You guys saw this one coming, didn’t you? Initially revealed as the Honda Civic Concept at the 2015 New York International Auto Show (2015 NYIAS) and later on leaked in several patent images, the 2016 Honda Civic has now been captured in prototype format, further indicating its impending global debut.
No thanks to the copious amounts of camouflage applied to this test mule, further speculations regarding the actual production car’s aesthetics appear limited for now. With that said, one only has to turn to the concept for a preview on what to expect. A further report by Autocar UK states that the hatch, spotted here in left-hand drive configuration with UK plates, will employ a number of styling cues from the New York show car.
Eagle-eyed readers will probably notice a striking similarity between this particular mule and the Acura ILX – with the winged-motif front grille and sweptback headlights from the latter giving it away. However, the similarities end there as the hatchback mule here adopts a much shorter rear overhang. Look (hard enough) past the camouflage and one might even see hints of Civic Concept-esque taillights.
Apart from its (supposed) radical styling, the tenth-gen Civic will be the first US model to adopt the firm’s all-new, turbocharged direct-injected 1.5 litre VTEC inline-four engine. Power figures remain unknown but we are aware that two transmission options will be paired to said engine – a six-speed manual and CVT gearbox.
Set to be a global model, the US-spec Civic will be offered in a total of five body styles/trims with the regular Sedan sitting alongside the Coupe model. Elsewhere, a sportier Si variant and a five-door hatch have been confirmed – the latter to be assembled in Swindon, UK. At the top of the range sits the Civic Type R.
Safety kit on the US models will include an array of features from the Honda Sensing platform. As a result, Lane Departure and Forward Collision Warning along with Adaptive Cruise Control, Honda LaneWatch and an array of additional active and passive safety equipment will be presented.
Closer to home, the US-spec tenth-generation Honda Civic will serve as the closest preview to what we’re getting here when the time comes for Honda Malaysia to introduce the ASEAN-spec Civic. Keep a close watch on this one.
GALLERY: 2016 Honda Civic patent images
GALLERY: Honda Civic Concept in New York
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…. cant wait…it…to…arrive
G say moderation and transparency, but even car is cover up? what happen to our GST money, we know??? buying handbag and ring. no happy malaysia for future when bankrap
hahahahahahahahah ok ok next time i vote dap ok? ok good boy now shut up and leave our car blog out of your flawed political logic
Hmmm. I think these new cybertroopers that DAP is hiring probably don’t have any knowledge about cars. That’s why they’re off the mark.
They are probably best placed somewhere else, IMHO.
Dayum. PR must be scrapping the barrel’s bottom to find these nutters. Its the beginning of the end or the end of the beginning…
Not really a fan of the new exterior. Looks odd. But still very exciting about the new turbo charged engine offered. Honda has moved forward, which is worth a compliment, how bout Toyota?
Many prefer the previous model 2006-2012 (8th gen).
9th Gen is a global disaster
A hidden (but still visible) twin exhaust system probably means this ILX mule is carrying the 1.5 turbo engine.
Gen2 cues at the rear. Looks more like an aeroback rather than a hatchback like current euro civic
The 2016 Civic concept is the first car that had this much buzz in a long time. Slightly larger and based on the Accord platform is the way to go. I hope it has more than just Forward Collision Warning, but true accident avoidance capability. Medium width (not oversize) tires, a 6 speed and if it retains traditional Civic coupe handling it will be a winner. Medium width to preserve a balance of dry, wet and snow handling.
Should I wait for this or buy the existing model…
Front looks like Acura…
…font end Looks/ IS the Acura ILX. Looks like the ILX will adopt a hatch version, like the new Civic platform.