[Auto] Honda Civic Prototype: The Eleventh Generation Is Getting Closer

[#Steeven.™]

Many may not know it, but the Honda Civic is just half a century away. The first unit of this iconic compact rolled off the assembly line back in 1972 and up until today. Throughout all this time, ten generations have followed one another and the eleventh is very close to coming into our lives. In fact, we have just met the prototype that will give rise to this installment, although it does not show all its cards.

We mean that the Honda Civic Prototype that you can see in the images corresponds to the sedan version. This bodywork, which in the current generation is marketed in Europe, is one of the ones with the lowest demand on our continent. However, it is the one with the largest number of orders in the United States and for this reason those responsible for the model have started here. If you like it, keep an eye on it, because it promises more ...

The image of the Honda Civic Prototype is more conservative and serious

The first thing that strikes the new Civic is its image. Unlike the current installment, and the previous ones, its imprint is less futuristic. It is true that the saloon bodywork is not so risky, but in this case the team of designers has chosen to satisfy the tastes of its priority market: the US. In fact, Honda announces that although we are looking at a prototype, it is a faithful approximation of the model that will hit the market.

On the front it stands out for offering a more pronounced and narrow grill. This element is flanked by Full LED optical groups with simpler lines. Thanks to this configuration, the height of the body appears lower while the width of the whole seems to grow. The bumper offers really simple lines although it does not forget its sportiness. To do this, it provides a generous lower air intake.

If we go to the side view, we appreciate fluid and simple lines. There are only two design elements that add a spicy touch. First we have the rear custody window with a wavy bottom line. As a complement, there are 19-inch alloy wheels finished in black. As a curiosity, it should be noted that the descending line of the roof flees from the prevailing coupe trend in the market.

Finally we have the rear. Its design is simpler than that seen in the current generation and this can be seen in the format and configuration of its optical groups. The integration of the third volume is perfect and the small spoiler on the boot lid gives it a sporty touch. The changes in this area are completed by a sporty design bumper that, at its ends, integrates racing-style tailpipes.

 

If you liked its interior, say goodbye to the futuristic lines

Inside, information regarding the new Honda Civic is still limited. The only graphic document we have, to illustrate our imagination, is this sketch. As you can see, the design configuration is much simpler than the current one, leaving behind the futuristic inspiration. However, although this new identity seems a step backwards, we cannot consider it that way, since it follows in the wake of the little e.

First, the new Civic will bet on offering a dashboard with horizontal lines. Second, note that the number of physical buttons is reduced to a minimum. However, we must highlight three elements. First, after the e, it will be the pioneer in including a configurable digital instrument cluster. Second: the touch screen grows to 9 inches and is located in the upper center position in the style of an iPad.

Third: the central area of the dashboard offers the appearance of a continuous ventilation grille. We have seen this aesthetic resource in models like the Passat or some Audi. Under this element, we have the controls for the climate control that, unlike other rivals, remain traditional. Finally, in the central tunnel we find a wide space to store objects, two cup holders and the gear lever.

Regarding the equipment possibilities, Honda has announced an important piece of information. The next Civic will feature the latest evolution of the Honda Sensing security system. To this must be added new airbags or a new version of the Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure. To know the rest of the details, we will still have to wait some time, although it should offer a very generous habitability.

 

Of its possible mechanics, for now, we better not talk ...

Another aspect that, for now, is unknown is the mechanical offer that will give life to the new Honda Civic. We know that the hatchback body will host the Type R version so sportiness is guaranteed. The question is in the level of electrification that its range will offer. In any case, the platform on which it will be based is an evolution of the current one, so we do not believe that it offers one hundred percent electric versions.

We will have to be very attentive to the news that Honda can publish. It remains to be seen if this sedan version will reach Europe or will be limited to the United States. In addition, they also have to show what the final design of the hatchback version will be like, which will be the only one that will probably be sold on our continent.