Honda is currently busy renewing its European car range and at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the carmaker has unveiled them in all their glory. This new range also includes the Civic hatchback prototype which has made its global debut in Geneva.
The prototype previews the exterior design of a new hatchback model, scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. The car will be produced at Honda’s UK facility and will be exported to global markets, including the US.
The new Civic hatch will be 30mm wider, 20mm lower and 130mm longer than the current generation. Design wise, larger wheels, a long wheelbase and short overhangs will offer the required visual impact to rival the existing bunch of hatchbacks from Volkswagen, Renault and Skoda in Europe. Underneath, the Civic hatch will feature a range of three powertrain options: 1-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engines and a revised 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel unit.
The Civic, as we know, shared showroom space with the City and the Jazz at some point here in the Indian market. However, due to the advent of newer rivals and a lack of diesel powertrain, Honda India was forced to pull the plug on it. While the brand is currently working on reviving the bigger Accord for 2016, it is highly unlikely for the new Civic to come to India anytime soon.
Besides the new Civic hatch, Honda is also displaying the European NSX in Geneva. Following the announcement of the start of sales in the US at the Detroit Motor Show, Honda confirmed that the first European customer deliveries for the NSX will begin in 2016.
