Future Honda Civic 3-door, Jeep Wrangler 4-cylinder turbo rumors and what’s the best small work van? [Ask Nathan]

2015 Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio

In this week’s Ask Nathan:

    • Will there be a Honda Civic 3-door?
    • Is the Jeep Wrangler 4-cylinder turbo coming?
    • Which small cargo van should I get?

This first question comes from a viewer who wants to know if there will be a Honda Civic 3-door hatchback.

Q:Hi, saw your Honda Civic hatchback video!

Do you think that Honda will ever build a Honda Civic 3-door hatchback? Do you think it will sell in America?

Ted

A: Hi Ted!

I’m sorry to say, there have been no announcements or even rumors about a Honda Civic 3-door variant coming to the United States. There are a lot of people out there that miss the old Honda Civic 3-Door; that’s including myself. You see, the first Honda Civic 3-door I “officially” tested was the amazing 2002 Si hatchback. I loved it.

The Honda Civic 3-door you see in this post is the Honda Gear Concept which debuted at the 2013 Montreal International Auto Show. It still looks awesome, but it’s a design that Honda will probably never adopt.

N

This next question comes from a fan who wants information on the upcoming Jeep Wrangler with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

2018 Jeep Wrangler jl
Jeep Wrangler JL test mule

Q: So, I have heard there might be a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine taking place of the Pentastar V6 in the next Jeep Wrangler.

Is that true? Is this a thing now, replacing V6 for 4-cylinder turbos? Seems like everyone else is doing it.

Are you guys heading to Moab this year?

Hank from Nebraska

2018 jeep wrangler rubicon jl spy
2018 Jeep Wrangler prototype (by Jeff F.)

A: Howdy Hank!

Rumor has it that there will be a 2-liter “Hurricane” 4-cylinder engine that could make us as much as 300 horsepower and, possibly up to 290 lb-feet of torque. It could replace or supplement the Pentastar V6. It’s supposed to be lighter, more frugal and red-line over 6,000 rpm. Adding to that rumor, it may have the 8-speed automatic (used in the Ram 1/2 ton) and, possibly, a 6-speed manual.

These rumors have a lot of momentum as there have been sightings of the engine on more than one occasion. It’s also rumored that the Wrangler will (eventually) get the 3-liter V6 turbo-diesel currently used in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1/2 ton.

I’m excited to see what Jeep comes up with!

N

The last question comes from a viewer who wants to buy a small cargo van.

Ram-ProMaster-City-RSFC

Q: Hi Nathan and Roman! I have a cargo van question for you.

My uncle has a dealership near Jacksonville, Florida and has two vans from 2015 that he will help me buy. One is the Nissan NV200 and the other one is a Ram Pro Master City. I know they compete, but I don’t know which one makes more sense.

I only have to haul 800 or so pounds, so I know that both can handle that, but I need the van to be a comfortable commuter too. Which one do you think would be best as an all-around driver?

The only passenger would be my mother on occasion.

Thanks!

Haleh. I

nissa nv200 chevy city express van

A: Hi Haleh!

The Nissan NV200 is an easier vehicle to drive in the city, but the Ram ProMaster City is the best all-around driver out of the two. They are very different vehicles and they both have their virtues.

The Nissan NV200 gets great gas mileage and is a snap to drive in the city. Parking and loading are easy too.

The Ram ProMaster City has a higher capacity, great power and is nearly as good as the Nissan around town. Its highway ride is pretty good and its overall cargo setup is excellent. It can tow as well.

Best of luck!

N

Nathan and The Fast Lane Car team are here to answer your (reasonable) questions. Interesting and/or entertaining emails will be posted to this column. If it’s relevant in the automotive universe, there’s a chance we may know something about it. The author’s email address and name will be omitted – leaving your initials or nickname, your preference.

From day one, The Fast Lane Car has made it our policy to answer as many questions and comments as we can. We get thousands of emails and comments and feel that, as part of a tight-knit automotive community, having an open dialogue with you keeps things fresh and exciting.

Got a question for Nathan? Drop him a line at: asknathan@tflcar.com.