Rumour: Honda to bring tenth-gen Civic to India

Honda Car India's President - Yoichiro Ueno has indicated that the company might bring the Civic sedan to India. Though an official launch window hasn't been revealed, reports suggest that the car would likely be launched here next year. It is expected to be brought into the country through the CKD route.

Globally, the Civic is currently in its tenth-generation, which was unveiled in 2015. The company will likely launch a mild facelift of this generation in India by 2018. The Civic will thus fill the gap between the recently launched City and the Accord Hybrid in Honda's Indian portfolio. This won't be the first time that the Civic moniker will go on sale in India. Honda used to sell the eighth-gen Civic here, which was discontinued in 2012.

The company's president has also mentioned that Honda will now be focusing on the premium segment, rather than the high volume, mass market segments that are dominated by Maruti and Hyundai. As a result, the new Civic's India launch will help the brand to enhance its image of a premium car manufacturer.

Further details about the India-spec model's specifications haven't surfaced yet. Honda sells the Civic in various ASEAN markets like Thailand and Malaysia. It is expected that the India-bound model will likely be similarly equipped. Probable powertrain options making to India include a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel engine.

If launched, the new Civic will be competing against the likes of the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla and Skoda Octavia.

Source: ET Auto