Honda has thrown quite a big surprise at the New York auto show, when it revealed a totally new and sporty Civic. We waited until the 2nd April just to see if it was for real and good news, it is! With a sharper focus on spirited performance and improved versatility, the new Civic lineup will include Sedan, Coupe and Si models along with the return of the Civic hatchback, followed by the launch of a new Type-R as the performance flagship of the Civic lineup.

“The new Civic will be, flat out, the most dynamic, the most technologically advanced and the most refined and stylish Civic we’ve ever made,” said John Mendel, executive vice president, Honda USA “In every way, this will be an epic Civic.”

New Civic Details

The concept provides a glimpse forward to the design direction for the 10th-generation Civic lineup launching in the US later this year. Featuring a longer wheelbase and lower, wider stance, the new Civic tries to emphasise its new-found aggressive personality. Proportionally it boasts a longer bonnet, a shorter front overhang and a shorter rear deck, lending the Civic a more athletic appearance.

New VTEC Turbo Engine

There will be new engines too – including a 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo engine with a short-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and a new, sportier and efficient CVT – the Civic will target class-leading fuel economy ratings and fun-to-drive performance with near-luxury levels of cabin quietness and ride refinement.

Itwill also aim to improve safety performance and will offer safety and driver-assistive technologies, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, Multi-Angle Rearview Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control and lane keeping assist.

The Civic will be both developed and built in the US. The turbo engines too will be built in the US while the hatch derivative of the Civic will continue to be built in the UK.