Last year Geneva 2015 was a very big year for Honda from a PH perspective. Both the Civic Type R and NSX made debuts, the two models arguably more than any other that have built Honda's reputation with enthusiasts. 2016 is a little less exciting, but a new Civic is newsworthy nonetheless.
Now while it's described as a prototype, Honda has also stated the 10th generation Civic will be 30mm wider, 20mm lower and 130mm longer than before; this can't be too far removed from the production version then. The styling too, while "sharp and aggressive" doesn't appear completely unrealistic for a road car. Honda certainly has previous form on bold looking Civics!
Honda is claiming this car will deliver "engaging driving dynamics while maximising interior space." On that former point, the new Civic will be launched with a pair of new turbo engines: a 1.0-litre and 1.5, both VTEC Turbo units. The existing i-DTEC diesel will be revised for this latest car. The petrol engines are said to deliver class-leading performance and efficiency thanks to direct injection and newly developed turbos. And yes, it definitely is too early to be talking about a Type R...
Other noteworthy points for this Civic at prototype stage are that it will continue to be built in Britain and that it will be on sale at 2017. Can it really make production looking like this? Could independent rear suspension even make a comeback? To be revealed soon!