The Middle East arm of British publication CAR have posted what it claims to be the world's first spyshots of the 9th generation Civic, caught out in the open in Dubai. Expected launch timing is circa late 2011, as a 2012 model. We have posted some initial information of the 2011 Civic sometime back, although we were expressed quite a bit of doubt with the information presented there.
From the series of pictures below, shot by the folks at CAR Middle East, it is obvious that Honda decided to go down the conservative route, evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Wise move considering the economic climate the car was developed under.
But there is also a general feeling a letdown, that next generation did not seem to build on the strong futuristic image laid down by the current 8th generation Civic and its smaller brother the City (Fit Aria). So fans of the Civic who are holding back your purchase, your decision is made much easier now, assuming you are the sort who places looks above everything else, which most Civic owners stereotypically are. Else you would have considered the bland but more rational Corolla (Altis) instead.
The front fascia carries Honda's new corporate grille first seen in the FCX Clarity, and currently adorns the City and Accord. The windscreen continues with the current Civic's signature design of a steeply raked windscreen and A-pillars supporting a really large glass area. As for the rear, well, you can see it for yourself. And that's not a compliment. It has reminiscences of the previous generation XV30 US market Toyota Camry, that spots a different tail lamp cluster from our ASEAN specs models.
CAR claims that sources revealed to them that a 1.5-litre engine lies under the hood of these two test units. But the presence of a green coloured switch at the lower left driver's side panel what looks to us like a Eco Assist button, leading us to speculate that this is actually the hybrid version. Remember that the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-litre IMA hybrid powerplant. It is unlikely for Honda to offer a 1.5-litre engine for the Civic in overseas market as that segment is already currently covered by the City. Although Kah Motor in Singapore sells a 1.6-litre version of the Civic but it is unlikely that anything smaller than that will ever be offered in any non-hybrid gasoline guise. The presence of amber coloured front turn signal lenses suggests that this is a US specs model to comply with US Federal regulations. Japanese market and other overseas models usually feature clear turn signal lenses. Another point which makes us highly doubt that these cars are powered by a regular 1.5-litre engine. Currently, the US market Civic is powered by a 1.8-litre gasoline while a natural gas powered version is also available (non bi-fuel).
Even if it is true that the engine is a regular gasoline 1.5-litre unit, it will be restricted to the Japanese market. The Japanese market Corolla Axio is also offered in 1.5-litre form but the Corolla Axio (to comply with Japanese tax regulations) is also smaller than the Corolla Altis sold in most major overseas market including Asia, USA and Europe. Years earlier, certain sources indicated that HMC was considering to reduce the body size of the JDM Civic to be able to price more competitively against the Corolla Axio in its Japanese domestic market. Leading some speculation that some major rationalization between the Civic Euro, JDM Civic and USDM Civic is under consideration. Without knowledge of the dimensions of these Civics shot by CAR Middle East, we can't ascertain the rumour.
Update : A concept version of the next generation Civic was previewed in the 2011 North American Motor Show in Detroit.
It looks stunning in concept form, but it is left to be seen if the low slung profile will be translated to production. Those front headlamps look a wee bit too low to pass US Federal regulations. Asian markets will have no issue with that though. The current US Civic has a slightly different front bumper and headlamp to satisfy the Feds 5mph bumper and minimum headlamp height regulations.
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From the series of pictures below, shot by the folks at CAR Middle East, it is obvious that Honda decided to go down the conservative route, evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Wise move considering the economic climate the car was developed under.
But there is also a general feeling a letdown, that next generation did not seem to build on the strong futuristic image laid down by the current 8th generation Civic and its smaller brother the City (Fit Aria). So fans of the Civic who are holding back your purchase, your decision is made much easier now, assuming you are the sort who places looks above everything else, which most Civic owners stereotypically are. Else you would have considered the bland but more rational Corolla (Altis) instead.
The front fascia carries Honda's new corporate grille first seen in the FCX Clarity, and currently adorns the City and Accord. The windscreen continues with the current Civic's signature design of a steeply raked windscreen and A-pillars supporting a really large glass area. As for the rear, well, you can see it for yourself. And that's not a compliment. It has reminiscences of the previous generation XV30 US market Toyota Camry, that spots a different tail lamp cluster from our ASEAN specs models.
