Couple of days ago we reported that the Honda Civic Hatchback concept was revealed through leaked images. And now, dubbed as the Civic Hatchback Prototype, the vehicle has debuted at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show. The prototype previews Honda’s all new design language for their upcoming the hatchback model that is scheduled for a European launch in early 2017. The hatchback will roll out of Honda’s of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) plant and will be exported to global markets. The Japanese carmaker is said to invest €270 million (approx. INR 2000 crores) in new production technologies for the new car.
On the visual front, the Prototype seems healthier than the current generation Civic hatchback and stands with the identical design philosophy as the 2016 Civic Sedan that was revealed last year. On the front fascia the Civic hatchback features a thick slat grille in between the LED head light and DRLs. Below the grille is a fairly huge air dam snug between the large air scoops. The air scoops feature an illuminating fluorescent green ring on each side fitted like fog-lamps.
On production the all new 2017 Civic hatchback will roll out with three engine options – 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines, and a reworked 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel unit. Civic will be the first European model to feature the two all-new petrol engines. The revised version of their 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel engine for European-spec Honda vehicles. The common rail turbo-diesel unit has received tweaks and tech upgrades to reduce friction, improve emissions and increase fuel economy. The exact power figures of the engines are not known yet.
Highlights of the Prototype are as follows –
- 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current generation
- Low, wide proportions will provide engaging driving dynamics while maximising interior space
- New larger and wider wheels with tyres, long wheelbase, short overhangs and sleek cabin area
- First European vehicle to be available with Honda’s all-new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo petrol engines
Providing an insight of the design, Daisuke Tsutamori, Project Leader for the styling of the hatchback Prototype expressed, “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.”
Scroll down for more images and info!
Honda’s new design philosophy featuring fluorescent highlights
The sleek and 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
At the rear, the bumper incorporates aggressive, angular creases and vents
The air scoops and the air dam feature honeycomb style grille
The concept rides on new, split spoke alloys revealing lime green coloured brake callipers
Fluorescent highlights inside the twin exhaust pipes
Illuminated rings around the front sensors act as fog lamps
The LED powered C shaped tail lights are a standard fitment on the sedan, replicated on the hatchback as well
One of the two rear spoilers smoothly merge into the tail light lines
An integarted, roof mounted spoiler rounds things off
Have a look at the 2017 Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype through a whole bunch of images below!
