Any time a new Honda model is introduced, especially something as popular as the 11th iteration of the brand’s top-selling people-mover Civic, and you can almost guarantee that Mugen will put together a line of upgrades. Formed in 1973 by the son of Soichiro Honda, founder of the Honda Motor Company, Mugen Motorsports (officially M-TEC Company, Ltd. ), has split time between professional motorsports and creating aftermarket upgrades for performance and passenger Hondas for decades.
For the 2022 hatchback, the long-running tuning firm released a teaser with just two photos. The pair of images tell quite a bit about what to expect, because the updates are mild—just like the styling of the new Civic itself. In fact, look back at our recent story regarding Honda’s in-house HPD (Honda Performance Development) sedan demo car, and the vibes are eerily similar.
Contrast Is the New Black
Like the HPD example, Mugen opted to steer clear of body-matched aero additions and instead chose to use black add-ons. The front lip tucks neatly under the main grill, its outer edges hanging down and carrying a few creases and some peculiar “nubs” on the surface as well. It’s tough to make out in the image provided, but it looks like there may be a decal or overlay that sits just above the “H” emblem on the Civic’s pronounced “forehead.”
You’ll find more creases in the side skirts on either side that fit over the rockers and travel up and onto the rear quarter panel. Mirror caps with recessed cuts top the sideview mirrors and Mugen’s world-famous window vents (which will no doubt be counterfeited even before these parts are available) are also in play.
It’s often been said that wheels can make or break a car’s look and in this instance, Mugen may have missed the mark. Though the flow of the 18-inch, forged aluminum wheel is in line with the 11th-gen Civic’s styling, the look of the rollers is a bit soft, quite blocky, and almost appear unfinished, especially for an aftermarket piece. There’s undeniable inspiration from Mugen’s iconic MF10 wheel of yesteryear, but without the muscular cuts, sharp edges, and character traits that made them stand the test of time. While Mugen’s aging, highly sought-after wheel line up from the ’80s and ’90s continues to increase in value, fans have shied away from more recent designs that often use a flat faced design, rather than an identifiable lip, as they once did.
The Bark Without the Bite
Rather than a full diffuser to replace or cover the factory bumper bottom, Mugen’s designers came up with a two-piece rear that starts just behind the rear wheels, and wraps around the bumper, ending just above the exhaust opening. Where Honda saw fit to use a wide, oval exhaust finisher, Mugen opted for a more traditional rounded exhaust tip on their exhaust upgrade. The days of holding out for hotter performance parts, like a set of cams, exhaust manifold, intake, etc., from companies like Mugen seem to be a thing of the past with environmental standards and strict emissions laws constantly looming overhead.
Atop the rear hatch you’ll spot the subtle wing perched in place which helps to differentiate this hatchback from its sedan counterpart. For the older, nerdy Honda aftermarket bunch, you’re probably getting Mugen Civic EF mid-wing feels from this piece and I’m right there with you. The same sort of aura was felt on Mugen’s interpretation of the Honda Vezel (HRV in the U.S. ), that carried a mid-wing in similar fashion.
Mugen 10th gen. Civic Type R
But Wait, (Maybe) There’s More!
The style is certainly subtle and perhaps we were expecting a little more spice based on Mugen’s addition to the 10th-gen Civic Type R, but keep in mind, the 11th-gen Type R is yet to be seen, and it might be a whole different approach once that happens.
Mugen says more info on these accessories will be released in September, and you should be able to get your hands on these parts, via your overseas connection, before the end of the year.
Source: Read Full Article