Honda has rolled out a new concept that is pretty much the 10th-generation Civic with weird paint, big wheels and small mirrors. The aggressive concept is meant to suggest, strongly, that the 2016 Civic will be more enthusiast-friendly than the current model. To drive that point home, Honda also confirmed that hatchback, Si and Type-R Civic variants will be available in the U.S.
Production models are due to begin arriving this fall. Designed and engineered in the United States, the concept sports a more aggressive, chiseled look than the current model, something the carmaker says will carry over to the production version. That visual attitude is said to translate to performance, as well.
Honda is promising class-leading performance, along with much improved refinement and a more spacious, upgraded cabin with a high level of connectivity and near-luxury levels of quiet.
The next Civic also will introduce a new family of twin-cam VTEC engines, starting with a 2.0-liter four as the base powerplant and a 1.5-liter turbo as the upgrade. A six-speed manual and a CVT will be the transmission choices for regular-grade cars.