The next generation Honda Civic will be smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient than was originally planned, the company's chief of automotive operations has said.
However, the radical changes could delay the new car's launch, which was expected in late 2010. The Civic is crucial to Honda's line-up as its platform forms the basis for the CR-V, FR-V and Japan's Stream minivan.
the CR-V and Element, Japan's Stream small minivan and Europe's FR-V.
Speaking to Automotive News, Honda's Tsuneo Tanai said that Honda planned to downsize its next Civic platform, based on its own analysis of rising oil, steel and aluminum prices.
However, he has revealed that, following the economic downturn, Honda chief Takanobu Ito ordered a complete re-evaluation of Honda's plans, killing its V8 and rear-wheel-drive programmes and demanding revamps of all existing designs.
Initial designs planned for the next Civic to be larger than the current model, but now its exterior will be smaller, said Tanai. Instead, he claimed Honda hopes to create a perceived sense of increased roominess inside.
Ito refused to identify a target launch date for the new Civic, but said: ""The team is struggling. We are injecting more manpower to meet our target."
Tanai also revealed that Honda's focus is now on reducing weight on all its platforms and expanding its hybrid powertrain technology to more vehicle lines.
It also has added development of electric vehicles, which Honda initially opposed, to bump up the Honda fleet's fuel efficiency and lower its emissions.
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Re: Radical redesign for Honda Civic
Thats a good assessment of my feelings. I really wanted to like the CR-V I tested last week as it ticked so many boxes. But jumping in my Accord yesterday morning with the same engine in it -yet the total absence of raucous diesel clatter when accelerating my heart sank a lot.
My next test vehicle booked is a Skoda Yeti. Its less well equipped and particularly boot space is going to be the big issue but if it drives, rides and sounds as good as the majority of reviews say it could well be the one. A pity really as I would prefer a Honda, but they just don't seem able to make me one.
Re: Radical redesign for Honda Civic
Acura aren't offered in the UK market. Honda in the UK has attempted to move to "premium", I would say with slightly limited success. The new accord in the UK is actually a monstrosity. A point of note would be that the last gen-accord was not sold in North America as an Accord - it was the Acura TSX. The current-gen accord is also sold as an Acura.
European models also have significantly better interiors than in North America. Having looked at both the Civic and the Kia Forte I would say that you are right in believing the Kia to have a better quality interior. It also has slightly more kit and space for the price point - as well as better finance deals. Can't deny the Civic is the best selling vehicle in Canada though and has been the last 5 years in a row.
Yet this is not a "Honda bashing" thread. Most of us here have genuine affection for Honda (that's the feeling I'm getting anyway) as we appreciate some of their design triumphs (the 2.0l engine in the civic type r (especially last gen) and the 2.0l engine in the s2000). Kia and Hyundai are selling brilliantly because they are under-cutting the Japanese makes, their engineering is now up to scratch and with the exception of Ford the North American car manufacturers have appalling ranges (and in this class the US Focus is hopelessly outclassed, still being based on the old mk1 focus with North American suspension settings).
You also don't have to go far to find Kia/Hyundais that are hopeless. The accent, rio, rondo and tuscon to name but four.
Re: Radical redesign for Honda Civic
Imagine that! Hyundaismoke has found yet another car not as good as the Hyundai/Kia.