Carmakers go above
and beyond trying to hide the design changes of new products during the
development and testing phase, adding all sorts of psychedelic wraps to the
body panels and sometimes even bulky plastic cladding.
Honda has
taken it to the next level with this Civic prototype, which was shared by the
Chinese media. The compact hatchback is wrapped in a weird combo of white
plastic wrapping and brightly colored
barricade tape that’s usually employed to warn or catch the attention of
passersby of a dangerous area. If the colors don’t get your attention, then
perhaps the way the tape was applied to the body will, as it looks like it
badly needs to be subjected to an unboxing.
The camouflage does a good job as keeping the visuals of the facelifted Civic a
secret. Still, since we’re on the subject, expect lightly modified bumpers,
headlights and taillights, as well as new wheels and perhaps other minor
changes. The updates will keep it competitive for a few more years, until Honda
is ready to launch the next generation, which will continue to do battle with
the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and newly unveiled Volkswagen Golf.
The only low-res
picture of the Chinese market interior shows the same layout, yet the
infotainment screen appears to be different, with rounded top corners and
probably a bigger diagonal. This version has a black interior, but customers
will be able to choose between other colors and, in all likelihood, new trims.
