Photos of US early-MMC Civic INTERIOR

In the U.S., the 9Gen Civic had a stormy introduction. While it managed to achieve best seller in its class, its interior, especially in the base models, had been criticized by many quarters, with the enthusiasts and Honda fans/owners being some of the loudest. While some have tried to defend the Civic, often by using the fact that it is a best-seller, the fact that AHM will launch an MMC for the 9Gen Civic this month proves that even Honda feels that some of the criticisms are at the very least, warranted. 

In our TOV forums yesterday, member 'Farage1' posted two high-resolution photos of what looks to be the dashboard of the MMC Civic (the photos are at the bottom of this article). While not conclusive, another forumer listed down a list of differences he observed, which should provide a useful starting point for anyone looking for the changes to the dashboard. The observations below are from TOV forumer 'atomiclightbulb'.

(1) Center stack: In the '12 model, Audio/Nav and HVAC are placed on different tiers. HVAC in the '12 is recessed slightly. In the '13 model, Audio/Nav and HVAC are part of one continuous surface, separated by a chrome strip right below the hazard/emergency lights button. This new design is akin to the 8G Civic.

(2) The black plastic bezel that surrounds HVAC/Audio controls continues on the left side of the steering column, making the driver area of the dash appear continuous.

(3) HVAC controls are revised. Button placement is slightly different and fan knob is bigger now.

(4) Dash panel geometry repaired. Starting from the top, the dash piece that goes over the digital speedometer appears to be a continuous piece that stretches all the way to the end of the passenger side part of the dash. In the '12 model, there is a cut line that seems a bit odd between the digital speedometer panel and the passenger side airbag panel. In the '12 model, the dash piece that extends from the top of the tachometer cluster and into the passenger side of the car is changed. The tach cluster plastic now ends where the center stack plastic ends. The passenger gets a soft touch panel on their side.

(5) Chrome trim around vents.

9Gen Civic MMC now available in US dealer's websites

The early MMC for the 9Gen Civic, known in the U.S. as the '2013 Civic' is almost on us. On some dealer's websites in the U.S., one can already 'build' (i.e. select options) the car one is interested in buying. And the '2013 Civic' is now already available for building. This also gives us an early 'sneak peek' at the new 2013 Civic, eventhough in CG form only. The photos below are captured by one TOV forumer from the 'Benson Honda' dealer website and offers us an almost complete look at the exterior of the MMC 2013 Civic. Of special mention are the new front grille and bumper design plus the new tail-lights.

Spy Photos of the USDM MMC 9Gen Civic

Spy photos of the MMC 9Gen Civic, for the USDM, is already surfacing around the internet. At the moment, Motor Trend is carrying photos of the MMC Civic, to be launched at the end of this month. The links to the Motor Trend website is below.

http://wot.motortrend.com/spied-2013-honda-civic-revealed-with-accord-like-front-styling-285789.html

One TOV forumer took two Motor Trend photos and photoshop'ed it to 'remove' the tapes and reveal what he thinks is the actual MMC design. These photos are below. (Lots of TOV forumers are very talented with Photoshop).

Another TOV forumer with proven insider information has offered additional info on the MMC Civic, having seen the actual car with his own eyes. In his own words, the major changes to the MMC 9Gen Civic were described as

Interior yes, powertrain no.........The Hood (bulged due to pedestrian safety), head lights (projectors), tail lights and grill are changed. Inside is about a 70% refresh......The dash, door panels and buttons and switches are changed and the AUX and Charger have a compartment next to it now like the Accord...The seat fabric and quality have been changed along with the sound of the door when it closes...

Yet another TOV forumer, has offered the following information (he is an employee with a Honda dealership)

Wait until you see it in person. Honda brass friends have phoned with their praise. I trust the(m) like my brothers. They never failed me before. I heard that it is absolutely stunning inside and out in the way that the new MY13 Accord is compared to the outgoing '12. It needed to be seen in the flesh. Remember, dude?
The 2013 Civic sedan's rear lighting, classy trim and new flank look extremely upscale. The chrome adds much poshness to its compact car class. The front fascia is very Accord-like, giving it a sporty, fresh, airy and tidier flare. It's more aerodynamic in look and engineering. Higher MPG should result yet test figures are top secret.

