Slightly better looking Honda Civic bows at the 2012 LA Motor Show

14/11/2012 - 09:10 | ,   | Kaustubh Shinde

Honda launched the all new 9th generation Civic at the New York Auto Show last year. Despite of the massive hoopla prior to its launch, the outcome was a bit disappointing.

2013 Honda Civic US market2013 Honda Civic US spec

Then came the ConsumerReport controversy in which the U.S. market watchdog questioned the ride, handling and performance of the new Civic.

After listening to the criticism, Honda decided to improve the Civic well ahead of its mid-life refresh period. The Japanese automaker has released two images of the updated Honda Civic. Its availability is restricted to the U.S. market.

Scheduled for an official debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Expo, the 2013 Honda Civic features -

  • New front bumpers
  • Black honeycomb grille
  • Chrome accents
  • New bonnet
  • Redesigned headlights
  • New alloy wheels
  • New Tail lights
  • Rear diffuser
  • New trunk lid with some chrome embellishment
  • An integrated tail spoiler

The automaker also claims that it has made great strides in comfort, technology and equipment. The idea is to target a younger market with a more premium product.

Power will come from the same 1.8 litre i-VTEC engine that develops 141 bhp and is mated to either a 5-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The sporty ‘Si’ version will hold on to its 2.4-liter, 201 hp engine.

Full details will be revealed on November 28 at the L.A. Auto Show. Sales will begin soon after the official debut.

Honda India has no plans to launch any new Civic in India. Though this segment has been partitioned over and over again with new new launches over the last two years, Honda's real excuse for not enrolling the Civic in this competition has to be the lack of a diesel engine.

[Source: Caranddriver.com]

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