Honda showcased two “Sport Accessory Concepts” at the 2023 Tokyo Auto Show based on the e:HEV variants of the Civic and ZR-V. The models feature sportier styling, benefiting from a number of genuine accessories.
The vehicles were presented as concepts but they appear to be very close to production. Honda Access is already offering a variety of accessories for the Civic since 2021, and for the ZR-V since 2022, so we suspect that the new kits will also become available in the future – at least in the Japanese market.
Read: Honda Civic Type R-GT Concept Previews 2024 Super GT Racer
Honda Civic e:HEV Sports Accesory Concept
The Honda Civic e:HEV Sports Accessory Concept tries to merge the gap between the standard model and the hardcore Type R. The splitter, aerodynamic side skirts, mirror caps, roof, window frames, and rear diffuser are finished in glossy black, making a nice combination with the blue exterior shade. The highlights though are the fixed rear wing and the new set of black 18-inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport tires (235/40R18).
The Honda ZR-V e:HEV which is the JDM version of the US-spec HR-V, received a similar treatment, for a more premium and sporty look. The Sports Accessory Concept is based on the high-spec model with body-colored cladding, adding gloss black garnish for the grille, intakes, and mirror caps, plus sportier-looking inserts for the bumpers and the side skirts. The roof spoiler is also larger, and there is an extra black trim between the tinted LED tail lights. As with the standard version of the hybrid SUV, the dual exhaust pipes are hidden under the decorative diffuser. The concept rides on glossy black 19-inch alloy wheels shod in Yokohama Blue Earth GT rubber (335/45R19).
Honda ZR-V e:HEV Sports Accessory Concept
Both the Civic and the ZR-V are fitted with Honda’s “Sports e:HEV” powertrain. The hybrid system combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with a single electric motor in the Civic (FWD) and dual electric motors in the ZR-V (AWD).
Honda said that the goal of the concepts is not to “compete for speed” but to enjoy a sporty feeling in everyday driving scenarios, which most likely means the modifications are limited to the exterior design.
We hope that Honda will offer flagship trims of its models inspired by the Sports Accessory Concepts in the future, something that will likely depend on the response from the public and the press at the Tokyo Auto Salon.