Honda has finally whipped the covers off the estate version of the Civic and hinted at a Focus ST rivalling Type R model too. Technically, the Civic Tourer is still a concept, but this is the car we expect to be announced for production in Frankfurt later this year.
Exterior
Honda has followed the example of Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar by introducing a sloping, coupé-like roofline on its more practical model. The result is a sporty profile that, to our eyes, looks better than the Civic hatchback.
Interior
As it is a concept expect a boot-load (pun intended) of design frippery that will be replaced by a more conventional interior when it goes into production. No official word yet on boot space, but Honda did say it was aiming for class leading cargo volume, which would indicate more than the 1,502-litre maximum capacity of the Ford Focus Estate.
Mechanicals
Engines for the Tourer will likely mirror those of the hatchback with the new 1.6-litre i-DTEC diesel the star of the show with its sub-100g/km emissions. Or at least it will be the star until the arrival of a Type R model. Honda has already stated that the hot hatchback will have about 300hp and be the quickest front-wheel drive car around the 'Ring so that bodes well for a fast wagon. Also likely is a 2.2-litre diesel, plus 1.4- and 1.8-litre petrol cars, though the 1.6-litre diesel will be favoured by Irish buyers.
Anything else?
As mentioned we expect to see the production model in Frankfurt with sales beginning in Ireland in March 2014.