(continued from above)
"The Civic is known for providing a balance of 'just-right' packaging,
fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even
first-time buyers can afford," said John Mendel, executive vice president of
sales for American Honda. "The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and
promises to be the best Civic yet."
The 2012 Civic embraces the company's
vision as a "Civic for all people," a phrase originally expressed in defining
the goal of the first-generation Civic. With the widest array of engine choices
available in its class, the 2012 Civic lineup intends to meet the needs of an
increasing group of compact-vehicle buyers with a renewed vision of a "Civic for
all people." The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with
conventional gasoline models, two sporty "Si" performance versions, along with
one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant. Collectively the depth of
the Civic line offers a compelling balance between fuel economy, low emissions
and fun-to-drive performance unlike any other vehicle in the industry.
As
a new interpretation of the current Civic's iconic "one-motion" mono-form shape,
the upcoming, ninth-generation Civic conveys a more substantial, high-energy
appearance. The exterior styling of both Civic concept models showcases the
sedan's and coupe's clean-yet-powerful lines with steeply raked windshields,
wide stances and pronounced character lines along the profile. The lower
character line on both models broadens toward the rear fenders to enhance the
dynamic feeling of forward energy. The front fender surface treatments form a
complex, three-dimensional look to further enhance the image of sophistication
and structural depth against the deeply set headlights.
The look of the
Civic Si Concept coupe conveys an aggressive demeanor with a more angular front
fascia, mesh grille and a tapered rear roofline that flows smoothly into the
trunk. The Civic Si Concept coupe is exclusively equipped with a rear air
diffuser, a center-mounted exhaust outlet and a rear deck lid spoiler with dual
vents. Each concept model has 19-inch machined alloy wheels.
Powertrain Technology
The Civic's family of engines with
"intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC)
technology become even more fuel efficient for 2012. The upcoming Civic Hybrid
offers the latest generation of the compact and lightweight Integrated Motor
Assist (IMA) gasoline-electric hybrid system and features the first application
of a lithium-ion battery in a Honda hybrid.
Building on its emphasis on
fuel-economy, most upcoming Civic models receive Honda Eco Assist technology,
already available in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids. The 2012 Civic is the first
U.S. Honda model to employ Eco Assist technology in a gasoline-only powered
vehicle. Eco Assist is just one example of how the new Civic can be customized
and configured by the drivers to suit individual preferences.
Additionally, Honda is expanding retail sales of the natural gas-powered Civic
GX model, which is the only OEM-built, dedicated CNG passenger car assembled in
America. The increased availability of the Civic GX helps bring inherently
clean-burning natural gas technology to an even broader audience while also
supporting diversity in transportation energy resources.
