Is Honda Secretly Previewing the 2027 Civic Hybrid?

Since Honda reveled its new “Hybrid Sedan Prototype” a couple of months ago, it seems everyone has been trying to figure out what it is. I myself thought immediately that it was a preview of the next generation Accord. I now believe it is the next Civic.

The concept is basically ready to go. As it looks 100% like a production car. And the Accord is not ready for a new generation yet. But the Civic is. The Accord is rumored to be getting a “substantial facelift for 2027” very soon. That would mean an all-new one is still over 2 years away. Which is logical. The current Civic also came out before the current Accord. In my opinion, the current Civic is probably the worst looking of all Civics, and a new one would be quite welcome, finally. (However, I noticed on may comments on this site that the Prototype’s design seems to be pretty controversial.)

Also, Honda had invited many journalists from around the world last year to drive prototypes of the next-generation Civic platform. Which includes a new more efficient Hybrid system. 

We’ve also heard multiple times that a new generation Honda Civic is indeed coming for the 2027 model year. One that is based on that brand new hybrid platform.

Although the sedan prototype looks pretty large, proportions seem quite similar when you compare it to the current Civic. The prototype also looks lie a fastback and no one knows it we’re looking at a proper hatchback or not. I still think there is a strong possibility of a hatchback here. When Honda showed the Prelude concept, pretty much everyone though the car had a regular trunk. After seeing the concept in the flesh and looking inside the dark windows, I could tell it was a hatchback. As we all know, it is. The Sedan prototype seems th have a very similar set up. 

Which means we could be looking at the new Civic hatchback. Another confusing item is the black cladding at the bottom of the car and around the wheels. Something no Civic or Accord ever had. That would maybe point to AWD. Which would be the first for the Civic. Although back on the 1980’s Honda was offering an AWD Civic wagon. Maybe the car pictured above is an AWD version of the next Civic Hybrid?

My vote goes for a new AWD Civic Hybrid Hatchback.

What do you think it is?