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.

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.