honda civic 2012 North American International Auto Show

When we previewed the latest-gen Honda Civic Si around the time of the 2011 North American International Auto Show, we liked the styling, comparing it to the Accord Coupe and saying that we felt like the Civic looked to be growing up a little; no more massive rear spoiler of the outgoing model, no more severely canted forward stance—just taut lines and a purposeful shape.

Our original thoughts were confirmed when we first saw it in person; Honda has managed to turn the Civic Coupe into an almost junior-Accord—especially from the B-pillar rearward. The nose is still a little more canted forward than that which is seen on the Accord, but the rear treatment is very similar. Which is a good thing, because that Accord is a handsome design exercise. Details like the subtle rear spoiler (which has been reduced for this gen. A good thing, too, as the item on old models made for some challenging parking manoeuvres), brash 17-inch alloys and oval-shaped exhaust, meanwhile, help the Civic stand out from its more conservative big brother.

Having driven it, we can safely say that new, grown-up appearance of the car has been matched by the goings-on under the hood as well. Don’t get me wrong; the most manic of Honda’s bread-and-butter Civic lineup is still willing to dance the dance when it comes to high revs and VTEC showmanship, but the manner in which it gets there is different from last gen’s model.

honda civic 2012
honda civic 2012
honda civic 2012
honda civic 2012
honda civic 2012
honda civic 2012

honda civic 2012