Quality of materials, greatly improved interior all-around, a more substantial list of class leading features (safety and otherwise) and the promise of a new model (i.e., hatchback, crossover variant) around the corner following this amazing "refreshened" Civic is extraordinary.

Think back to the doubters of the 9th generation Accord for a reminder and look at its October 2012 sales figures and those comparison and single car reviews of the hot new '13 Accord sedan -- trumping the all new and highly anticipated 2013 Ford Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and best selling Toyota Camry, Camry Hybrid. Amazing! And keep in mind, the Honda Accord coupe has yet to be formally introduced and stocked and the hybrid models are currently unavailable.

USDM 'revised' 9Gen Civic out on Nov 29th !!!

TOV has learned that the 'revised' or shall we say 'early MMC' for the 9Gen Civic for the U.S. market is scheduled to be released on the 29th of  next month (November). Word is there will be no mechanical or specification changes to the car but there will be significant changes or what is described/hoped to be improvements to the exterior and interior. There is even speculation that some of the exterior change, e.g. the rear taillight assembly will become like that of our, ASEAN/Asian Civic (the USDM Civic does not have the taillight extensions into the trunk/boot cover). For a little bit more details, go to our TOV news and rumours article at http://www.vtec.net/news/news-item?news_item_id=1105544.

Excerpts from internal Honda townhall meeting

Someone provided some excerpts from an internal Honda 'townhall' meeting that he attended. The meeting was chaired by Iwamura-san. Items of interest includes a statement on the debut of the early MMC for the 9Gen Civic, launch of a new Acura RLX (Legend for rest of the world) next month at the Los Angeles Motor Show and finally the confirmation of a new variant of the Honda Fit/Jazz for a market which Honda 'never competed in before', to be launched soon. Read the excerpts after the jump.

Over the past few years, we have faced our share of challenges including difficult economic conditions and a major loss of production due to two natural disasters. But thanks to your efforts, we have achieved a speedy recovery. Now, with a continued focus on our relationship with the customer we are ready to move from "battle back" to "counterattack."

Leading the way, is the all-new Honda Accord. The reaction of the news media has been great. This week, we won the Car and Driver magazine comparison test against all the competition. I can't make any announcements today, but we are optimistic that Accord will make the 10Best list for the 27th time this year. Our dealers are excited. And in the first two weeks of sales, it looks like our customers agree that Accord is the best mid-size car in America. But we aren't stopping with the new Accord.

Later this fall, we will bring out a significant minor model change of Civic. Civic is already the best-selling compact car in America. With the exterior and interior styling changes we have made, we will take Civic from "best-selling" to simply the "best." We also will introduce a minor model change of the Crosstour, with many of the same new technologies that make the new Accord so good.

For the Acura brand we have already introduced two all-new models this year in the RDX and ILX. Plus, the NSX Concept that will arrive in about two years. Next month, we will add some more excitement at the LA Auto Show, when we introduce the 2014 Acura RLX. It is important for the Acura brand to have a true flagship sedan. With a luxurious cabin and new technologies that deliver advanced performance and fuel economy the new RLX will help define the Acura brand. 

...

Our strong momentum includes the solid foundation of our production and product development operations in North America. This will be a key factor in helping us combat the impact of economic factors like the strong yen. In just two years, our auto production capacity in North America will grow from 1.63 million units to 1.92 million units. This includes the new plant under construction in Mexico that will produce Fit and other sub-compact vehicles. As we announced for the first time two weeks ago, the Fit series will include an all-new derivative model, a sub-compact vehicle in a new segment where we do not currently compete.

We also announced a new hybrid strategy to include one-, two-, and three-motor hybrid systems as part of our new Earth Dreams technologies that will help us achieve industry-leading fuel economy.

In the area of product development, Honda will pursue a new "concurrent" development concept that will make our U.S. R&D operations even more important in our global plans. As one example, as part of a global team, Honda R&D Americas will lead development of the next generation Civic for the North American market.