hp and 167 lb.-ft in the LX with a 6-speed manual, 180hp and 162 lb.-ft. in Sport and Sport Touring grades with a CVT, and 180hp and 177 lb.-ft. in the Sport with a 6sp stick shift.

A hotter Civic Type R model with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four expected to churn out more than 300hp will be presented within the next year and will be available on both sides of the Atlantic. It will go up against the Ford Focus RS.

At 4,497mm (177 in.) long, 1,800mm (70.9 in.) wide and 1,421mm (55.9 in.) tall, is 127mm (5.0 in.) longer, 30mm (1.2 in.) wider and 20mm (0.8 in.) lower than the car it replaces. It also rides on a 30mm (1.2 in.) longer wheelbase, yet weighs 16kg (35 lbs) less than its predecessor. Honda promises improved leg and shoulder room for passengers, while upping boot space by 1 liter to 478 liters, which is significantly more than the VW Golf’s 380 liters.

Series production of the global-market 2017 Civic hatchback has already kicked off at Honda’s UK manufacturing base in Swindon, with the model set to be exported to more than 70 countries around the world, including European markets, North America and Canada. Honda will also offer the new Civic Sedan in Europe, but the four-door model will be produced at the brand’s facility in Gebzé, Turkey, with sales to start early next year.

EU-Spec 2017 Honda Civic Hatch

US-Spec 2017 Honda Civic Hatch