Latest Civic promises ‘stand-out looks’
The Ninth generation Honda Civic hatchback will make its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with Honda claiming ‘stand-out looks’, lower running costs and much-improved ride.
We can certainly hope for the claim of vastly improved comfort levels, with this being one of the current models pitfalls since launching in 2006. Exclusively designed for Europe, the latest incarnation has been extensively tested on the region’s roads. The Civic surprisingly retains the rear torsion beam suspension system, despite key rivals using fully independent, sophisticated multi-link setups. The latest Civic set-up uses clever fluid-filled compliance bushes to improve overall ride performance and handling.
On sale during 2012, the disguised Civic mule testing in Europe reveals an evolutionary rather than revolutionary design. Honda claims dramatic improvements in quality and passenger comfort levels and hopefully will have rectified the much criticized rear visibility woes.
Engines have not been confirmed but we can expect more powerful and economical versions of today’s 1.4 and 1.8 units, with all important diesel units becoming available.
With over 20 million Civics being sold globally since its launch in 1972, the ninth incarnation has ground to make up in order to truly rival the likes of Ford and VW. It remains to be seen just whether it can rival the best in class.
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