The current generation of Honda Civic hatchback still feels and looks like a brand new car, but Honda has just launched a facelift for its European compact model, adding new tech and a Sport derivative to the range.
Let's start with the Civic Sport, which we thing is going to get plenty of young buyers into Honda dealerships because it looks so old-school. It's inspired by the styling of the upcoming Civic Typer R hot hatch, but comes with a choice of normal engines that are a little easier on your wallet. A redesigned front bumper ads character using sharper lines and a black insert for the grille, flanked by sharp LED daytime running lights.
The Civic Sport also features a small rear spoiler that seems to be glued onto the middle of the hatch glass and a set of 17-inch wheels that are available in black. Engines for this watered down Type R include a 1.6 i-DTEC diesel rated at 120 PS and an EU6 compliant 1.8-liter VTEC pushing 142 PS.
The mid-life update for the rest of the Civic range is more like a tech update than a comprehensive design change. Both the hatch and estate models have received re-styled headlights that feature daytime running LED accents on the bottom and a new cluster for the beams to mirror the latest Honda designs, probably the upcoming HR-V crossover. They also benefit from re-styled front and rear bumpers, side skirts and taillights graphics, but none of these changes are very obvious.
Perhaps more importantly, the all Civic models have a system called City- Brake Active (CTBA) as standard, which is ideal for avoiding low speed accidents at up to 30 km/h. The highlight of its cabin is a new Honda Connect infotainment system that runs on Android 4.0.4. This tech update is joined by new seat trim combinations and door trim design.
Expect a full market launch of the Civic facelift range right after its debut at the Paris Motor Show 2014.
The Civic Sport also features a small rear spoiler that seems to be glued onto the middle of the hatch glass and a set of 17-inch wheels that are available in black. Engines for this watered down Type R include a 1.6 i-DTEC diesel rated at 120 PS and an EU6 compliant 1.8-liter VTEC pushing 142 PS.
The mid-life update for the rest of the Civic range is more like a tech update than a comprehensive design change. Both the hatch and estate models have received re-styled headlights that feature daytime running LED accents on the bottom and a new cluster for the beams to mirror the latest Honda designs, probably the upcoming HR-V crossover. They also benefit from re-styled front and rear bumpers, side skirts and taillights graphics, but none of these changes are very obvious.
Perhaps more importantly, the all Civic models have a system called City- Brake Active (CTBA) as standard, which is ideal for avoiding low speed accidents at up to 30 km/h. The highlight of its cabin is a new Honda Connect infotainment system that runs on Android 4.0.4. This tech update is joined by new seat trim combinations and door trim design.
Expect a full market launch of the Civic facelift range right after its debut at the Paris Motor Show 2014.