Photo: SB-Medien
Honda is looking to deliver on the promise of an epic Civic lineup. The last body style is being prepared for its debut in Europe, its spiritual home. However, it will also be available in America with the 1.5-liter turbo engine, a manual transmission, and some surprises.
The prototype for this car was recently presented at the New York Auto Show and did not disappoint anybody. It looks aggressive and muscular. There isn't even a hint of nostalgia, as this car has its grasp firmly on the future. We believe Honda has figured out all the things a young and enthusiastic driver wants and will soon dominate the segment.
As Honda said, the production model looks exactly like the prototype. The 19-inch wheels, crazy exhaust and body kit are gone. But we knew those belonged to the Type R model to begin with. In Europe, Honda will continue to offer a styling pack on the hatchback while development of the all-new Type R model should end next year.
Speaking of timelines, we believe that production will start in Sunderland, England, towards the very end of the year. It will take until next spring for the hatchbacks to arrive in America, but they should do so with confidence.
The Civic X will be marketed as a more performance-oriented vehicle. For example, in America, you won't be able to buy it with the cheap 2-liter engine. In Europe, customers will be told that the body is much wider, the wheelbase is longer, and chassis stiffness has gone up by about one quarter. Don't worry because a stiff chassis on soft springs is a great way to improve the ride and comfort, too.
The back end is likely to be the most controversial part of the design. The trunk will look like a chopped version of the one on the sedan combined with the Crosstour. It certainly takes a different direction from the Mazda3, Golf and Ford Focus. The split window look that's present on the current Civic 5-door reminds us of the older Prius.
As Honda said, the production model looks exactly like the prototype. The 19-inch wheels, crazy exhaust and body kit are gone. But we knew those belonged to the Type R model to begin with. In Europe, Honda will continue to offer a styling pack on the hatchback while development of the all-new Type R model should end next year.
Speaking of timelines, we believe that production will start in Sunderland, England, towards the very end of the year. It will take until next spring for the hatchbacks to arrive in America, but they should do so with confidence.
The Civic X will be marketed as a more performance-oriented vehicle. For example, in America, you won't be able to buy it with the cheap 2-liter engine. In Europe, customers will be told that the body is much wider, the wheelbase is longer, and chassis stiffness has gone up by about one quarter. Don't worry because a stiff chassis on soft springs is a great way to improve the ride and comfort, too.
The back end is likely to be the most controversial part of the design. The trunk will look like a chopped version of the one on the sedan combined with the Crosstour. It certainly takes a different direction from the Mazda3, Golf and Ford Focus. The split window look that's present on the current Civic 5-door reminds us of the older Prius.
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