It's fun to see exotic automakers like Ferrari reveal new models and to read about the latest record-breaking feats from ridiculously powerful electric vehicles, but for the bulk of the population, it's something much more sensible that'll be parked in the driveway - enter the Honda Civic. While the Civic isn't necessarily an intoxicating machine, it's a vitally important one.
After teasing the Civic in a new video last week, Honda has now fully unveiled the new Civic in prototype form on Twitch. A prototype it may be, but this looks as close to production-ready as it's going to get for the 11th-generation Civic, and for the most part, we like what we see.
Over 1.5 million examples of the current Civic found homes in the US, but the new one looks like an even more stylish proposition. "Low" seems to be the theme here: the new Civic has a low height, a low hip point, and a low horizontal beltline giving it quite a sporty stance.
The hood has been elongated, in part because the greenhouse has moved more towards the rear. A wider track and new taillight clusters enhance the impression of width, while the rising R-line along the sides is a neat touch that adds some more distinction to the look. The model shown here is finished in Solar Flare Pearl paint.
Looking at the new Civic and noticing its more premium aura, it's hard to think of a reason - besides the badge, perhaps - to go for the Acura ILX.
The cabin receives a full makeover as well, although Honda only shared one rendering of the interior. It's a distinctly uncluttered design, while a honeycomb mesh accent spans the width of the dashboard and partially hides the air vents for a consistent visual look.
For the first time in a Civic, the new model will boast a fully digital instrument cluster and a nine-inch Display Audio touchscreen. The current Civic is already a safe car, but the new one will be even more so with an upgraded Honda Sensing suite of driver-assist technologies.
The brand's Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure will also prove more effective in a collision, both for occupants and pedestrians. Meanwhile, Honda's Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum (M/M) philosophy has seen both ergonomics and visibility improved over the current Civic.
Engineers say that US customers spend around 45 minutes commuting to work in the morning, and they went about designing an interior that made these usually stressful trips less of a drain, with a clean layout and easily accessible controls, even for new Civic drivers. Powertrain details have not yet been shared.
The 2022 Honda Civic lineup will include hatchback, Si, and high-performance Type R versions as well. Pricing has yet to be announced but the all-new Civic sedan will arrive in late spring 2021, followed by the aforementioned variants.