Honda's->ke34 convention of using a lightly disguised "concept" to unveil its new production cars is well-established, so there's little doubt that the Civic->ke236 Concept unveiled at the New York Auto Show->ke226 this week indicates the styling direction of the next-generation Civic, due out some time in 2016. What the bright-green car on display does tell us is that the new Civic is likely to be the most aggressively styled version of the popular compact ever.

Is this corporate backlash? The Civic, once the undisputed king of the compacts, has had a rough go of it the past few years, what with improved competition from Ford->ke31 and Chevrolet,->ke199 and unexpected challengers from Korea. The current Civic got a black mark on its record when it went back to the drawing board less than a year after its debut for a round of necessary improvements. It’s a fair bet Honda won’t be making that mistake again.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2015 Honda Civic Concept.

Exterior

Entering its 10th generation, the Civic is lower and wider. The concept version shows off a complex front end with a deep fascia and huge air intakes, but all next-gen Civics will no doubt feature the integrated grille-headlight unit that’s similar to other recent Honda family members. The sides show athletic sculpting and a prominent arch over the front wheels, while the rear has a dramatic slope to the backlight and an arched full-width LED taillight unit that looks like it could make it to the production car. The spoiler and center-exit exhaust will probably be reserved for the show car however. Overall the Civic Concept hints at a new Civic that will be dramatic and more eye-catching than the current car. The front end is an especially effective take on Honda’s bolder new family look.

Honda has announced that coupe, sedan and Si models will be offered. The really exciting news is the promised return of the Civic hatchback and a Civic Type R performance model.

Interior

Interior details are sketchy on the Civic Concept. The all-new body has slightly larger proportions, so expect a small improvement in interior room. Amenities like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, a backup camera and the LaneWatch side view monitor that debuted on the Accord are likely.

Drivetrain

Powertrain details have not been released, but Honda has let slip that a new 1.5 liter turbocharged direct-injection engine is on the way. It will be coupled to a six-speed short-shift transmission. Could this be the return of the Civic Si? Honda also says that a sportier continuously variable transmission is in the works.

Competition

Mazda3

The Mazda3 is the unabashed sporty member of the subcompact clique, and the latest version sports a fantastic powertrain as well as one of the most beautiful and comfortable interiors in the segment. There’s no two-door model, but then the Mazda3’s many converts haven’t clamored for one, either. Read our full review here.

Volkswagen Golf

Arguably the only subcompact with an enthusiast and aftermarket following as extensive as Honda’s, the Volkswagen Golf offers an entertaining drive, spacious and refined interior, and one of the most comprehensive powertrain selections in the industry, with conventional, diesel, hybrid and full-electric versions. Read our full review here.

Conclusion

With the Civic Concept’s fierce styling and promises of high-performance models, it appears that Honda is keen to rekindle the affordable-performance flame in the Civic’s legion of fans. Such a position moves it away from its perennial battle with the bland Toyota Corolla and sidesteps the Hyundai and Kia offerings to challenge the more enthusiast-pleasing subcompacts. As an enthusiast, I can’t object to that.