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Honda Civic Hatchback prototype unmasked

The US hasn't had a Honda Civic hatchback since the seventh-generation model on sale from 2001 to 2005, and over the past 11 years we've watched from afar as Honda cut and polished the Euro-market Civic hatch into a gem of lusty beauty. We will get our turn in 2017 with the tenth-generation model, about to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show as a "prototype" that is a thinly-disguised production model. Compared to the ninth generation currently on sale over The Atlantic, this concept is stronger, sharper, and more sculpted throughout, but especially up front. The curving hoodline on the current car that falls in an undisturbed arc down to the bottom of the front bumper gets straightened out, sitting atop a bluff face packed with jutting features. Sheetmetal peaks and troughs carve up the sides, and the rear hatch emphasizes the angular and distinctions between features like the tailgate and arching boomerang containing the C-shaped lights. Production features on a base model will undoubtedly be toned down, but we could see this concept making for a fine Si or Type R trim, if we're being especially hopeful. View 15 Photos Proportions increase a smidge, the new car 5.1 inches longer, 1.8 inches wider, and sitting .7 inches lower. That puts it about 1.2 inches shorter than the Civic Coupe on sale in the US. The European launch goes down early next year, the US to follow after that. You'll find a little more info in the press release below, we'll have live shots from the show floor as soon as we can. Related Video: CIVIC HATCHBACK PROTOTYPE REDEFINES HONDA'S CORE MODEL FOR EUROPE • Prototype of the next-generation Civic hatchback makes its global premiere at the 85th Geneva International Motor Show • Assertive stance and distinctive new design establishes 10th generation as the sportiest Civic ever • Low, wide proportions and long wheelbase promise engaging driving dynamics while maximising interior space • New Civic hatchback will be available in Europe early in 2017 and will be built at Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) Geneva, March 1, 2016 - The next-generation Civic hatchback makes its global debut in prototype form at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The design of the prototype heralds a significant step-change from previous versions of Honda's core European model, focusing on provocative design and rewarding driving dynamics. The all-new Civic hatchback will be 30 mm wider, 20 mm lower and 130 mm longer than the current generation.

Honda adopts English as its official language in meetings worldwide

Japanese was clearly the language of operation while we visited Honda's global headquarters in Tokyo last week, as well as its newest factory and principal test track. Chief executive Takanobu Ito (pictured above) spoke to us through an interpreter. But according to the latest reports, the Japanese language is being phased out at Honda in favor of English.
This according to Bloomberg, which points out that tire manufacturer Bridgestone and rival automaker Nissan have implemented similar measures, as have Japanese retail giants Fast Retailing Co. and Rakuten Inc. Honda's shift from Japanese to English comes as part of a shift in focus from central decision-making to a more regional model, but while English has clearly emerged as the international language of business, it's no coincidence that it's also the dominant language here in America. Bloomberg points out that over the 12-month period that ended this past March, North America accounted for a massive 47 percent of Honda's revenues worldwide.

Alonso wants an NSX, but did Honda block him from Le Mans?

One of the biggest changes in store for the 2015 Formula One World Championship will see Fernando Alonso moving back to McLaren. That means he'll be driving under Honda power for the first time, after spending the bulk of his career driving for Renault and Ferrari. And being Honda's new poster child, as the two-time World Champion is fast discovering, has its advantages and its drawbacks. According to the latest reports, Alonso had been negotiating a clause in his contract with McLaren that could have seen him driving a Porsche 919 Hybrid at Le Mans this year, but Honda reportedly stepped in at the last minute and scuttled the plan. The drive would have been Alonso's first in the famous 24-hour race, after having had the honor of waving the flag at La Sarthe last summer. In one of the wilder rumors that emerged during the prolonged silence over his move for this season, the Spaniard was also linked to a potential return for Ferrari to Le Mans. That prospect came to naught, and now the Porsche deal has been wheeled into the garage, as well. The upcoming F1 season is expected to be one of transition, adjustment and development for McLaren and Honda, but the Japanese automaker's involvement in his hiring may not be all bad news for Alonso. Following the reveal of the new Acura NSX, Alonso tweeted "You still don't know, but one day we will be together..." followed by a series of heart-eyed smiley-face emoticons and accompanies by images of Honda's new supercar. The implication is that the two-time World Champion is expecting to get his talented hands on an NSX of his own, and we can certainly see how Honda would appreciate the imagery of Fernando driving around in its flagship. Even if it doesn't, though, we're sure McLaren would be glad to hook him up with a company car of its own – though Lewis Hamilton encountered some trouble securing (a very specific) one for himself. Even discounting the front-running F1 machinery he's been tasked with piloting on track to an impressive 32 career wins, Alonso has had some lustworthy company cars at his disposal over the years. At Renault, he had a Megane RS to drive, and during his last stint at McLaren, he had an SLR 722. But since signing with Ferrari, he's been given the keys to FCA models as varied as a Ferrari FF, a special 599 GTO, a Maserati GranCabrio, a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and an Abarth 695... and those are just the ones we know about.