The Honda Civic has consistently remained near the top of the sales charts for years, but according to the latest reports, product chief Tsuneo Tanai has told engineers to go back to the drawing board for the next Civic. When gas prices spiked and the economy took a nose dive, the Civic was in high demand. It even managed to become the best selling vehicle in the US in May 2008. But Tanai is obviously not satisfied with the current state of the Civic and has ordered that the new Civic needs to be smaller, cheaper, lighter and more fuel efficient.
The change for the Civic was reportedly ordered last year, so it is not certain what this will mean for the next Civic which was expected to be unveiled at the end of 2010 as a 2011 model. Hopefully there won't be much of a delay since the Civic is going to have to go head to head with the next Focus and Chevy Cruze.
Full Story: Autoblog
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Comments (8)
Easily one of the best small cars (w/the Mazda 3), I just hope they retain an Si version.
Posted by Noya | October 26, 2009 8:28 PM
Posted on October 26, 2009 20:28
Does that mean LESS headroom than the car has now? Is that possible?
Posted by bob | October 27, 2009 7:13 AM
Posted on October 27, 2009 07:13
I was a hairs width from trading my 04 civic for an 09 but the interior design, external dimensions and truthfully, questionable exterior appearance (that huge windshield) made me decide against it. And that was with a 4000.00 cluncker trade in the deal also. Smaller and sportier is the right move.
Posted by Scott | October 27, 2009 7:42 AM
Posted on October 27, 2009 07:42
This is an obvious and smart desition. All tendencies for small cars are going in that way. But Honda is the only one with the innitiative to make it on an excellent engineering basis. For example the Mazda3 is a good small car, but the rear passenger room is an insult for the buyer. The challenge is not just make things, you have to make GREAT THINGS... like Honda knows.
Posted by pablo | October 27, 2009 11:33 AM
Posted on October 27, 2009 11:33
Head to head with the chevy cruze,how intimidating it must feel to be compared to that piece of crap.
Posted by Patrick | October 28, 2009 3:41 PM
Posted on October 28, 2009 15:41
Haha I second what Patrick said.
Posted by pablo | October 29, 2009 8:56 AM
Posted on October 29, 2009 08:56
As for the new Civic being too big with too large a windshield. I love the new design. It was has digital speedometer at eye level above the steering wheel. No more adjusting the wheel so you can peek between it to see your speed. And seeing your exact speed is phenomenal...especially with cruise control.
The off shape and large windshield give the appearance of having large space inside. You don't feel cramped like in a Mazda 3. Fewer blind spots I find...it's clear all around.
Overall it's a great design that owners love. It's people who just look at it and say I don't like it that ruin its reputation. You have to own and drive it to love it.
The Mazda 3 has a sportier design and is therefore very popular. I am all for making the new Civic very sporty, but retaining that large open, lots of light feeling with the digital split cluster.
Posted by Donnie | October 31, 2009 7:08 PM
Posted on October 31, 2009 19:08
I own both a 2006 ex and 2009 si and love both. The 4 door version (with its larger wheelbase than the coup) is a blast to drive. The extra HP and stiffer suspension in the si make this one of the best cars for the dollar sold today in the US market.
Posted by Barry | November 3, 2009 2:42 PM
Posted on November 3, 2009 14:42