Honda showed off two new Civics at the NAIAS 2011: the Civic Si Concept Coupe and the Civic Concept Saloon.
They’re sadly US-market only, rather than related to the European spec models, themselves up for replacement at the end of 2011. Although ‘concepts’, these two effectively show what will roll into US showrooms in spring 2011.
So there’s nothing in common between the US and Euro Civics? Shame – I rather liked these!
The blurb is pretty strict on the difference between the American and Euro Civics: ‘The Civic Si coupe and saloon Concepts are US-only design and will not be sold in the UK. The Civic for the European market will continue to be built in the UK and is not mechanically related to either of the US models, and their introduction does not influence future sales of the European hatchback.’
The American Civics have petrol only power, sporty Si models and a hybrid version.
‘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.’
The US Civic’s engine range has i-VTEC breathing apparatus, while the yet-to-be-seen hybrid version mixes Integrated Motor Assist petrol-electric tech with Honda’s first lithium-ion battery.
Why the Civic is important to the US market
Honda flogs more than 90,000 Civics a year in the US – and it’s the cheapest model it sells there apart from the Fit/Jazz. They’re also the youngest of its customers, at an average age of 35.
More than 95 per cent of all Civics sold in the US in 2010 were made in North America or Canada in Greensburg, Indiana or Alliston, Ontario.
