Honda’s Next Iteration Of The Civic Is Almost Here, But In Prototype Form

• Teaser video confirms bits from the patent leaks like a slimmer front grille, less angular headlamps, and horizontal tail lamps.

• Other highlights include blacked-out alloy wheels and dual-tip exhausts.

• Expect a revised dashboard layout and a larger touchscreen among other feature additions.

• It will continue to be powered by Honda’s VTEC Turbo range of petrol engines. 

• Hybrid model likely to be on the cards too. 

• Production-spec model could make a global debut by early-2021 with India likely to get the next-gen sedan in 2022.

After numerous spy shots and leaked patent images, Honda has finally given us our first glimpse of the next-generation Civic through a teaser video. But there’s a catch here as the model showcased is a prototype that will make its global debut on November 17. Keep in mind that India currently has the sedan iteration and will continue with that for the next-gen Civic as well.

This snippet gives us a fair idea of what to expect from the Civic as Honda prototypes are usually near-production models. Some of the changes match with the earlier patent leaks such as a revised front end with a narrower front grille and less angular headlights with LED DRLs. Another notable highlight from the teaser video is the presence of blacked-out alloy wheels. A sneak peek at the rear confirms the next-gen Civic will ditch the C-shaped tail light setup for a more horizontal design. 

The cabin is yet to be revealed but we can expect various changes. It could get a redesigned dashboard layout and a larger touchscreen infotainment system among other feature additions. It will likely retain features such as dual-zone climate control, digital driver’s display, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and engine remote start.

 

Currently, the current-gen India-spec Civic is powered by a 141PS/174Nm 1.8-litre petrol and a 120PS/300Nm 1.6-litre diesel engine. The petrol engine is paired with a CVT automatic gearbox, whereas the diesel mill gets a 6-speed manual. Technical specifications are yet to be revealed, but the next-gen model will be powered by Honda’s VTEC Turbo range of petrol engines. A hybrid variant could also be introduced to the Civic lineup. 

Expect the production-spec next-gen Civic to debut around early-2021, while India could get the next-gen sedan around 2022 as the current-gen model is only over a year old. It could come at a premium over the current-gen Civic that retails from Rs. 17.93 lakh to Rs 22.34 lakh (ex-showroom). It will rival the Hyundai Elantra and the upcoming next-gen Skoda Octavia.