Concept Civic Ready for Dealers in Spring 2011
In the first outing for the next generation Civic at the North American International Auto show in January, Honda showed the Si Coupe and sedan concepts. As a new interpretation of the current Civic’s ?”one-motion” mono-form shape, the upcoming, ninth-generation Civic conveys a more substantial, high-energy appearance.
The exterior styling of both Civic concept models showcases the sedan’s and coupe’s clean-yet-powerful lines with steeply raked windshields, wide stances and pronounced character lines along the profile. The lower character line on both models broadens toward the rear fenders to enhance the dynamic feeling of forward energy. The front fender surface treatments form a complex, three-dimensional look to further enhance the image of sophistication and structural depth against the deeply set headlights.
“The Civic is known for providing a balance of ‘just-right’ packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford,” said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. “The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet.”
The diverse Civic range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional gasoline models, two sporty “Si” performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant.
The Civic Concept sedan takes on a sophisticated presence with a front grille defined by crisp lines and a solid bar that integrates a chrome Honda emblem. The look of the Civic Si Concept coupe conveys an aggressive demeanor with a more angular front fascia, mesh grille and a tapered rear roofline that flows smoothly into the trunk. ?The Civic Si Concept coupe is exclusively equipped with a rear air diffuser, a center-mounted exhaust outlet and a rear deck lid spoiler with dual vents. Each concept model has 19-inch machined alloy wheels.
The Civic’s family of engines with “intelligent” Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC?) technology is more fuel efficient. The upcoming Civic Hybrid offers the latest generation of the compact and lightweight Integrated Motor Assist? (IMA?) gasoline-electric hybrid system and features the first application of a lithium-ion battery in a Honda hybrid.
Most upcoming Civic models receive Honda Eco Assist? technology, already available in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids. The 2012 Civic is the first U.S. Honda model to employ Eco Assist technology in a gasoline-only powered vehicle. Eco Assist is just one example of how the new Civic can be customized and configured by the drivers to suit individual preferences.
Additionally, Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic GX model, which is the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled in America. The increased availability of the Civic GX helps bring inherently clean-burning natural gas technology to an even broader audience while also supporting diversity in transportation energy resources.
All 2012 Civics are equipped with Vehicle Stability Assist? (VSA?) as standard equipment. Additionally, the ninth-generation Civic continues to provide Honda’s exclusive and innovative Advanced Compatibility Engineering? (ACE?) body structure for frontal collision energy management.
