Photo: SB-Medien
Our spy photographers have once again scooped the 2016 Honda Civic sedan as it undergoes testing. This crucial car is expected to revolutionize the compact segment by making a "return to the fun-to-drive Civic", but the huge leap in build quality is what impressed us the most.
Two prototypes parked by the side of the road revealed many new details about the interior. It looks more spacious, especially in the rear legroom department. In addition to the center console, we can now show you the front and rear leather seats.
The door trim and multifunctional steering wheel both show that higher quality plastics will be used on the all-new Civic that will be revealed this fall as a 2017 model year. Just like some recent Mazda models, the Honda model has carbon-fiber-look leather inserts to project an air of sportiness.
The dash design is more ergonomic than that of the current model. Most of the functions will be integrated into the large touchscreen display, below which is a large storage binnacle. A chunky automatic gear shift lever is followed by another space to store stuff and a long armrest. Nobody is going to miss the current model's two-tier instrument cluster!
The overall body design seems very similar to the Honda Civic Coupe Concept shown in April. The same high-end prototype we talked about also appears to sport full-LED projector headlights, heated rear seats and carries Honda's trademark camera integrated into the side view mirror.
This feature is already available on current Civic models and lets you see objects in your blind spot much better. It's activated using a button placed on the tip of the indicator stalk.
As we've already reported, the base-spec Honda Civic will adopt a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with VTEC variable valve timing. High-spec models will gain access to a 2-liter turbo shared with the European Civic Type R hot hatch. Maybe it won't pack 300 hp, but with about 50% more torque than the old 2.5, we're very happy.
Makes you wonder who's going to buy the overpriced Acura ILX now?
The door trim and multifunctional steering wheel both show that higher quality plastics will be used on the all-new Civic that will be revealed this fall as a 2017 model year. Just like some recent Mazda models, the Honda model has carbon-fiber-look leather inserts to project an air of sportiness.
The dash design is more ergonomic than that of the current model. Most of the functions will be integrated into the large touchscreen display, below which is a large storage binnacle. A chunky automatic gear shift lever is followed by another space to store stuff and a long armrest. Nobody is going to miss the current model's two-tier instrument cluster!
The tech side
The two prototypes have different levels of equipment. One of the cars appears to have a sportier setup, maybe belonging to the Si trim level. It's equipped with a twin exhaust system and 17-inch wheels shod in 215/50R17 Firestone FT140 tires The other has smaller 16-inch wheels with Hankook Kinergy GT rubber and only one exhaust pipe.The overall body design seems very similar to the Honda Civic Coupe Concept shown in April. The same high-end prototype we talked about also appears to sport full-LED projector headlights, heated rear seats and carries Honda's trademark camera integrated into the side view mirror.
This feature is already available on current Civic models and lets you see objects in your blind spot much better. It's activated using a button placed on the tip of the indicator stalk.
As we've already reported, the base-spec Honda Civic will adopt a new 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with VTEC variable valve timing. High-spec models will gain access to a 2-liter turbo shared with the European Civic Type R hot hatch. Maybe it won't pack 300 hp, but with about 50% more torque than the old 2.5, we're very happy.
Makes you wonder who's going to buy the overpriced Acura ILX now?
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