Honda unveiled the Civic Concept this week, a five door hatchback developed for the European market only -- and there will be a Type-R derivative.
As the Type-R accounts for a full one-third of all Civics sold in the UK, PistonHeads has been assured that there will be one -- eventually. It will follow the launch of the three-door version, which itself will arrive after the five-door is released next year.
The styling of the Civic Concept is very close to that of the mass production model that will be introduced in early 2006. Honda reckoned it was designed to appeal to our customers’ emotions, with a wider and lower body "that achieves a distinct sporty style".
The model previews the all-new eighth generation Civic which will continue to be built at Honda’s Swindon manufacturing plant – and which will be sold worldwide in two, three, four and five-door variants. Honda will continue to offer an IMA (petrol electric) four-door Civic for Europe and, in other markets, a natural gas powered model.
Honda said the new Civic will be more sporty, emotional and fun to drive. It will feature the award-winning 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine, as well as a state-of-the-art petrol engine line up. In the area of safety, every model in the new Civic line-up is planned to be equipped with the most advanced features in its class, including Vehicle Stability Assist system and side curtain airbags.
Don't hold your breath for the Type-R though.