Incredibly, old school...
Incredibly, old school US brand Buick is now a bigger seller in China than in its native USA. China loves Buick due to the old emperor being a fan of the brand, so Buick repaid the favour by launching its Invicta large saloon concept to the world in Beijing. The sleek machine is based on the same new Epsilon2 front-wheel drive platform as the Vauxhall Insignia and the concept previews a new executive car, called the LaCrosse, which will go on sale in the US in 2009. There are no plans to bring the brand to the UK.
The mag"s exclusive...
The mag"s exclusive spy picture reveals what the all-new model will look like, and shows another interpretation of the Civic shape that has evolved over the past 30 years. The front end will be more rakish, while the current version"s MPV-like styling will be smoothed out into a more conventional hatchback form.
While both three and five-door variants are expected to be available from launch - set for 2006 - Honda is also said to be planning a high-performance flagship coup탩. That would wear the CRX badge last used in 1997. All versions are certain to get Type R models, with power outputs in excess of 200bhp. Also expect less extreme cars with plenty of visual impact, but without the high running costs of a hot hatch.
However, there will be more to the new Civic than just driving thrills. Honda knows that a large proportion of buyers still place practicality as their top priority, so the five-door is likely to be one of the most versatile family cars on the market. Adapting design ideas from the Jazz, it is expected to get impressive interior space and rear seats that fold away to leave a completely flat load floor.