LONDON — Honda has unveiled the new Civic three-door, alongside a concept version of the much-anticipated Type R. The three-door will go on sale in Europe in January 2007, with the Type R following a little later. At present, Honda has no plans to bring the car to the U.S., but as one insider told us, "At Honda, you never say never."
As a taster for the new Type R, Honda unveiled a production version of the Type S. Powered by either a 1.8-liter i-VTEC gas engine or Honda's superb 2.2-liter 138-horsepower turbodiesel, the S is targeted at Europe's young thrusters.
The dramatic, futuristic styling of the five-door European Civic has been taken to a new level with the three-door. Its stylized silhouette has more in common with a coupe than a traditional Euro hatchback. Front and rear spoilers and exaggerated side skirts complete a look that's self-consciously sporty.
This feel is echoed inside by the introduction of black Alcantara sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and aluminum pedals. Equipment levels are also generous, with side airbags and air-conditioning standard across the range.
The previous-generation Type R was a stripped-down road racer, but the new car will at least match the Type S's equipment list. Honda is also promising that it will be more refined than the outgoing car, making a more versatile everyday companion. The old car's highly tuned, 2.0-liter engine will be retained for the newcomer, but it has been retuned to deliver over 200 hp. Expect more high-revving histrionics.
The production version of the Type R will be unveiled at the Paris show in September. Expect a campaign from U.S. enthusiasts to get one of their own shortly thereafter.
What this means to you: One of the most eagerly anticipated sport compacts of recent years. If only they'd bring it to the U.S.
As a taster for the new Type R, Honda unveiled a production version of the Type S. Powered by either a 1.8-liter i-VTEC gas engine or Honda's superb 2.2-liter 138-horsepower turbodiesel, the S is targeted at Europe's young thrusters.
The dramatic, futuristic styling of the five-door European Civic has been taken to a new level with the three-door. Its stylized silhouette has more in common with a coupe than a traditional Euro hatchback. Front and rear spoilers and exaggerated side skirts complete a look that's self-consciously sporty.
This feel is echoed inside by the introduction of black Alcantara sports seats, a leather sports steering wheel and aluminum pedals. Equipment levels are also generous, with side airbags and air-conditioning standard across the range.
The previous-generation Type R was a stripped-down road racer, but the new car will at least match the Type S's equipment list. Honda is also promising that it will be more refined than the outgoing car, making a more versatile everyday companion. The old car's highly tuned, 2.0-liter engine will be retained for the newcomer, but it has been retuned to deliver over 200 hp. Expect more high-revving histrionics.
The production version of the Type R will be unveiled at the Paris show in September. Expect a campaign from U.S. enthusiasts to get one of their own shortly thereafter.
What this means to you: One of the most eagerly anticipated sport compacts of recent years. If only they'd bring it to the U.S.
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