There should definitely be more nuances to using the words “concept” and “design study” because cars like this Honda Civic hatchback are clearly not either of those
There should definitely be more nuances to using the words “concept” and “design study” because cars like this Honda Civic hatchback are clearly not either of those. It closely previews the next production version of the Civic hatch, so it’s actually more of a fancy dressed up prototype than anything else.
Its styling closely follows that of the coupe-like US-spec Civic sedan and three-door and adds… an extra pair of doors. The flamboyant body kit and big rims will also be toned down for production, but Honda already did this with the current Civic Type-R and American models, so the extent of the transformation can be estimated.
According to Daisuke Tatsumori, the project leader for this generation Civic, "We knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic's core values; a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality."
Power for the production model will come from a selection of new turbocharged power plants that includes two gasoline units (displacing 1- and 1.5-liters) and the highly-regarded new 1.6-liter diesel that has been a hit under the hood of the latest CR-V.