Honda stuns auto show with aggressive new Civic design
What is it?
The bombshell of the New York Auto Show came in the form of the Honda Civic Concept. If it follows Honda’s previous leads, the production model, some of which will be built in Alliston, Ont., will not stray too far stylistically from the concept.
The coupe is far more angular and much more in keeping with the European model that has caused such a stir on that side of the Pond.
When it lands, the 10th-generation Civic will be offered in coupe, sedan and five-door models. The bombshell came in the announcement that the Civic Type R will also join the lineup.
Why does it matter?
When the Civic debuted 43 years ago, it changed the way people looked at and thought about small cars.
It is likely to be a case of deja vu, as this model ushers in a host of new technologies, including a revamped base engine and an all-new 1.5-litre turbocharged fourcylinder.
Honda did not give any numbers, but I drove the new 1.5-L engine last year and it had plenty of power and a lot of low-end torque. Both engines will be offered with six-speed manual and CVT transmissions.
The Civic Type R will be out there in terms of what’s coming. Based on the information from Geneva, it will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 305 horsepower and has a peak torque of 295 pound-feet at 2,500 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox that drives the front wheels. This combination promises a romp from rest to 100 kilometres an hour in 5.7 seconds. To ensure the Type R comes to rest with the same sort of alacrity, it’s equipped with Brembo brakes. It also earns an adaptive suspension.
When is it coming?
The new Civic sedan will roll out in the fall of this year, followed by the coupe and then the five-door. There’s no word on when the Type R will land, but expect it in the first half of next year.