CAR claims that sources revealed to them that a 1.5-litre engine lies under the hood of these two test units. But the presence of a green coloured switch at the lower left driver's side panel what looks to us like a Eco Assist button, leading us to speculate that this is actually the hybrid version. Remember that the CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-litre IMA hybrid powerplant. It is unlikely for Honda to offer a 1.5-litre engine for the Civic in overseas market as that segment is already currently covered by the City. Although Kah Motor in Singapore sells a 1.6-litre version of the Civic but it is unlikely that anything smaller than that will ever be offered in any non-hybrid gasoline guise. The presence of amber coloured front turn signal lenses suggests that this is a US specs model to comply with US Federal regulations. Japanese market and other overseas models usually feature clear turn signal lenses. Another point which makes us highly doubt that these cars are powered by a regular 1.5-litre engine. Currently, the US market Civic is powered by a 1.8-litre gasoline while a natural gas powered version is also available (non bi-fuel).
Even if it is true that the engine is a regular gasoline 1.5-litre unit, it will be restricted to the Japanese market. The Japanese market Corolla Axio is also offered in 1.5-litre form but the Corolla Axio (to comply with Japanese tax regulations) is also smaller than the Corolla Altis sold in most major overseas market including Asia, USA and Europe. Years earlier, certain sources indicated that HMC was considering to reduce the body size of the JDM Civic to be able to price more competitively against the Corolla Axio in its Japanese domestic market. Leading some speculation that some major rationalization between the Civic Euro, JDM Civic and USDM Civic is under consideration. Without knowledge of the dimensions of these Civics shot by CAR Middle East, we can't ascertain the rumour.
Update : A concept version of the next generation Civic was previewed in the 2011 North American Motor Show in Detroit.
It looks stunning in concept form, but it is left to be seen if the low slung profile will be translated to production. Those front headlamps look a wee bit too low to pass US Federal regulations. Asian markets will have no issue with that though. The current US Civic has a slightly different front bumper and headlamp to satisfy the Feds 5mph bumper and minimum headlamp height regulations.
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2 comments:
These photos are quite interesting. And I agree with the writer's description of it as conservative rather than revolutionary. Don't get me wrong, I like the design, but it's not quite as 'showy' or 'futuristic' as the current civic, and does look a bit bland - modern, but bland.
Regarding this being a hybrid, my guess is that it probably is, also because the current Civic (Petrol) has an in-glass antenna, while its hybrid counterpart has a micro-rod antenna thing on the back - just like in this photo.
Anyway, it's all food for thought. If this turns out to be the 9th Generation Civic, I will probably hold off replacing my 8th generation, until the 10th comes out (assuming I stick to Civics and the 10th suits my taste). Still, I'm sure the 9th will be a very good car nevertheless. Lots of food for thought! :)
Well I love Honda more than most... but I cannot accept the fact that our (US) next-gen civic will look anything like this! The 8th generation Sedan is vicious! Honda did an amazing job! The new 9th Gen model is harmful. I can understand being conservative in spending, but please do not tell me that a more modern looking rear bumper is more expensive than the current 9th gen piece of boring! Be frugal if need be but please do not blame this car's less than impressive design on the economy.
Let me guess... I can get this 9th gen for around 18,000 US right?
Keep it! I would rather ride in a 6th Gen coupe than what they showed us in Dubai.
Civic has always been a symbol for revolutionaries, we all know that... so please Honda, do not take us back in time... With the 9th Gen civic it looks like you built us a Camry with an H logo... thank you very much!
btw.. if you guys want to go back to the drawing boards and try again... we will wait... we are loyal.
Do not sell America what we see in Dubai. Show us the future.
p.s. and to the guy who designed this bland piece of auto, retire or quit Honda...you have much work to do for Toyota and Nissan(lol)
p.p.s. who ever approved this design, shame on you! You know what we like, don't give us this trash.
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