A fresh video from Honda shows off a new interior design that will translate into its upcoming 2022 Honda Civic and beyond. The design concept, called “Simplicity and Something” reflects the time honored tradition of human-centric design while modernizing and simplifying the look of the interior of Honda vehicles.
It’s been created to optimize passenger space, which is reflected not just in the wheel design and electronics but also in the shape and size of the greenhouse provided.
In the new video, Johnathan Norman, Creative Lead for Honda Interior Design in the U.S., provides insight into the new philosophy behind the interior design direction.
Honda New Interior Design Direction
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“Simplicity in design requires not only a strong philosophy, but a discipline toward the user experience,” said Norman. “We’ve heard from designers working for other brands who say they were inspired by the simple, human-centered design of old Hondas. Well, so are we!”
Nearly all of what is seen in the video is new for Honda. Long, thin elements blend the dashboard vents in with the rest of the sculptural element. The new Hyundai Ioniq 5, Nissan Ariya, and Kia EV6 take a similar approach. A longer and skinnier infotainment screen is shown resting atop the dash with a simplified three-dial design demo it. Some physical buttons appear to still remain.
Below the center stack is a small item storage space in front of a new shifter design. Beside that are drive mode selectors and an auto hold button. There’s another button too, which may be for traction control or hill descent control, but its graphics aren’t clear in the image.
Panning from right to left, the start button appears to still be in its natural position on the dashboard behind the right side of the steering wheel. The steering wheel design is a complete redo with a fresh layout and newly styled buttons, some of which illuminate. Paddle shifters are present.
In front of the driver is a fully-digital instrument panel that is hooded like Nissan’s rather than hanging out on its own like in the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
There appear to be a number of hard plastic and piano black surfaces as well as more dynamic materials making an appearance. It’s likely that upgraded fabrics and materials would continue to be present in future high trim level models.
The 2022 Honda Civic makes its full debut later this week, complete with a complete look at the interior. Stay tuned.
