Would a Brand-New Honda CRX Bury the Civic?

A hypothetical Honda CRX for the new era would need to stay true to its predecessors. As a result, given the compact proportions and front-wheel drive, it would build on the latest Civic, which is getting ready to blow three candles off its birthday cake this year.

The first generation CRX came out in 1983, packing several straight-four lumps and manual and automatic transmissions. Four years later, the second generation followed it, offering even more power units and enhanced gearboxes. One signature trait was the unique design of the back end, which this virtual model successfully replicates.

But we'll get back to it in a few moments. First, we have to tell you that the real thing was also marketed as the CR-X and the Civic CRX. In the United States, it came with seating for two, whereas the models sold in Europe and Japan had a 2+2 arrangement. The nameplate wasn't dead after the second generation, as the CR-X del Sol served as its successor from 1992 to 1998.

Subsequently, Honda killed the moniker, and despite the constant rumors over the years that they might bring it back from the dead, it is clear that the Japanese car manufacturer has no intention to do so. If anything, a hypothetical modern-day CRX might launch as a crossover, perhaps with partial or full electrification. However, that's our two cents and should be taken with the proverbial pinch of salt.

While the auto brand based in the Land of the Rising Sun hasn't shown any interest in launching a new CRX, the rendering world has given us some exciting projects over the years. Signed by rainprisk and shared on social media earlier this week, this is an unofficial take on a potentially new CRX. The digital illustrations are not related nor endorsed by Honda, yet we wish they were, as the design is very cool.

According to the pixel manipulator, they looked at the original Honda CRX to come up with the front and rear ends of the car. As for the model that served as a blank canvas, it was none other than the CR-Z, hence the familiar styling, as this car is considered the successor to the CR-X del Sol and the CRX (CR-X).

It would obviously need to share the latest-generation Civic's construction, which would also tie it to the Acura Integra, and if they keep it a three-door, it would probably not step on the Civic's toes. But could it truly be relevant, considering that low-slung models are significantly less popular than crossovers? And would you buy one? Drop a line below and tell us what you think of it.

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