New Honda Civic Convertible
Text by Hans G. Lehmann
Copyright by Lehmann Photo-Syndication
06-07-2006

After the launch of the new Honda Civic sedan last year, the Japanese car maker is now about to add another two sporty variants to the model range.

Here are photos showing the upcoming sporty Civic Type R as a three door without any disguise during final testing in Southern Germany. The car’s most significant feature is the large rear wing.




Elsewhere, the styling is very coupe-like and according to rumours, there will be also a convertible later on.

One of the photos is showing the computer generated cabrio version suggesting how it could look like upon its release.

Honda’s Civic Type R is set to strike against competitors like VW GTi, Ford Focus ST or Opel Astra VXR

The Type R will be built as a three door only in the Honda plant in Swindon, Wiltshire, Great Britain. It will be powered by a I-VTEC four cylinder 2.0 litre engine delivering 220 HP.

 

The convertible looks so weird. The extreme rake of the windshield will not work. In the event
of a roll over, it would probably collapse instantly, killing all of its occupants. Yikes.

That hatchback looks decent....for a hatchback. I don't know why Honda didn't have a base
version 3 door. They have always been popular and I still see some 'vintage' Civics everywhere.
Cheap, practical and relatively hip.

 

I'm not a big fan of the front nose on the 3 door.

 

The hatchback is looking spaceship like.

The convertible looks OK but I'll pass...

 

The Civic cab in the photo looks like it's based off of the hatchback. It should be based off of the Coupe for the US market; it would look better and likely have more usable trunk space. This concept reminds me of the Mini Cooper convertible- cute, but not very practical (in the case of the Cooper... well, it is called a MINI after all). Also, that photo has been seriously doctored... can't really say much with any accuracy about how the production car might look.

As far as the A-pillar rake; if fortified properly, the windshield header could be made to be VERY strong. I don't believe that Honda is seriously considering a production Civic convertible, but you can be sure if they do it, it will be stiff, strong, and safe.

 

How credible, though, is Lehmann Photo? Don't they have a reputation for doctoring photos up?
There has been discussion about this before on CL.

 

If you re-read the above post, you will see they said the convertible is computer generated

 

that's only the euro civic.


we don't get that here....

 

Never bring Civic convertibles to States! An European had different taste of cars. That's why an Lexus didn't successful European car sales. They prefers sporty car BMWs, Porsches, Benzs, and Alfa Romeos. By the way, dame wicky ugly hatchback convertibles.