Honda debuted the all-new Honda Civic at the North American International Auto Show. The Civic Si Concept and Civic Concept sedan are close to the production versions of the ninth-generation Civic, which will go on sale in the first quarter of 2011 in the USA.
Following recent Honda patterns of model updates, the changes are not as radical as the transition from seventh- to eight-generation. The car has a similar profile to the current car, with a steeply-raked windshield, and a little bit of squaring off here and there, particularly the front bumper. Otherwise, everything looks pretty familiar—which might be a problem with fresh-looking competitors like the Hyundai Elantra around the corner. We’ve always found the Civic to be the best overall package among the compacts, but Honda’s styling just doesn’t do it justice. Our suggestion to Honda—buy Pininfarina before a Chinese car company does.
Powerplant specifications were not given; we expect a carryover of the 1.8 and 2.0-liter engines with improvements in fuel economy. In the USA, the Civic will get the “Eco Assist” function available in the Insight and CR-Z hybrids. Eco Assist is comprised of a coaching system, via dashboard indicators, that teaches the driver how to drive more efficiently, and a Econ button that modulates throttle response and other vehicle functions—the opposite of a Sport button.
Expect the all-new (but not looking all-new) Civic to make its ASEAN debut later this year. Meanwhile, feast your eyes on the launch videos (alas, we cannot cue up Jodie Foster and the Fine Young Cannibals):
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