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Next Honda Civic pictures

First pics of next Civic snapped ahead of Geneva 2011 debut.

2012 Honda Civic front

Photos: Automedia

22nd July 2010

It’s nine not out for the Civic. Our spies have captured the first pictures of the ninth generation of Honda’s Golf rival out testing near the firm’s German R&D centre.

And despite the layers of matt black disguise, the next Civic will retain the adventurous styling of its predecessor. Slightly longer, wider and lower for a sportier stance, the next Civic retains the swooping hatch shape with a short, stubby bonnet, steeply rising shoulderline and stubby tail that make the current car so distinctive.

Also carried over are the dramatic headlights you can just make out in our pictures, and the rear door handle which is concealed in the window frame. Wipers which pivot at each corner of the windscreen have been ditched for a conventionally mounted setup, while Honda has added a rear wiper too.

But despite its dramatic looks, practicality is still high on the menu. The increase in size is to liberate more space in the cabin. The driving position in the current car fails to accommodate taller drivers, so more adjustability is being included. The large boot, and wide opening rear hatch are retained.

The Civic will benefit from Honda CEO Takanobu Ito’s recent pledge to downsize engines and improve efficiency in line with global demand.

It will get a new diesel engine with a displacement smaller than the current 2.2-litres, and the firm’s entirely new petrol engine. Also debuting will be an efficient transmission range which is likely to include Honda’s twin-clutch gearbox which has so far only been used on its motorbike range.

A hybrid model is also planned, taking advantage of the firm’s new lithium ion batteries for greater efficiency.

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9 Comments

Progress

I spot one significant improvement already - a rear wiper!

By neil733 on 22 July, 2010, 11:01am

Progress +1

Just about to say the same

By Shaun34 on 22 July, 2010, 11:43am

The rear wiper

Added to the story. Top spots chaps. I only noticed the front wipers.

Tom Phillips
AE

By Tom_Phillips on 22 July, 2010, 12:52pm

Erm

Apart from the rear wiper and the little fin on the roof taken from the CR Z then it is rather hard to tell whether this is going to be of an improvement over the current model. I can tell that the rear light clusters are completely different.. Look forward to seeing this when its official unveiled.

By CANCEROUS on 22 July, 2010, 1:21pm

R-Type

Please Honda give the world a proper Type-R with IMA put into the equation this time around... (preferably with a lot more than just a measly 14bhp from the motors)

Put in a super rapid transmission with a lsd as standard hooked upto a knife sharp turn in! Oh and about 250Bhp will be good for the job too.

Still the only small-medium sized hatch I`d ever consider buying!

By LegioIXHispana on 23 July, 2010, 10:03pm

Yes, those rear lights look very high up, though maybe they are just a disguise?

I hope it still looks as striking as the present one. It does desperately need a better ride and less road noise, but otherwise my current 2.2 EX is pretty good, and not a Golf clone.

By spindler1955 on 26 July, 2010, 12:42pm

IRS

The most important question -
Will it have independent rear suspension?

A decent powerful stereo would be good too!

By Ultima on 6 February, 2011, 6:00pm

Cadbury's Clutch !

Forgot to mention -

A clutch not made out of chocolate !

By Ultima on 6 February, 2011, 10:36pm

Its look like FCX Clarity.

Saw it last week in the marketing team where I work. The front looks like the FCX clarity mix with Insight.

By Leafable on 24 August, 2011, 6:20am

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Pictures

2012 Honda Civic front
2012 Honda Civic front three quarter
2012 Honda Civic side
2012 Honda Civic rear three quarter
2012 Honda Civic rear

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