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Honda Civic spied Ninth-generation Honda Civic promises better ride and handling than ever before
Bold looks, class-leading cabin space and more comfort than ever – that’s the new Honda Civic. 

Set to make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, with sales starting here in early 2012, the ninth-generation of the Japanese firm’s compact family car has made some huge leaps forward in an attempt to steal sales from the Ford Focus. We’ll have to wait until Frankfurt to 
see the finished model, but these spy shots at least give an idea of how the new model is shaping up.

Video: watch official footage of the new Honda Civic

While it won’t be as much of a visual departure as the current car was over its predecessor, there have been plenty of 
tweaks beneath the surface. Honda says its engineers have concentrated on improving the Civic’s ride and handling, with significant changes to the rear suspension set-up. 

As with the outgoing model, the new car uses a torsion beam arrangement – which is more compact than a multi-link system (as used by the Focus and 
Volkswagen Golf), and should ensure impressive rear seat space and luggage room. 

Thanks to the incorporation of fluid-filled bushes, Honda says it has improved the Civic’s ride, 
making it more comfortable over bumps. Engineers have also strengthened the car’s suspension components for better precision and stability, particularly at higher speeds. 

Under the bonnet, the majority of models will be powered by a revised 2.2-litre diesel, while a smaller 1.4-litre oil-burner will also appear alongside revised i-VTEC petrol units.

For an alternative review of the latest Honda Civic visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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