The Civic, like the new HR-V and Jazz, will be a hybrid-only proposition in Europe for its next generation, employing the same e:HEV petrol-electric setup as its supermini and SUV siblings.
The e:HEV system combines a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle petrol engine and two electric motors to produce 108bhp in the Jazz and 129bhp in the HR-V. In hybrid mode, the gasoline engine generates power for the electric motor, which connects to the drive wheels via a single-speed gearbox under higher loads.
The larger CR-V SUV features a larger 143bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine as part of its e:HEV system, but it is not yet known which variants of the powertrain will be offered to Honda's Ford Focus rival.
The Civic is the final model in Honda's European lineup to be hybrid-only, in keeping with the company's goal of electrifying all mainstream passenger cars by the end of next year.
The hot Civic Type R, on the other hand, will retain a pure-combustion setup, most likely based on an evolved version of the current car's 'K20C1' 2.0-litre turbo four, which produces 316bhp, making it one of the most powerful front-drive cars on the market today.
The styling of the 11th-generation Civic is evolutionary, with the new car adopting a fastback-style sloping roofline rather than the current model's prominent rear wing. The rear hatch is said to be lighter, with smaller hinges for a cleaner roofline, while the A-pillars are two inches further back and the wheelbase is 1.4in longer than on the current car.
The Civic has been revealed in North American trim, but it is largely representative of what we will see in Europe next year; the most noticeable styling change will be the removal of the amber indicator lenses. The interior will also be largely copied, with the Mk11 Civic adopting a minimalistic and "human-centered" cabin design similar to the new HR-V and Jazz.
The dashboard features a honeycomb-style trim panel with integrated air vents, as well as a free-standing 7.0in infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Top-spec vehicles in the United States receive a 10.2in digital display, a Bose sound system, wireless charging, and a larger 9.0in touchscreen, but European trim details have yet to be confirmed.
Rear-seat passengers will have 1.4in more leg room, while larger side windows will increase the feeling of space, and the new hatch design will preserve head room.
Honda claims that the new Civic has a 19% increase in torsional rigidity over its predecessor, which results in improved ride quality, handling performance, and refinement, while new adhesive and insulation methods reduce noise, vibration, and harshness.
The hatchback is also more fun to drive, thanks to new ball joints and bearings at the front that "improve steering feel and self-centring," a wider rear track that improves stability, and a 1.4in-longer wheelbase for better ride quality, according to Honda.
