Honda Civic Concept For 2026 Test Driven At Motegi Circuit

We Are In Motegi Circuit To Test Drive The 2026 Honda Civic

Heavily camouflaged and looking very menacing, this is the 2026 model Honda Civic (yes! there is a new Civic coming). We were briefed on a revised 2.0L hybrid engine and a revised platform (both concepts), and it is not the all new Prelude FF platform and not the all new Prelude 2.0L direct-injection Atkinson cycle engine. This is next generation powertrain from the worlds biggest producer of performance engines.

This latest hybrid engine and platform comes AFTER the development of the Prelude and it would seem that Honda engineers wanted a totally more EXCITING and ENTERTAINING vehicle to challenge the rivals from China and even put a dent in European new sport sedan sales.

Yes, this concept Honda Civic we tested is ready to challenge German sport sedans with its intoxicating engine note and entertaining steering feel and handling as we took three (3) fast laps around the Motegi test circuit.

The cabin was heavily ‘masked’ up to hide the larger new centre screen and revised digital dashboard and meter cluster look.

We were also NOT allowed to take interior pictures and only allowed a few ‘quick’ exterior shots.  

But, this was enough to let use understand the philosophy of this next generation Civic (will probably be extended to the Accord as well) which will be a true ‘game-changer’ for Honda as they ‘retaliate’ the emerging Chinese auto brands that are taking away a slice of their market share in every country they have set up shop.

Honda engineers want to deliver a ‘fun’ driving experience which seems to be missing with rivals Chinese auto brands and take on German auto brands with next level cabin entertainment. 

Fast Facts

The eleventh-generation Honda Civic received a facelift for the 2025 model year, which was unveiled in mid-2024 and launched in various markets in late 2024 and early 2025. The 2026 model year continues with smart refinements to this face-lifted model, such as new safety features and tech upgrades, but these are part of a standard model year update, not an entirely new concept. 

Key details regarding the 2026 model year updates include:

Subtle exterior design changes, including an updated front bumper, grille, and refined LED lighting.

New standard safety features, such as Rear Cross Traffic Alert and an improved Driver Attention Monitor.

Also, there was Google Built-In infotainment features on top variants.

The powertrain options, including the hybrid system and the 1.5L turbo engine, largely carry over from the 2025 model. 

The powertrain options for the 2026 model year remain the same as those introduced for the 2025 model year. The 2025 model year saw the introduction of a new, award-winning hybrid powertrain option, which is a major focus for the 2026 lineup: 

Hybrid Powertrain: An available 2.0-liter, four-cylinder hybrid system producing 200 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque is carried over. This system has been highly praised for its balance of performance and fuel efficiency.