Takahiro Hachigo -- the new president and CEO of Honda Motor Company->ke34 -- has a vision that will fuel some new designs for Honda Automobiles. With advancement of the automaker's global operation structure and the development of new products, Hachigo plans to step up the competition going forward. Plans are even in the works for a new “baby NSX”, but until that becomes a reality, the sporty design of the all-new Civic->ke236 and the effort put into redesigning the 2016 Accord->ke237 gives insight into just what Honda has in store for us.

If you were lucky enough to see the 2015 Honda Civic Concept at the New York Auto Show->ke226 earlier in 2015, then you already have an Idea of the new sporty design. The look of the 10th-generation 2016 Honda Civic is the most commendable manifestation of Honda’s new design so far. It will feature tight body lines, and while it will be toned down a bit from the concept, it will still sport an aggressive front end that will discourage even the heaviest customizer from needing an aftermarket body kit. The new Civic is designed to be more sporty than anything, so don’t expect a large trunk opening to go along with the liftback-like design. I wouldn’t expect the large spoiler shown on the concept either, but you can bet the option will be there for a smaller fin on the rear end. The Civic will be offered in various trim levels, including a Type-R and a Si variant. Following the competition, the new Civic will have a new turbocharged, four-cylinder engine that is mated to either a short-throw, six-speed transmission or a CVT transmission for those who like to simply go. When properly equipped, the Civic will should still get more than 40 mpg when cruising the interstate.

The 2016 Accord also goes to show that Hachigo and his engineers aren’t playing around. Expect to see more stylish front and rear bumpers, a new grille, and new lights all the way around. I wouldn’t expect the front end to look as aggressive as what we’ll see on the Civic, but it will be a nice step up from the years before in terms of snarl. If you look for the touring model, you’ll see the multi-element headlamps similar to the LED lights seen in a lot of Acura->ke10 models – hopefully something we’ll see on the new Civic as well. The Accord Sedan will sport more of a fastback design, providing a sporty look not previously seen in previous models. The new Accord will likely see direct fuel injection and may share a new nine-speed automatic transmission with the 2016 Honda Pilot.

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Why it matters

All of this is a big deal for the automaker with legendary reliability. Recent generations of the Civic have been criticized for being less sporty than expected and didn’t quite compete with the looks of competitors like the 2014-2015 Scion TC and 2014 Kia Forte Koup.

I'm willing to bet the new Civic will have the rivals rushing back to the drawing board. It’s great to see some new designs coming to the Accord as well. The car has remained roughly the same over the past couple of generations, and I suspect Honda will see it holding its own against the Malibu,->ke1034 Camry,->ke246 and even the VW Passat.->ke224 I think Hachigo is on the right track with Honda, and I can’t wait to see what the future brings for the rest of Honda’s lineup.

2014-2015 Honda Civic

Read our full review here.

2014 Honda Accord

Read our full review here.