- A new Honda Civic is on its way for 2012.
- A four-door sedan and Si Coupe are again planned for the U.S.
- New Civic hybrid is set to challenge the Toyota Prius head-on.
TOKYO — Behind the scenes, Honda is now putting the finishing touches to its eagerly awaited next-generation 2012 Civic Hybrid, a car that's being set up to challenge the Toyota Prius. The automaker is remaking the entire Civic lineup but prioritizing the hybrid model over the conventionally powered Civic, to the extent that the future of the "normal" Civic looks doubtful in Japan while the 2012 Civic Hybrid will definitely go on sale here next year.
Honda is going for evolution rather than revolution with the next Civic, restyling the current model with a rounder overall profile but, sources say, not making any significant changes to design, size or market positioning. As the saying goes in Japan, "Keep concept."
For the U.S., there will once again be sedan and Si coupe body styles. Americans are expected to get a first look at the cars at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January.
The grapevine in Tokyo suggests Honda's biggest mission is to deliver on a new eco champ that can take big chunks out of sales of the Prius. Thus the redesigned Civic Hybrid will be the lead vehicle in the new offensive.
Honda will once again be going with its unique, home-grown IMA hybrid system, as found in the CR-Z, Insight and current Civic Hybrid. But next year, the Civic Hybrid will move up to 1.5 liters (from the current 1.3 liters) and will be the first Honda hybrid to get lithium-ion batteries, significantly improving the car's EV driving range.
One of the weaknesses of the current Civic Hybrid with the NI-MH battery pack is the fact that it can hardly run any significant distance in silent, electric-only mode, thus curbing emissions and noise, as can the Prius.
Shots of camouflaged test mules in the U.S. show the 2012 Civic as a conservatively reshaped compact, with long wheelbase, sloping nose and BMW-style C-pillar treatment. Body size, it's believed, barely changes.
In Japan, where the Civic is set to launch next spring, the rumor goes that — because the company is desperate for a green-car victory over the Prius — Honda will give maximum weight and PR exposure to the Civic Hybrid, while conventionally powered Civics will take all but a backseat.
Inside Line says: Honda is set to fire the next round in Japan's green-car wars with the 2012 Civic. But against the Prius, will it be enough? — Peter Nunn, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
banhugh says:
08:22 AM, 01/10/2011
@ hondalvr4life :
I think that the rear spoiler on a front wheel car (Si ) that is supposed to be focused to car enthousiasts is cheesy and signifies lack of basic car engineering knowledge.
I wish Honda deletes the spoiler and makes the Si less of a rice car (http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=rice%20car).
Yes I admire the GTI and the German interior quality to the plasticy Civic but I respect the Civic setup/hanling/engine.
hondalvr4life says:
09:29 PM, 11/21/2010
@ jcscion
"As for the Si model, hopefully Honda does a better job next time around with an actual sporty looking sporty model. The cheesy exterior Si graphics make the car look cheap. VW could teach Honda alot about styling"
I think the Si looks fanastic, what graphics are you talking about? the i-VTEC DOHC? that badge has always been on Si's. There is 2 Si badges on the outside, different rims, and a low profile wing in the back. I think that's pretty restrained just what I expect from Honda. I think Honda could teach VW a thing or two about building reliable cars!
jscion says:
08:49 PM, 11/20/2010
The current model looks great still so why fix it if it ain't broke. A revised version of the curent Civic could've been predicted. The only bad thing with the Civic is the oddly equipped DX model. You get power windows, no radio, no A/C and plastic covers where buttons would normally be. I hope Honda doesn't forget to improves the lower end models too.
As for the Si model, hopefully Honda does a better job next time around with an actual sporty looking sporty model. The cheesy exterior Si graphics make the car look cheap. VW could teach Honda alot about styling!
aston_dbs says:
07:04 AM, 11/17/2010
@hondalvr4life
"The Si must have at least 220 hp and improve the gas mileage to over 30 mpg highway like the GTI."
Just to comment:
For the proven reliability of Honda vehicles, I certainly do not mind losing a few mpg compared to the POS VW...
...No matter how 'fun' it is to drive GTI.
I'd say that the fun factor in SI is as much... + (much more) peace of mind of its reliability.
Rock On, HONDA!!
dgs4 says:
10:49 PM, 11/16/2010
It's called progress people, and the way of the future are hybrids and eventually pure electrics. That is where the market is heading and it's about time. Enough with the time machine crap and get with the program, or go buy a used 1990 Civic and shut up already about Honda and their boring cars. Fuel efficiency is the name of the game, and ALL auto manufactures will make it a focus to meet the new Cafe requirements, so buck up and be prepared, it's gas mileage, not performance that will be the focus.
Some of you people sound like a bunch of old geezers reminiscing about the "golden days" of old.
cz_75 says:
09:49 PM, 11/16/2010
"Honda dreams of being Toyota. Keep hope alive!"
That's not a good thing. I like fun, reliable cars, not boring, uninvolved, yet reliable vehicles.
fhwulala says:
06:59 PM, 11/16/2010
Honda got it all wrong,
why would they try to push a hybrid in a selfish country that refuse to sign the Kyoto Agreement?
It is pretty clear that the US Government don't give a jack about CO2 emission so why bother?
accordguy0325 says:
05:18 PM, 11/16/2010
""Many hybrid customers have a desire, nay a NEED, to have people know they're driving a hybrid""
As someone who owns a CR-Z (which I like very much), I think people who want everyone to know they supposedly care about the environment by driving a Prius are pathetic.
Personally, I'd rather have something that looks like a real car that also gets high gas mileage.
My CR-Z by the way, is averaging 40-43 mpg in a mix of real world driving - much higher than its stated fuel economy numbers of 35 city - 39 highway.
chirsch3 says:
04:42 PM, 11/16/2010
Seriously Hyundai/Kia are really the only auto group doing things fun and exciting and yet still have fuel efficiency and undercutting price in each segment.
Insane 10 years ago every Hyundai/Kia was a POS atleast looked like it
hondalvr4life says:
04:34 PM, 11/16/2010
*Sigh* sure I love fuel efficiency as much as the next guy but I am more interested in the next generation Civic Si sedan and coupe bc that is what I have my eye on when I buy a new car next year. I'm hoping either they put the RDX's turbo 4 with more power and torque than the current outputs to compete with the GTI, MS3, and WRX. Although we would lose the high revving nature of the K20Z3, I just hope Honda gives the Si at least a 20 hp boost. It really needs it. Also honda, please do your best to reduce road noise on the highway and replace the cheap ass sunvisors that constantly break on the current model. Offer the civic in a premium model with HIDs, power seats, LED tail lights like the Mazda 3. Honestly, I would probably buy a Mazda 3 bc it offers those high end features but the crappy gas mileage of all the models sends me back to the Honda dealer.
Here's what I am hoping for with the 9th generation Civic:
Hybrid model to make "more" than the 122hp in the CRZ hopefully around 140 combined and make it available with a stick again in addition to the CVT with at least 50 mpg combined rating.
The Regular Civic's to use an updated version of the R18A1 motor with at least 150 hp bc the 2010 Focus will have 155 hp from a 2.0L and the 2011 Elantra has 148 hp
The Si must have at least 220 hp and improve the gas mileage to over 30 mpg highway like the GTI.
Please Honda, I am rooting for you, don't disappoint your loyal fans!