Honda shows off next-gen cabin design

Honda has given us our first glimpse of its next-generation cabin design that is claimed to herald a return to the driver-focused cockpits it was once famed for.

Releasing a single picture of the cabin of its next-gen 2021 Honda Civic, the Japanese car-maker says its 'Simplicity and Something' design philosophy will inspire all future models, including its first pure-electric SUV.

Created to reduce complexity, the new interior layout is said to maximise cabin space while minimising room for mechanical components, like transmissions.

It will continue to offer climate control with physical buttons, extra-wide air vents for plenty of ventilation, shortcut buttons and a neat landscape-mounted transparent screen for the infotainment system.

"Simplicity in design requires not only a strong philosophy, but a discipline toward the user experience," said Johnathan Norman, creative boss for Honda Interior Design in the US.

"We've heard from designers working for other brands who say they were inspired by the simple, human-centred design of old Hondas. Well, so are we!"

Despite the new approach, Honda says it will continue to focus on cabins with thin pillars and a low cowl for maximum visibility.

If you're wondering about the 'something' part of Honda's new approach to interiors, it's the car-maker's attempt to emotionally connect with its owners.

Examples include injecting fun design details into the cabin that gives the interior its personality.

In a small pure-electric city car, for example, that could include a virtual fish tank in its full-length infotainment screen, or even the "careful knurling of a knob or charm of a material", says Honda.

Honda has confirmed the first model to get the full 'Simplicity and Something' treatment will be the upcoming Honda Civic.