The 2022 Honda Civic hatchback, the sportier sibling to the sedan revealed earlier, has been previewed by spy shots on the Civic XI forum as reported by CNET’s Roadshow. Added to the sedan, the hatchback will join the also likely-planned Si and Type R as the four permutations offered in the U.S.
From its outward appearance, there are very few similarities between the 10th generation Civic and its newly penned sibling. A more modern version of Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) structure was utilized to add rigidity and greater protection for both driver and riders. In addition, the latest version of Honda Sensing, with the most advanced ADAS and road safety technology has been thrown into the mix.
Whether you applaud or not is probably dependent upon whether you’re a Hondaophile. Honda has confirmed they will continue U.S. production of the Civic by building the hatchback at the Greensburg plant in Indiana. Of the 10.5 million Honda Civics produced to date in North America, about half were in the U.S., with the remainder in Ontario, Canada.
The Civic emerged as one of the most influential automotive designs of the 1970s, the first European-style compact car offered in Japan, a level of sophistication never before seen in this class. The Civic quickly inspired its competitors to respond in kind. It also became something of a symbol of resistance to the Oil Embargo, when the Arab Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries targeted nations who supported Israel during the Yom Kippur War by reducing its oil supply.
Known as the Honda Shibikku in Japan, the Civic began in 1972 as a subcompact, graduating to the compact class in 2000, where it remains. A three-door hatchback, two-door, and four-door fastbacks were the first body styles, which grew to include a wagon and a sedan, the latter first seen in 1980. The first generation Honda Civic was introduced in July 1972 but sold as a 1973 model.
We might be getting ahead of ourselves to call the 2022 Civic hatchback’s debut its golden anniversary. We’ll have to see what Honda’s marketing brain trust comes up with to herald the arrival of the next-generation Civic. Gold being the traditional 50th-anniversary gift because it symbolizes timelessness, compassion, courage, and wisdom.
Whatever happened to the golden days, whatever happened to the plans we made, whatever happened to the late-night drives?
[Images: Honda]
