Honda to Sell Futuristically Styled European-Market Civic

It wouldn't be surprising if the trendy style of the European model rubbed off on the North American design. (Photo: Honda Canada)

As far as the Civic goes, what's popular in Europe and Asia usually fails in North America and vice versa. Few of the British-built 'tall-shape' Civic SiR (Si) hatchbacks were sold here, while even fewer two-door Civic Coupes and Hybrid Sedans were sold in Europe. As such, the plan will remain the same, which is to introduce separate models and body styles for the vastly different markets. But two key players have yet to be discussed - the performance version and the Hybrid. It's expected that globally, hot Civics will use Honda's 197-horsepower 2.0-litre inline-four, regardless of which body shell it is put in. Meanwhile, gasoline-electric hybrid technology will only be stuffed in the U.S.-shape four-door sedan with styling that's soon to be revealed.

After its launch in Frankfurt, Germany, there will be a five-month wait for the Civic to hit showrooms in Europe. As for our North-American model coupes and sedans, a ride and drive program takes place at the end of this month, and therefore you can expect full coverage shortly thereafter with vehicles going on sale this fall.

Considering that the Civic is a globally designed vehicle it wouldn't be surprising if the trendy style of the European model rubbed off on the North American design, but more likely the more conservatively penned Civic Si concept which previewed earlier this year, plus the many spy photos of the sedan that have recently surfaced are closer to what it will look like.