The Honda Civic Concept is one of the best examples of a car company was listening to customers, enthusiasts and journalists all at the same time.
The Civic has historically been the backbone of its maker, introducing people to the brand and keeping them loyal to it. Which is why it was shocking they got the ninth-generation Civic so wrong when it was introduced in 2011. And even though constant refinement has improved it noticeably, it fails to stand out in a shockingly competitive market. Even by Honda’s own measure, the Accord is now more attractive to buyers under 35 years old.
Yet in Europe, the Honda Civic is a mean-looking hatchback with premium ambitions, yet making little inroads in fighting the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. It’s no surprise, then, Honda looks to have combined the best of the current Civics it offers.
That’s probably why the rear of the Civic Concept is my favorite part. The lights reminiscent of the VW XL1 probably won’t make it, but it otherwise sticks closely to the Euro Civic hatchback. It’s ridiculous, but in a good way. And a Civic hasn’t done that in a long time.
While I was told the design language introduced here isn’t really meant to be representative of a new design for all future Hondas, it’s nice to see the Civic has a design language at all. Sure, there’s a bit of Acura going on in the headlights, but it manages to be clearly identified as a Honda without looking like a resized version of one of their existing cars.
I seriously doubt I’ll prefer the coupe to the upcoming five-door hatch when they all go on sale beginning with the sedan this fall. And with all the talk of connectivity and safety tech, the Civic is destined to be as sensible as ever. But add the new looks and the turbo VTEC engine and the Civic Type-R coming to the U.S., this could be the first Civic in at least a decade that does more than you expect of it.
Photos copyright Carscoops.com / Zac Estrada
Twitter: @zacestrada
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