Share

Honda's Civic - as you've never seen it

accreditation
<b>UNMISSABLE CAR:  </b>  Honda has sent tongues wagging with its luminous lime-coloured Civic Concept. <em> Image: Honda </em>
<b>UNMISSABLE CAR: </b> Honda has sent tongues wagging with its luminous lime-coloured Civic Concept. <em> Image: Honda </em>
Honda

NEW YORK - Honda literally stole the limelight at the New York International Auto Show with its luminous lime-coloured ultra-sporty and virtually production ready Civic Concept – a final precursor to the imminent launch of the tenth-generation Civic in the US.

The concept, according to Honda, provides a “tantalising glimpse” of the design direction for the 10th-generation Civic that will be launched in the States in September.

Design-wise it looks more mature than the current model. If this stunner is as close to the production Civic as we believe it to be, it will be a sure-fire winner for Honda; rekindling the halcyon days of the fourth-generation original DOHC VTEC-models.

LONGER WHEELBASE

Described by Honda executives in the US as “epic”, the new Civic will have a sharper focus on performance and versatility.

A sedan, coupé, hatchback and Si model, as well as the Type R performance flagship, will be included in the line-up, plus it will be the first US model with Earth Dreams Technology VTEC turbo engines.

According to Honda the new Civic will feature a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance to emphasise its “aggressive personality and the engaging experience it will provide behind the wheel”.

In comparison to the current Civic it will have a proportionally longer hood, shorter front overhang, a more set-back cabin and a shorter rear, as well as bigger wheels and pronounced wheel arches.

VTEC TURBO POWER

The Japanese automaker claims the new Civic will be the most dynamic, most technologically advanced and most refined and stylish derivative ever built.

It is based on a new compact platform and its drivetrain options will include a new 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo engine with direct injection, mated to either a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission or a new, more sporty and efficient continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Honda is also targeting class-leading levels of safety performance with the Civic by offering the Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver-assisted technologies, including lane departure warning; forward collision warning; a multi-angle rearview camera; adaptive cruise control and Honda LaneWatch.

The North American versions of the Civic sedan, coupé and Si models will be built in the US while the five-door hatchback will be produced at the Swindon plant in the UK – which means it will almost certainly be made available in South Africa, probably by early 2016.

 IN YOUR FACE: Honda has set tongues wagging with its luminous Civic Concept. Image: Honda
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE