Detroit 2011: Honda Civic Concept Previews Production Car
Honda has a history of releasing “concepts” of their newest products that are barely disguised versions of what they’ll be selling to the public, and the Honda Civic Concept is no different.
Both sedan and coupe concepts resemble the current car quite strongly, but the styling is more aggressive, with swoopy lines and big 19″ wheels. The front profile resembles the current coupe, with its broad front end and rakish windsheild, while the Si trim designation gives Honda a good excuse to make the cars as eye-catching as possible.
Powertrains weren’t announced, but Honda reps mentioned that 40 mpg highway was the target for most gasoline engine models (but presumably not the Si itself), and that the Civic Hybrid would feature a lithium-ion battery pack. Honda will also roll out its Civic GX natural gas model beyond its current market of four states.
With 30 percent of Civic buyers under the age of 35, Honda needs a big homerun after the lacklustre response given to the CR-Z hybrid sports car, and the long product cycle of the current Civic. While the Civic Concept looks good, the production car, and the confirmed mechanical details will determine whether the Civic remains as beloved as previous generations have with the youth market.
Visit our 9th Gen Civic forum at www.9thgencivic.com for the latest news on the 9th Generation Honda Civic.
Gallery: Honda Civic Concept
More by Derek Kreindler
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I really hope that Honda will step up the game with their 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid. Seems to me these will be the cars of the future sooner than later, just look at the Honda CR-Z. Do we know yet if it will share any of the features from the CR-Z? Im pretty sure it is a lithium battery as well and can get mileage in the 40 range. Was also wondering about a release date for the 2012 Honda Civic, there is some good discussion over at http://www.civic9forum.com and it seems like it will be a Spring release but wasnt sure if this was for the Hybrid version also?