What's the news?
It's time for a hatchback Brexit, as Honda has just started shipping its first batch of the new-generation of Civic hatchback from its factory in Swindon to the US. It's the first time for a while that the Civic has been available in hatchback form in the US market, and more importantly for us it's a chance for a good look a the rear styling of what will very much be a make-or-break car for Honda in Europe.
The styling of the Civic has been considerably toned down from the current, space-age look, although you can see some of the existing car in the way the big tail-lights wrap around the pillar and blend into a rear wing, which bisects the glass.
The primary engine for us in the new Civic will be the 1.6 iDTEC diesel, which will carry over from the existing car, but there will also be a new 1.0-litre turbo petrol, to which Honda is just putting the finishing touches. Hopefully for Honda's sake, it will be an impressive car - certainly, it's off to a good start; the four-door version has already picked up a Car Of The Year award in the US.
Philip Webb, head of cars at Honda UK, commented: "Production of the hatchback for the European market will commence towards the end of 2016, with sales beginning in the first quarter of 2017. Our factory in Swindon will also export the model to other key markets around Europe and the rest of the world."