Honda Civic hatch for 2012
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13th September, 2011
The new Honda Civic hatch features a distinctive new
dynamic, flowing exterior design which is complemented by a high quality interior finish.
The designers of the new Civic wanted to keep the sporty and advanced elements of the car’s
'character' but tailor them to express the new model’s more dynamic feel. “We have lowered the
height by 20 mm and increased the width by 10 mm compared with the current car,” comments Mitsuru
Kariya, Civic Development Leader.
“Defining the correct proportions was the most important challenge for the design of the new
Civic,” says Kariya.“We enhanced the sporty aspect of the design while creating a clean,
dynamic shape.” Sources of inspiration included a ‘blended wing body’ aeroplane in which the
fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance.
This concept was a clear break in a new direction, rather than relying on sheer strength and engine
power to convey a sporty image, a ‘blended body’ with reduced resistance would demonstrate a smarter
image for the new Honda Civic. An example of this new image is the new rear combination light that
works as an aerodynamic spoiler, managing air flow over the top and sides of the car.
The new interior is focussed around the driver and provides a sporty ambience. “We wanted to
create the feeling of a cockpit, like a racing car or an aeroplane,” explains Yukio Emi, the Design
Chief of the Civic Interior.
The quality of the interior for the new Civic has also been improved without compromising the class
leading space. “The key target was to increase the feeling of quality,” says Kariya. “We have
changed our approach to match customer expectations and European standards. The new Civic has a high
quality cabin, both in the way that it feels and the way that it looks. Offering class leading boot
space with the versatile seat combinations means that it‘s the most practical yet.”
The new Honda Civic hatchback will make its public debut this week at the Frankfurt Motor Show in
Germany (15th-25th September 2011).
Production of the hatch will again be undertaken in England. An early 2012 release in England is
scheduled.
Stay tuned to Next Car for details on Australian specifications and release date.
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