www.hotcars.com Here's How The 2022 Honda Civic Is Changing Car Design

First introduced in 1972, the Honda Civic became a near-instant hit. Perfectly coinciding with the 1973 Oil Crisis, as a smaller-engined car, it became a viable alternative to gas-guzzling monsters. Now entering its 11th generation, the Civic isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Honda isn't marketing this next generation of their award-winning car as an all-new ride but instead a minor revision to a successful product line. The automaker is set to update aspects such as driver dynamics, exterior design, and infotainment.

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Exterior Design Of The 2022 Honda Civic

The most shocking change for the 2022 model is in the updated exterior design. Since the eighth generation, the design language of all Civic models has become progressively more aggressive and similar to the much-loved Type R.

However, with this generation, Honda has appeared to grow up a little. From the front, a large front grille remains that bears a great resemblance to the previous generations.

With that said, the bolder lines have become larger and smaller features removed entirely. This has been complemented by a simplification of the front light clusters, which no longer wrap around the body. This makes the hatchback appear larger and more similar to the outgoing sedan model.

It can't be ignored how Honda has changed the overall design of the Civics boot, creating a more coupé like design that leads to a more elegant side profile. The coupé model has been dropped from the line-up, so combining the coupé and hatchback model into one provides both options, similar to Audi's A5 Sportback.

The built-in rear mirror spoiler has been dropped. For many Civic buyers, this will be a huge step forward in improving visibility. This spoiler has been moved to the base of the rear window and thus provides a ducktail look.

The Civic has become synonymous with a solid line inserted laterally across the body. In keeping with premium designs from German manufacturers, this now takes the form of a light bar on the hatchback model, which now shares a striking resemblance with the Kia Stinger.

It's assumed that over the coming year, a Type R will be announced with extra bodywork, a more powerful engine, and an oversized rear spoiler. Hybrid and electrified models are expected to come as well.

But this doesn't mean that Honda has held back on the design of other trim levels. The LX, Sport, EX, and Sport Touring or Touring are offered on the Sedan model, with most optional trim levels adding more driver aids and comfort features.

For those who can't wait for the Type R, Honda offers the HPD package, which brings a collection of sporty black spoilers to the car.

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What's Inside The 2022 Honda Civic?

The new Civic's interior won't rock any boats as it continues the exterior's move toward simplicity. Unlike the Honda E, it is business as usual. With a simple yet premium-looking design, Honda has held itself back from changing the interior too much. All cars will come with a 7.2-inch display as standard with the option of upgrading to a 10-inch display.

As Honda makes strides into the future with the technology in their cars, they bring with them a new virtual dashboard display. Furthermore, this trend towards simplicity has culminated in a thinner steering wheel, which surprisingly has avoided the trend for flat bottomed steering wheels.

Specifications Of The 2022 Honda Civic

In publicity materials, Honda is clearly proud of their engine bay, releasing images of an engine without a plastic shroud, something manufacturers rarely do. The hatchback model can come with a 6-speed manual gearbox, a move many enthusiasts will be happy with; otherwise, all will come with Honda's CVT transmission.

A range of engines is available, including a 1.5-liter Turbo and 2.0-litre 4 cylinder. The middle of the range EX model, which Honda expects to return the most sales, receives a combined 36 MPG.

Whether or not the new Civic turns buyers away from the excellent new Mazda 3 is yet to be seen. But starting at $21,700, the 2022 Civic is perfectly positioned to be a success with a revised layout that bucks current design trends.

NEXT: Here's Everything We Know About The 2022 Honda Insight

Douglas Hamilton is a British gearhead with a degree in Literature. He grew up surrounded by F1, Need For Speed, and classic cars. He has a worrying obsession with Jaguar.