London: Fast, sporty and stylish. Yes, this is how one would describe the new Honda Civic Concept Car.
Honda unveiled its ultra-sporty Civic Concept at the New York International Auto Show on Wednesday as the brand prepares to launch its completely re-imagined 10th-Generation Civic models beginning this fall.
With a sharper focus on spirited performance and class-leading versatility, the new Civic lineup will now include the Civic Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback, followed by the launch of a new Civic Type-R as the performance flagship of the Civic lineup
When the company last rolled out a new Civic four years ago, it took no risks. The car was panned for unremarkable looks and a cheap interior, with a chintzy plastic dashboard and bed-sheet thin seat fabric.
The next-generation Civic unveiled Wednesday has dramatic creases, a longer hood, 20-inch wheels and a big rear spoiler clearly designed to jettison the current car’s dull appearance and handling.
“This, ladies and gentlemen, is the return of the sporty Civic,” Executive Vice President John Mendel said at the car’s introduction.
Honda has confirmed that this Civic will be the first in the US to incorporate turbocharged VTEC engines. The turbo’d 1.5-liter four will get hooked up to both a six-speed manual and a CVT.
The most exciting news for lead-footed fan boys will be the inclusion of both – Civic Si and the Nürburgring-champion Civic Type R.
The gen-ten Civic will go on sale in the US this fall, though no specifics have yet been offered about which variants will be first and last.