American Honda Debuts Sleek and Sophisticated Concepts for All-New 2012 Civic Si Coupe and Civic Sedan Models

New American Civic goes on sale spring 2011

The Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and Civic Concept sedan are making world debuts at the North American International Auto Show today, providing the first official glimpse at the styling direction of the all-new, ninth-generation 2012 model set to go on sale this spring, the company announced.

The Civic Si Concept coupe is a US-only design, which will not be sold in Europe while the Civic Concept sedan shows the styling direction of a model which will go on sale in a small number of European countries at a later date. The Civic for the European market, which also in its next generation will continue to be built in the UK, is not mechanically related to either of the US models and their introduction does not influence future sales of the European hatchback.

"The Civic is known for providing a balance of ‘just-right' packaging, fun-to-drive character and outstanding fuel economy, at a price that even first-time buyers can afford," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "The redesigned Civic builds on this legacy and promises to be the best Civic yet."

These 2012 Civics embraces the company's vision as a "Civic for all people," a phrase originally expressed in defining the goal of the first-generation Civic. With the widest array of engine choices available in its class, the 2012 Civic lineup intends to meet the needs of an increasing group of compact-vehicle buyers with a renewed vision of a "Civic for all people." The diverse vehicle range includes a sedan and a coupe with conventional petrol models, two sporty "Si" performance versions, along with one hybrid and a natural gas alternative-fuel variant. Collectively the depth of the Civic line offers a compelling balance between fuel economy, low emissions and fun-to-drive performance unlike any other vehicle in the industry.

As a new interpretation of the current Civic's iconic "one-motion" mono-form shape, the upcoming, ninth-generation Civic conveys a more substantial, high-energy appearance.

Powertrain Technology

The US Civic's family of engines with "intelligent" Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (i-VTEC®) technology become even more fuel efficient for 2012. The upcoming American Civic Hybrid offers the latest generation of the compact and lightweight Integrated Motor AssistTM (IMATM) petrol-electric hybrid system and features the first application of a lithium-ion battery in a Honda hybrid. This model is not planned to be sold in Europe, with the current range of Jazz Hybrid, CR-Z and Insight fulfilling the hybrid requirements of the region.

Building on its emphasis on fuel-economy, most upcoming Civic models receive Honda Eco AssistTM technology, already available in the CR-Z, Jazz and Insight hybrids. The 2012 Civic is the first U.S. Honda model to employ Eco Assist technology in a petrol-only powered vehicle. Eco Assist is just one example of how the new Civic can be customised and configured by the drivers to suit individual preferences.

Photos: Honda

(Jan 11, 2011)

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