Teaser: 2012 Honda Civic (EU)

Honda has teased the ninth generation European designed and engineered Civic hatchback in a recent video. According to Honda, the new Civic – due to bow at the Frankfurt motor show – will offer “stand-out looks, class-leading space for passengers and luggage, and low running costs,”.

The current European Civic – launched in 2006 – was slammed for having a meagre ride quality. While newer competitors utilise fully independent, advanced multi-link systems for the rear suspension, Honda has maintained the torsion beam rear suspension set-up for the new model to maximise interior space. This time round, chief development engineer, Mitsuru Kariya has confirmed the Civic will use an advanced fluid-filled compliance bushing that improves ride and handling.

Over 20m Civic's have been sold worldwide, with
650,000 sold in the UK since 1979

While the newcomer still undergoes extensive testing, the Civic remains hidden underneath thick camouflage, and because of this, we can't make out exact details. We understand the new design will be an evolution, sporting an edgier shape with the bootlid appearing to be elongated, similar to that of the sedan-looking Škoda Octavia hatchback.

Like the outgoing Civic, a range of i-VTEC 1.4 and 1.8 litre petrol units will be offered and will be more powerful and economical than before. The flagship 2.2 i-CTDi will remain but sources claimed a much-needed small capacity 1.6 i-CTDi is currently being developed in Japan. These will be linked to either a manual, i-Shift semi-automatic, or a automatic transmission.

When the new Civic arrives in Spring 2012, look out for an entry price of £17,000.

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