Official: Civic Hatchback Prototype Unveiled!

///Mookster

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Really don't like the hatch design much. I'm let down because I wanted a hatch and I had high hopes for this Civic version. Since a lot of what should normally be "hatch volume" is destroyed by the sloping roof line, I'm not really even sure why they bothered making this variant. They tried for "edgy" with some elements and they look amateurish. The good news is this is making me feel better about my decision to jump on the sedan :) The sedan has a more cohesive overall design IMO.
About the hatch volume... This is what another member wrote in a post earlier in this thread:

So i did an overlay of the current 9th gen hatch with the 10th gen hatch to see how the back windows compared in height/rake because the 10th gen rear looks so low and sloped. It's an illusion created by the fact that the back end of the new 10th gen is longer than the 9th gen. The rear window is longer, but the rake is almost identical, as is the height of the rear window splitter (spoiler). So rear capacity space shouldn't be compromised compared to the current and 8th gen hatches, and the added length should add quite a bit of cubic space in the back.
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Jon Snow

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About the hatch volume... This is what another member wrote in a post earlier in this thread:
Well, I don't really care what it is compared to previous generations. It's clearly compromised compared to the current sedan as the hatchback is shorter and the area under the sloped part of the roof is partially not usable. If they aren't utilizing that space, why even bother to make a hatchback?
 

Vtak Groceries

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Not a big fan of that Hatchback concept to be honest. First of all, rear 4 piston calipers, really? lol. Ok yes just a concept, but that aside the proportions on the rear just dont do it for me. It is aiming to be very sporty but does not back it up in performance until the Type R comes out. Another thing about the design I question is Hondas target audience of younger people. It looks like its styled for a 12 yr old! I just dont think the target audience will be able to afford it. Hopefully im wrong and it sells nice for them.
 

Shralper

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I remember people making the same complaint about the 99-00 civic si with its fake vents in the front bumper...haha it just comes back around.
The vents in the 1999-2000 models were nowhere even close to as big as the vents on today's Civics (especially the new hatchback, which look damn near cartoonish). Plus they were only on the front bumper (not the rear) and were down very low. Very tastefully done, IMO...more like a small detailed afterthought, instead of a huge in-your-face part of the overall styling (Hell, if people complained about the 99-00 vents they ought to really hate the new ones).

Honda Civic 10th gen Official: Civic Hatchback Prototype Unveiled! 125179d1259945428-99-blue-civic-si-95k-miles-only-5000-obo-si


Unfortunately Honda is not the first to do the big black plastic plates with fake molded screens in them. I'm noticing them more and more. I'm seriously wondering if it has something to do with the EU hoodline height requirements. Maybe car designers are doing it to breakup the blockier look of the front end so it looks more sporty. I dunno.
 


Jessegovols

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The back end is way too busy. The black open plated grates just look tacky and I can't imagine what function they serve.
 

///Mookster

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The back end is way too busy. The black open plated grates just look tacky and I can't imagine what function they serve.
That's why it's a "prototype" (concept). It's all about showing the wilder side of things. The production version will no doubt be toned down, but important takeaway is that the overall shape of the hatchback is attractive, which is what we'll see with the production hatchback.
 

bobindy

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The back end is way too busy. The black open plated grates just look tacky and I can't imagine what function they serve.
I agree. The vent/grates look as though they came from the JC Whitney catalog. For $35 you can add them to your 9th gen.

Honda Civic 10th gen Official: Civic Hatchback Prototype Unveiled! vents
 


mjones5

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Please help me understand - I know it is a concept but is the hatchback version going to be shorter than the 2016 sedan ? If it is smaller buying it would not help me with bike gear. Can someone clarify for me ?
 

bobindy

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Honda Civic 10th gen Official: Civic Hatchback Prototype Unveiled! civic
That's why it's a "prototype" (concept). It's all about showing the wilder side of things. The production version will no doubt be toned down, but important takeaway is that the overall shape of the hatchback is attractive, which is what we'll see with the production hatchback.
Actually the production sedan has the grates as well. They're not as big but they serve no purpose other than making it a pain to dry the car after washing it. I would rather they just kept it smooth or perhaps slightly sculpted. I'm hoping to get a Type R but not if it looks like they glued on a bunch of fake vents grilles and useless unattractive aero bits like the OEM body kit. It just looks cheesy.
 
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RobbJK88

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If i've learned anything over the release of the 10th gen civics so far it's that i'll reserve 100% of my judgement until we actually see a fully done production version of the car. I've been following this car since the concept debuted and people have panicked at every test car, camo car, teaser shot and non production version only (for the most part) to be generally happy once the final production model is shown. This car being a non production design study, while giving us at least an idea of what the hatch will look like, has so much showcar added "flare" that it ruins the car for some people.

My point being, there's literally no point in worrying about the huge cartoon fake black vents or the over styled rear end because like the sedan and coupe both, we'll most likely be pleasantly surprised by how good the final product ends up looking, just like with the coupe and sedan so far.

And if this styling is any indication of the Type R (more likely than the Si to have extra body work and such historically speaking) i've always thought the type R was a bit over styled and ricer looking. But, keep in mind all the aero bits on the current type R are functional pieces. This is a show car, it doesn't need to be functional. So again, reserving judgement until we actually see what the final product is going to be.
 

17CivicTypeR_Brian

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Even more photos!
_TB_0609_Copyright Guido ten Brink SB-Medien.jpg
What is that up on the wall behind the machine? Is the gas tank under the passenger seat?! Is there a motor and a chain drive sitting under the rear seats?

Not copying right - 2nd pic from the bottom in the most recent addition...
 

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