Honda to showcase its new FCV in Geneva

Honda plans to début its new fuel cell vehicle in Europe at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The company was among the first to introduce a fuel cell vehicle to the market several years ago, although its original vehicle was only available for lease in California. The new Clarity Fuel Cell vehicle was first showcased at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show, where it received strong praise due to the technology that it uses and its performance capabilities. The Clarity is estimated to travel up to 700 kilometres before needing to refuel, giving it considerable advantage over conventional battery electrics.

In Cars, Concept Cars, Honda, International News / By Gerard Lye / 10 February 2016 4:48 pm / 1 comment

The 2016 Geneva Motor Show is where the most exciting new machines (production or concept) will make their debut. Adding to the already stellar line-up will be Honda’s new Civic Hatchback Prototype, and they’re kicking things off with this teaser sketch.

The concept is no doubt a preview of an all-new hatchback Civic model that will replace the current European FK series Civic, of which the current Type R variant is based on. Honda say that the Civic Hatchback Prototype will showcase the exterior design of the model, which will only be launched in Europe in early 2017.

It adds that the all-new Civic hatch will be produced at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) plant, and the car will be exported to global markets, including the US, where the sedan is already on sale. No further details on the concept was provided with the teaser.

Spyshots of an unknown five-door hatchback model from Honda were sighted in the past, which carried design elements that seem to align to those seen in the concept’s teaser, suggesting that the prototype is the model in question.

As for engine details, Honda has at its disposal its all-new 1.0 and 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo engines, the latter of which is offered to the US market in the tenth-generation Civic sedan. Power outputs for both mills are 127 hp/200 Nm and 201 hp/260 Nm, respectively, if you live in Europe. Americans only have access to the 1.5 litre VTEC Turbo at a slightly toned-down 174 hp/220 Nm, and a naturally-aspirated 2.0 litre DOHC motor outputting 158 hp and 187 Nm.

The European market has yet to receive the tenth-generation (FC) Civic sedan, which will only be launched there in early 2017. With the concept’s announcement, this could mean that both body styles – sedan and hatchback – will be offered to the European market in a timely manner. Fancy a Civic hatchback?

Joining the Civic Hatchback Prototype on stage will be the Clarity Fuel Cell, which makes its European debut after it was unveiled at the 2015 Tokyo Motor Show. The hydrogen-powered fuel cell car has a range of up to 700 km and offers seating for up to five passengers.

Additionally, the a unique Jazz concept known as the Keenlight, will make be making its debut as well, meant to highlight the “potential for customising Jazz,” so owners, take note. Honda’s flagship sports car, the NSX, will also make an appearance, along with news that customer deliveries are set to take place this year as well. Bikers meanwhile, will direct their attention to the Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin.

GALLERY: Honda Civic 5-door hatchback spyshots

