The three-door version of the new Honda Civic received its world debut at this year's
British Motor Show, which is apt considering the car is made at Honda's plant in Swindon. Indeed, Honda brought 40 associates (Honda's word for employees) to the show to reveal the car to the press.
At a glance from a distance there is not a lot to tell the three-door car apart from its five-door brother, but get closer and you begin to appreciate the subtle, but effective changes. Most noticeable is the unique rear side window that kicks up at the rear to lend the Civic more of a coupe-like shape.
Coinciding with the Civic three-door revealing was the announcement of a new Type S version, which is more than just a specification change. Honda claims to have given the Type S sharper steering response and improved handling thanks to the suspension having been tuned, with revised spring and damper settings and a 20mm wider rear track. This broader stance, coupled with the deep front air intake and standard 17-inch alloy wheels, gives the Type S a more aggressive look than the regular car and acts as a stop gap to the forthcoming range-topping Type R.
The Type R Civic was also shown at the show, but only in 'concept' format, further tantalising our taste buds ahead of its revealing later this year at the
Paris Motor Show. The concept looked fantastic in white on particularly aggressive alloys.
Shane O' Donoghue - 20 Jul 2006