First look: Civic returns to its sporty roots

WE saw the US-only Honda Civic Si coupe debut at February's Chicago motor show: now Honda has previewed its eighth-generation Civic hatch at Geneva.

A near-production show car that will reach the showrooms early next year, this all-new Civic is wider and lower than the current model, and and designed to bring some sportiness back to the Civic nameplate, which Honda confirmed at the show would be built in two, three, four and five-door variants.

A hybrid Civic will also be built in the next iteration.

The manufacturer claims it will offer class-leading performance with excellent environmental and safety technologies, the latter including stability control and curtain airbags.

"We plan to set a new benchmark in the C-segment based on the quality and performance of the new car,"said Honda President Takeo Fukui.

Among the engines available overseas, and still to be confirmed for Australia, are a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine.