In the US, the new generation of Honda Civic has taken on its rivals in the usual four-door sedan and two-door coupe forms earlier this year, bringing with it a lot of controversy. The design never was revolutionary enough to take attention away from its shortcomings, and most recently Consumer Reports said they can no longer recommend it.
However, the European version is a hatchback after our own hearts. Forget the VW Scirocco and Hyundai Veloster, this is one of the most interesting-looking models on offer across the old continent, despite being six years old already, which the automotive equivalent of a geriatric.
Thus, a lot is expected of the successor, as it’s got to be quite sporty but economical, exciting but cheap to buy. We have the latest spyshots that show a couple of new prototypes being tested in our hands.
Although both are heavily camouflaged, we can tell a lot of stuff we liked have been kept. The lines of the headlights seem to follow the US model, and there’s a grille that take away from the Civic’s awesomeness (though this probably isn’t the final version of the car), but other than that, we can say it’s an improvement.
Unfortunately, the front doorhandles have been changed from those awesome ones that had an Art Deco feel, to regular ones, but at the back they are still hidden next to the C-pillar.
Not much else is known about the car, and we are especially curious about the rumored three-cyliner engines that are expected to join the range soon. There’s also talk about hybrid version that borrows technology or even the whole powertrain from the CR-Z.
The previous generation made use a 1.4-liter i-VTEC engine in base trim, and provided economy-minded customers the choice of a powerful 2.2-liter diesel. Both should stick around for the 2012 incarnation, but the two versions that are closest to our hearts are the Type S and Type R. Both enjoy a cult status across the world, so getting the new one right is crucial for Honda’s image.
Two weeks ago, Honda released a promising video that showed the Civic undergoing testing, while announcing the ninth generation will be unveiled in Frankfurt next month.
autoevolution will be attending the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, so stay tuned for some real up close and personal shots of the vehicles, as well as for first-hand details of the motorized contraptions presented at the event.
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