By Steve & Tamami Laser
Honda Motor Europe has revealed the 2017 Civic Hatchback Prototype, making its global debut today at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show.
The automaker says Honda’s European production facility, Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM), will become the global production hub for the 10th generation Civic hatchback. Honda has confirmed investment of €270m in new production technologies and processes to prepare for the new model, which will be exported around the world, including the US! (Hooray!) The investment is said to be part of a long-term vision for the European plant in Honda’s global operations.
At the front of the car, a short overhang with large air intakes presents a sharp and aggressive interpretation of Honda’s family face. LED headlights and daytime running lights flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches.
Honda says the design of the prototype heralds a significant step-change from previous versions of Honda’s core European model, “focusing on provocative design and rewarding driving dynamics.”
The all-new Civic hatchback will be 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current generation, says the automaker. New larger and wider wheels and tires promote the look of a wider stance, while the long wheelbase, short overhangs and sleek cabin area further add to the dynamic styling.
The swept-back body lines continue along the side of the car with a swage line that incorporates front and rear door handles before culminating in the distinctive C-shaped LED rear lights. A second, lower character line extends from behind the front wheels up through the doors and meets the rear wheel arches.
Honda says the all-new Civic Hatchback will feature a range of three powertrain options in Europe: 1.0-liter and 1.5-liter VTEC Turbo gas engines, and a revised 1.6-liter i-DTEC diesel unit. Civic will become the first European model to feature the two all-new gas engines.
The engines are part of Honda’s growing Earth Dreams Technology range. They aim to deliver “a combination of dynamic performance, a class-leading output for their displacement and excellent fuel economy,” according to the automaker.
Based on a completely new engine structure and harnessing newly developed turbo systems, the gas engines feature variable valve motion technology to reduce friction and achieve “class-leading output and environmental performance.” A turbocharger with a low moment of inertia and high responsiveness, together with direct injection technology seek to achieve an optimum balance between high output and torque.
A revised version of Honda’s popular and efficient 1.6 liter i-DTEC diesel engine (unique to European Honda vehicles) will be offered alongside the two new gas engines in Europe markets. Honda says the common rail turbo-diesel unit incorporates extensive technologies that reduce friction, improve emissions and increase fuel economy. The engine features a small, high-efficiency turbocharger, low-pressure EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system and a high-intake flow, high-swirl cylinder head port.
Features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
News source and photos courtesy of Honda Motor Europe and Honda UK
Story (commentary) © 2016 CarNichiWa.com