The North American International Auto Show marked the first official glimpse of the Honda Civic Si Concept coupe and the Civic Concept saloon car.
The ninth generation model is expected to go on sale in the spring with three different powertrains: a petrol, hybrid and natural gas version. The new Civic Hybrid will mark the first use of lithium-ion battery technology in a Honda Hybrid, while the petrol line-up includes a saloon, coupe and two Si performance versions.
The new Honda Civic concept.
Included in its family of engines is intelligent variable valve timing and lift electronic control technology that helps the vehicles become more fuel efficient. The Civic Hybrid also includes the latest generation of the Integrated Motor Assist hybrid system.
In addition, most of the upcoming Civic models will include Honda Eco Assist technology that is already available in the CR-Z and Insight hybrids. The regular 2012 Civic will be the first to employ Eco Assist technology in a petrol-only vehicle. The idea behind Eco Assist is that it helps drivers develop and maintain a fuel efficient driving style thanks to a feedback system and a driver-selected ECON button that helps increase fuel efficiency.
In addition, Honda hopes to expand the retail sales of the natural gas powered Civic GX model.
