Spy-Shots of Cars

You guys saw this one coming, didn't you? Initially revealed as the Honda Civic Concept at the 2015 New York International Auto Show (2015 NYIAS) and later on leaked in several patent images, the 2016 Honda Civic has now been captured in prototype format, further indicating its impending global debut.

No thanks to the copious amounts of camouflage applied to this test mule, further speculations regarding the actual production car's aesthetics appear limited for now. With that said, one only has to turn to the concept for a preview on what to expect. A further report by Autocar UK states that the hatch, spotted here in left-hand drive configuration with UK plates, will employ a number of styling cues from the New York show car.

Eagle-eyed readers will probably notice a striking similarity between this particular mule and the Acura ILX - with the winged-motif front grille and sweptback headlights from the latter giving it away. However, the similarities end there as the hatchback mule here adopts a much shorter rear overhang. Look (hard enough) past the camouflage and one might even see hints of Civic Concept-esque taillights.

Apart from its (supposed) radical styling, the tenth-gen Civic will be the first US model to adopt the firm's all-new, turbocharged direct-injected 1.5 litre VTEC inline-four engine. Power figures remain unknown but we are aware that two transmission options will be paired to said engine - a six-speed manual and CVT gearbox.

Spy-Shots of Cars

Set to be a global model, the US-spec Civic will be offered in a total of five body styles/trims with the regular Sedan sitting alongside the Coupe model. Elsewhere, a sportier Si variant and a five-door hatch have been confirmed - the latter to be assembled in Swindon, UK. At the top of the range sits the Civic Type R.

Safety kit on the US models will include an array of features from the Honda Sensing platform. As a result, Lane Departure and Forward Collision Warning along with Adaptive Cruise Control, Honda LaneWatch and an array of additional active and passive safety equipment will be presented.

Closer to home, the US-spec tenth-generation Honda Civic will serve as the closest preview to what we're getting here when the time comes for Honda Malaysia to introduce the ASEAN-spec Civic. Keep a close watch on this one.

GALLERY: Honda Civic Concept in New York