Only Select 2017 Honda Civic Hatchbacks Will Feature Apple’s CarPlay

Honda has announced that select models of the 2017 Civic Hatchback, which are set to arrive this fall, will support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through Display Audio technology.

CarPlay connects your iPhone to your car’s built-in display interface, allowing you to drive safely while making calls, sending and receiving messages, using your GPS to navigate, and listening to music. Those apps have been reconfigured to be used in cars so you can control them while steering. For instance, you can control CarPlay through the car’s dials, buttons, and display or through Siri voice-control.

The Display Audio option is reserved only for the higher-end versions of the car, namely EX, EX-L, and Sport Touring. The upcoming lineup also features five doors, 1.5 Liter DOHC direct-injected turbo engines, and Euro-inspired design. The Sport Touring version will come pre-equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside Honda Sensing safety technology, LED headlights and heated rear seating. The other two models require you to request upgrades for the Display Audio option for a fee, according to PR Newswire.

Honda’s press release reports that the new Hatchbacks were designed by R&D teams in Europe and Japan and will be manufactured in the UK.

There’s no word yet on how much the 2017 Civic Hatchbacks will cost, nor is it yet known how the Display Audio upgrade for EX and EX-L owners will be priced.

Apple CarPlay used to be exclusive to higher-end vehicles, however, other automakers such as Ford, Chevrolet, Kia, and Hyundai have already begun incorporating it into their cars.

The Civic is a hugely popular and affordable line of cars for Honda, and it’s likely that the Apple CarPlay option will make its cars more attractive to prospective buyers.

 Will Apple’s CarPlay affect your next car-buying decision? Let us know in the comments!