The new Amaze is the big unveil from Honda at Auto Expo 2018 but there is much else of interest at the carmaker’s exhibit. Of the other models on show, one of great interest is the latest generation of the Civic. The carmaker's much-loved executive sedan that was pulled out of India in 2013 is set to make its comeback in our market in 2019, though the car on display is not the version we’ll get; Honda will bring the facelifted Civic to India that is due for unveiling later in 2018.
The latest Civic is sleek, low-slung and has a very sporty air about it. The bonnet line is low, there’s sporty detailing all over and the lines are very fluid all around. But what really makes the Civic look distinctive is the rear end. The fastback-like rear section is superbly executed and neatly conceals a conventional sedan boot lid.
On the inside, the new Civic isn’t as radical as the last model to be sold in India but the look and feel is, again, quite sporty; the low seating and sculpted seats certainly help this feeling. The dash is quite conventional in its design and hosts a large touchscreen in the centre console. We do expect Honda to update the infotainment system and tweak the cabin before bringing the car to India. There is room for improvement at the rear too as the seat is low and legroom is not quite on par with rivals like the Skoda Octavia.
Honda will launch the Civic in India with a 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and the big news is there will be a diesel as well. The diesel engine in question will be the 1.6-litre i-DTEC unit that will do duty on the India-bound CR-V as well. Automatic gearbox options are expected to be offered as well.
Also see:
Auto Expo 2018 car and SUV image gallery
Auto Expo 2018 bikes and scooters image gallery