Geneva 2016: Honda Civic Hatchback Debuts as a Prototype

The tenth-generation Honda Civic gets its Euro-centric hatchback derivative, which is being officially unveiled at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show.

Showcased in ‘prototype’ form, the new Civic Hatchback is slated to hit European roads in early 2017.

According to Honda, the all-new Civic hatchback will be 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current generation. Interestingly, the trademark hidden rear door handles of the previous generation model have been dispensed with; being replaced by regular items.

The prototype display unit also undoubtedly showcases the Civic Hatchback closest to its highest state of trim, featuring LED headlights, daytime running lights, and an aggressive bumper with large intakes. Over at the rear, we also find C-shaped LED tail lights.

A selection of three powertrains has been announced for the Civic Hatchback. Like most European models, the engines are all turbocharged.

For starters, the predecessor’s 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel engine is carried over with various technical revisions to improve efficiency. Alternatively, Honda also offers a choice between two petrol engines of 1.0- and 1.5-litre displacements.

Production of the new model is set to led by Honda’s UK plant, which will be undergoing €270 million worth of upgrade works.

According to Honda, this investment is also part of a long-term vision that will see the UK plant assume greater involvement in Honda’s global operations. Unlike past versions of the Civic Hatchback, this one will be exported across the globe, including the US.

It’s too early to say if Malaysia will be among the recipients of the tenth-generation Civic in hatchback form, but we do know with reasonable certainty that the sedan variant is set to reach our shores sometime this year.