Honda has unveiled the all-new Civic hatchback, at the British factory in which it will be built.
The tenth-generation five-door Civic was revealed on the production line of Honda’s Swindon plant, ahead of its public debut at the Paris motor show on 29th September.
The plant is undergoing a £200m upgrade to become Honda’s global production hub for the hatchback with its product being exported to 70 countries whereas previously Swindon-built Civics were sold only in Europe. Total investment now made in the plant has topped £2.2 billion.
The car is expected on UK sale in the first quarter of 2017 but sales in America will start earlier and the first production for the US market is already underway.
The new Civic is described as bolder than its predecessor, Honda considering the previous design of the Civic as too conservative compared to more recently launched rivals.
The car is said to be the result of the largest single-model development programme in Honda’s history and a significant step forward. It debuts a new method of construction, sits on a 16kg lighter platform and boasts a body shell with a 52 per cent increase in torsional stiffness compared to its predecessor.
Initial engine options will centre on a 130hp 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol unit and a four cylinder 180hp version of 1.5 litres. A diesel 1.6 unit is expected to join the line-up before the end of 2017, and there could also be a hybrid model.
The new Civic will also spawn a Tourer estate version and the highly popular hot hatch Type-R. But the saloon version sold in the US won’t be seen on the UK market.
More details of the new Civic range are expected when the car makes its Paris show debut.
Keyword: Brit-built Honda Civic revealed in full