Honda Gets Sporty with Next-Generation Civic

The Civic, historically Honda Motor Co.'s plainly styled best-selling small sedan, is about to get a heavy dose of style and performance, according to the company.

Honda says the Civic Concept it unveiled at the New York auto show on Wednesday portends the look of the 10th-generation car due this autumn. The company vows the new lineup will be the most dynamic, refined, technically advanced and stylish Civics ever.

The concept sports a longer hood, shorter front overhand, stubbier rear deck and a stance that is wider and lower. Guy Melville-Brown, chief exterior designer for the concept car, says the aim is to achieve a look that is simultaneously emotional, sporty, timeless and simple.

Honda vows to bolster the zoomier bodywork with a zippier 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, upgraded suspension and a short-shift 6-speed manual or sportier continuously variable transmission.

Honda says the Civic lineup will include updated versions of the sedan, coupe and Si sport variants, plus the return of a five-door hatch and the debut of a new Type R performance model.