Honda unveiled new concept designs for its tenth generation Civic at the New York International Auto Show on April 1. Otherwise known as the Civic concept car, the upcoming vehicle boasts a sportier look, and is available in the Si, Type-R, sedan and coupe.
Compared to the current model, the tenth generation Civic has a longer and wider body frame and boasts new engine iterations. Touted as a "global car," Honda said the new Civic will nevertheless evoke a strong California flavor.
"The new Civic will be, flat out, the most dynamic, the most technologically advanced and the most refined and stylish Civic we've ever made," said Executive Vice President John Mendel.
Honda plans to release the new Civic in North America this fall. The version displayed at the car show was Honda's working concept for the two-door coupe, but its release will follow that of the traditional four-door model.
The Civic has been the company's flagship vehicle since it was launched in 1972. Honda says the current model has been the highest-selling small car in the U.S. since its debut in 2011.
"The Civic established Honda as a viable Japanese automaker in the U.S., but recent versions haven't lived up to its iconic status," said analyst Karl Brauer of Kelley Blue Book. "The 2016 Civic should correct that trajectory."
The base car model will have a new 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine while more premium versions will get an all-new 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder paired with the new continuously variable transmission. Additionally, the new 2016 Civic will come with a six-speed manual transmission. It will also feature Honda's VTEC Turbo engines for the first time in the U.S.
"Charismatic, connected and athletic, our goal was to create a design that is emotional and sporty yet with a sense of timelessness and simplicity," said Honda design chief Guy Melville-Brown.
