Get hyped, everyone! The latest batch of spyshots of the next-generation Honda Civic has landed on our desks and this time, it looks to be one heck of a detailed set. While the entire car appears to be wearing a load of camouflage still, our photographers have managed to capture the details on the new Civic thanks to the presence of a pair of parked prototypes.
While several body styles have been mooted for the tenth-generation Civic, the pair caught on camera today are of the sedan variety so we’ll focus on that instead. Beginning at the front, one can see that the all-new Honda Civic will adopt a more aggressive outlook, reminiscent of the face first seen on the Honda Civic Concept. Also, LED headlights will be available on higher-end models as proven by one of the two mules.
Elsewhere on the outside, one will be able to spot a small camera, mounted at the very tip of the front passenger side mirror. As such, the next-generation Honda Civic will feature Honda’s LaneWatch blind spot safety feature as the driver will be able to activate the camera via a small switch located on the left-hand stalk. We’ll get to the interior in a bit.
In profile, one should be able to notice that the duo were captured with different sets of wheels and tyres. This would indicate a higher-end trim plus a more affordable, basic variant. The cheaper model gets 16-inch wheels with spiral motifs wrapped in 215/55 Hankook tyres while the more upmarket version receives 17-inch units with twin, five-spoke designs, wrapped in 215/50 Firestone rubber.
Aside from that, the new Honda Civic appears to have adopted a fastback-like roofline for a more streamlined silhouette. At the rear, not much can be gathered as copious amounts of camouflage were still in the way. What we can see, however, are the stylised arrangement of the rear lamp assemblies that should cut deep into the boot assembly, a cue echoed on the Civic show car.
Also, the pair appear to have been equipped with contrasting exhaust systems – one unit with a single outlet while the other possesses a twin outlet arrangement. Perhaps the twin outlet model is equipped with Honda’s sportier, all-new turbocharged 1.5 litre VTEC engine – figures rumoured to be as high as 201 hp/260 Nm – while the entry-level model gets powered by the same 1.8 litre mill with 139 hp/174 Nm.
The next-generation Honda Civic is expected to be offered with a choice of either a CVT or an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission – the base model will likely be sold with a manual transmission. Speaking of the different trims, it should be noted that the prototype with LED headlights is also equipped with an interior trimmed in leather and heated rear seats.
Which brings us to the interior, which is touted to be just as revolutionary. While the dash remains covered in this batch (it’s uncovered here), we can deduce that the two-tiered centre stack seen in the current Civic will seize to feature. The instrument cluster itself is now shielded under a single, sculpted hood for a cleaner layout while the parking brake lever has disappeared altogether, replaced by an electronic unit.
Honda’s renowned skills in packaging are also evident in the way the centre stack flows to reveal two large storage bins fore and aft of the gear shifter. Also, the fabric-covered centre arm rest appears to be hiding even more storage space beneath it. A multifunction steering wheel is captured here but expect the full array of buttons to be present only on the top-spec model.
Throughout the cabin, it is clear that the new Civic is aiming higher than ever with higher-quality materials such as leather employed liberally. An added sporting touch is added via the inclusion of sewn-in “carbon-fibre” strips. Rear occupants will be delighted to know that legroom has been increased while buttons to control the climate system are to be found just below the front arm rest.
With all that has been mentioned, it certainly looks like the all-new, tenth-generation Honda Civic will be ready to take on the opposition when it receives its global debut in the near future. What do you think? Does the new Civic have what it takes to outgun the rest of the pack?
