2011 Honda Civic

The new Honda Civic is here – and yet again it’s set to break the mould in the family hatchback sector! These exclusive shots show how the next car will look when it hits the showroom in 2010, and as you can see, the Japanese maker has opted for a shape that is even bolder and more individual than the current model.
With Vauxhall set to launch a stylish new Astra, and the next, sleek Ford Focus due in 2010, competition is fierce – but Honda has pulled out the stops to create a real stunner. As revealed in Issue 1,023, the OSM concept seen at the British Motor Show was more than simply an ‘Open Study Model’ – as the face of the new Civic is almost identical.
There are hints of VW’s IROC concept, which was toned down to become the Scirocco, in the gaping front grille. The new hatchback adds elements carried over from the current Civic, too, most notably the trademark single strip light cluster at the rear. But Honda fans will note that the split rear screen has been dropped to improve visibility. Shallow glass areas, broad shoulders and a nose-down stance give this three-door model a sporty and purposeful look.
The hatchback ‘coupé’ pictured here will be aimed at younger buyers, who want style and image more than outright practicality. So, as well as big alloys and a contrasting black bodykit, the three-door gets lowered suspension and a dark interior with deeply sculpted seats.
The three-door will be distinct from the five, as Honda adopts an approach similar to the Renault Mégane by pitching the two cars at different buyers. So, the five-door will be more for the family, with a taller roofline offering plenty of space, a bigger boot, plus a softer ride and handling balance.
The engine line-up will be shared between the two styles, though, and our sources have revealed that a 1.5-litre IMA hybrid engine with more than 150bhp and sub-CO2 120g/km emissions will appear.
In fact, the Civic will herald a change in focus for the Japanese maker as it seeks to reduce CO2 emissions. It’s currently restructuring manufacturing facilities to cater for large-scale hybrid production.
Over the next five years, Honda plans to power all four-cylinder cars using either petrol hybrids with lithium-ion batteries or i-CTDi diesels. But it is also introducing ‘deactivation technology’ for its V6, V8 and V10 engines. This means that some
cylinders will not be used in more relaxed driving conditions in an attempt to improve efficiency.
Hot hatch fans will also be well catered for, as a Type R flagship is in the works, powered by a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine which, given Honda’s five-year hybrid plan, could be boosted by an electric motor. This would make it the world’s first hybrid hot hatch!

2010 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Spec C

Subaru is looking to turn the Impreza back into a contender for class honours in the ultra-competitive high-performance family car market. These spy shots reveal a new Spec C version of the flagship STi.
Previously, Spec C evolutions of the Impreza have been officially available solely in Japan, and have only made their way to the UK in small numbers as grey imports. However, with the launch of the new hatchback model, which has been criticised for its softened approach, Subaru is tipped to change all that, as it is destined to hit British dealers in 18 months’ time.
As with its Ford Focus RS and Renaultsport Mégane R26.R rivals, the new Spec C has been undergoing extensive testing at the Nürburgring race circuit in Germany. And it looks set to be the fastest model yet developed by Subaru’s engineers. The arrival of the newcomer is great news for diehard fans of the brand, who were disappointed by the toned-down character of the current Impreza STi. There will be a host of changes to get cornering speeds up and make the steering more direct.
The new machine rides 10mm lower than the standard STi, plus features stiffer springs and dampers. Special lightweight 18-inch alloy race wheels and run-flat tyres have been added, as have uprated Brembo brakes taken from the Japan-only Legacy STi. Even beefier bodywork will ensure the new car can be instantly distinguished from the standard STi model.
The turbocharger and exhaust system have also been tweaked to push the power output of the 2.0-litre boxer engine from 296bhp to around 315bhp. Gear ratios have been revised, with fifth and sixth lengthened to boost the top speed to a supercar-chasing 170mph. However, Subaru will add an electronic speed limiter to restrict the maximum to 155mph. Inside, there are carbon fibre-shelled Recaro race seats, and as in the previous-generation Spec C, the firm will achieve further savings in weight by reducing the amount
of padding on the rear bench and removing some of the soundproofing from the cabin. A number of other minor revisions should see the car’s kerbweight drop by around 40kg.
The aerodynamics have also been tweaked to ensure class-leading stability at speed. One source close
to Subaru told us that, in addition to giving the Spec C a flat underbody, engineers fitted a lightweight aluminium rear diffuser which helps the new model generate twice as much downforce at speed than
the current flagship Impreza.
No lap times are available yet, but our spy photographer in Germany confirmed that the Spec C looked more composed than the STi in corners. He claimed it would easily slash 15 seconds off the current car’s best figure.

2010 BMW 3-Series Coupe

The facelifted BMW 3-series coupé has been scooped testing 18 months ahead of its UK launch in autumn 2010.
As with most BMW mid-life facelifts, the changes are limited to subtle styling, spec and engine improvements.
Judging from this prototype, the most significant change is a revised front bumper, with repositioned foglights and revised brake cooling ducts. The twin-kidney grille also appears to have a flatter upper edge.
Although this car looks to have carry-over headlamps, Autocar sources suggest that the facelift will also feature revised lamp clusters.
Otherwise the styling is untouched, with the rear lights, rear bumper and side skirts all unchanged on this prototype.
The revisions are expected to carry over to the revised 3-series convertible, which will be launched at the same time as the new coupé.
Inside, the major change is expected to be the introduction of BMW’s revised iDrive controller, which features extra buttons clustered around the rotary knob for greater ease of use.
The engine line-up is expected to be unchanged, with four petrol engines and four diesels. The convertible won’t get the 335d unit.
Expect minor tweaks to the Efficient Dynamics tech to boost fuel economy, emissions and power and torque outputs.

2010 Opel/Vauxhall Astra

It’s the shock of the week – this is the first official picture of Vauxhall’s new Astra! In a measure of the desperation that the company faces, this image of its new compact family car has just arrived at Auto Express without any warning at all, completely out of the blue! The new Ford Focus rival has finally broken cover in five-door form – although there’s also a striking three-door variant and a Sport Tourer estate version on the way too. As you can see, it’s clear from this image that it’s taking much of its inspiration from its big brother, the Insignia. It boasts a sporty look with a low nose and high tail, mixing a sleeker version of the Insignia’s nose along with the same stylish kick along its flanks. Set to go on sale before the end of the year, the new model will be based on troubled parent company General Motors’ Delta platform – which recently made its debut on the Chevrolet Cruze. Longer by 100mm and wider too, with a 2.7m wheelbase (up 86mm), the new Astra will protect its occupants better in the event of a crash and will offer more space inside than the current car. It will also take a leap forward on quality, with more stylish version of the Insignia’s cabin. There will be a host of new small fuel efficient engines too, including a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol turbo and a range of 1.3, 1.7 and 2.0 litre CDTi turbodiesels, with Ecoflex versions boasting CO2 emissions of less than 120g/km. The flagship Astra VXR three-door will boast a sporty look with a coupe-style body and a diffuser-style rear bumper arrangement. It will get a 270bhp version of the current 2.0-litre turbo engine. Other variants will include a Sport Tourer estate model which will boast class-leading boot space thanks to a body that’s some 20cm longer than that of the five-door hatchback. The Astra range will also spawn a new seven-seater Zafira too, going on sale in 2012.