New Honda Civic Hatchback Prototype breaks cover

Honda has revealed a new prototype Civic hatchback in Geneva.

Making its global premiere during press day at 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the 10th generation model is described as the sportiest Civic ever. With an assertive stance and ‘provocative’ new design the prototype features low, wide proportions and a long wheelbase - promise engaging driving dynamics while maximising interior space, says Honda.

Running on new larger and wider wheels and tyres, at the front of the car, a short overhang with large air intakes is joined by LED headlights and daytime running lights which flow from beneath the boldly sculpted bonnet into accentuated wheel arches. At the rear, the bumper incorporates angular creases and vents, designed to echo the aggressively styled nature of the rest of the car which are joined by distinctive C-shaped LED rear light.

Daisuke Tsutamori, Project Leader for the styling of the Prototype said: “We knew that we needed to create a striking and stand-out exterior design that challenged conventional European compact styling while staying true to the original Civic’s core values. The result is a marriage of distinctive and sporty design, rewarding driving dynamics and versatile practicality.”

It will become the first European vehicle to be available with Honda’s all-new 1.0-litre and 1.5-litre VTEC TURBO petrol engines while further improvements have also been made to the existing 1.6-litre i-DTEC engine. A highly responsive turbocharger together with direct injection technology seek to achieve an optimum balance between high output and torque, above those of conventional naturally-aspirated engines.

The new Honda Civic hatchback will be available in Europe early in 2017 and will be built in the UK.

Ricky Wilson is the voice of Civic Type R

Ricky Wilson is the voice of Civic Type R

Ricky Wilson is the voice of Civic Type R

Ricky Wilson is the voice of Civic Type R

Kaiser Chiefs' front man Ricky Wilson has picked up his new Civic Type R, as part of his role as ambassador for the hot-hatch.

Fresh from putting the Civic Type R through its paces on the famous hillclimb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed at the end of June, Ricky is now the owner of a Brilliant Sporty Blue model complete with the all-new +R mode button which increases the response of chassis and engine for enhanced driving skills.

The all-new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine puts 310PS through the front wheels at 6,500rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,500rpm, both higher than any previous Honda Type R model.

Speaking after taking his first spin, Ricky exclaimed; "What an amazing feeling. This is the first time I've ever had a new car and it's also the first time I've had a car that's a boy. My other two cars were girls! I got in the car and instinctively I knew where everything was, I feel at home in it already.. and I'll get home even quicker!"

Ricky was also treated to a tour of the Swindon factory adding; "It was like a movie - I could hear the Terminator theme music in my head as I walked around. The technology and scale of the operation is out of this world." 

Since joining Honda as an ambassador for the Civic Type R at the beginning of summer, Ricky has not only raced the famous Goodwood hillclimb but also secured his National B race licence at Knockhill circuit in Scotland, under the expert guidance of Honda Yuasa Racing BTCC star driver, Gordon "Flash" Shedden.

The Honda Civic Type R is on sale now, from £29,995 OTR.