The concept previews the 10th generation Civic hatch and, in our opinion, it showcases a much sportier and overall more appealing exterior design to the outgoing version.
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Following a massive leak at the end of February, Honda has officially introduced the Civic hatchback prototype at the Geneva Motor Show.
New larger and wider wheels and tyres will give a feeling of an “assured stance”, while the long wheelbase and (hopefully) continued clever packing should make it practical.
Honda says this design maximizes interior space while also reflecting the sportier and more engaging drive that the new Civic’s platform enables.
The short front overhang with large air intakes presents an aggressive interpretation of Honda’s family face. LED headlights and daytime running lights flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches.
Based on the success of the standard Civic sedan in the United States market, there shouldn’t be too many issues for the hatch – at least not more than recalls. At the rear, the bumper incorporates angular creases and vents, created to echo the aggressively styled nature of the rest of the auto as well as distinctive C-shaped LED rear light.
The Geneva show vehicle is a concept said to be close to production ready, and described by Honda as a step change from previous Civic models, focusing on “provocative design and rewarding driving dynamics”.
It will become the first European Honda to be available with the all-new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines while further improvements have also been made to the existing 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine.
A single turbo diesel engine and two turbo petrol motors constitute the powertrain lineup.
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Designed and developed for the European markets, the five-door hatchback variant of the Honda Civic will be manufactured at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) in Swindon from where it will be exported to markets worldwide including the USA.
