Ninth generation European Civic hatchback to make world debut in September

(July 29, 2011) A new Honda Civic hatchback will make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The ninth generation Civic hatchback will offer class-leading space for passengers and luggage.

The newest generation 2012 Civic was introduced in the U.S. this spring and is now on sale. It includes six model lines including a four-door sedan, coupe and hybrid. But the U.S. market will not get the hatchback that will be unveiled in a couple of months in Germany.

Honda’s new small family car has been designed exclusively for Europe and has been extensively tested on the region’s roads. It goes on sale during 2012.

Honda says its engineers concentrated a huge amount of time and effort improving ride quality and handling of the Civic, and through significant changes to the suspension set-up they have enhanced both comfort and body control.

To give customers the biggest cabin and boot space in the C-sector, the Civic retains a rear torsion beam suspension system — but the latest set-up uses fluid-filled compliance bushes to improve overall ride performance and handling. It has also been strengthened to give better stability, particularly at high speeds.

In addition to European spec gas engines, at least one diesel is likely to be offered in the new car.

The first of five films on the development of the new Civic features Honda engineers discussing the improvements made to ride and handling. The video can be viewed at www.honda.co.uk/newcivic