A modified Honda Civic in Indonesia has become a hot topic among car enthusiasts. It has been dramatically transformed into a fake Mercedes-Benz sports car. Originally a 1996 Honda Civic, this vehicle now features extensive modifications that obscure its true identity, but not in a way that has impressed many in the car community.
The modifications range from the front to the sides and even the rear, attempting to mimic a high-end sports car, but the result has sparked controversy. While some might appreciate the attempt to show individuality, others feel the modifications have gone.
The Design: A Disastrous Attempt at a Mercedes-Benz Lookalike
At first glance, the vehicle resembles a Mercedes-Benz sports car, but upon closer inspection, the quality of the modifications becomes clear. The front of the car features headlamps from the first-generation Mercedes-Benz M-Class (W163) and a custom grille that imitates the Mercedes-McLaren SLR. The bumper and bonnet feature air intakes and vents that evoke the style of an AMG model, but the finish is crude and poorly executed.
The side is the same. The body proportions have been roughly changed, and fake air vents have been added to create an optical illusion that it looks like a high-performance sports car. Considering that the roofline and pillars have been changed from the original, it seems possible that the vehicle has been involved in a rollover accident.
The second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK (R171) roadster’s taillights and the custom rear bumper and tailgate were installed in the rear. Four muffler tips were placed in the diffuser in the AMG style, and a rear spoiler was added to create the image of a high-performance sports car from the side. However, the overall harmony was awkward, and the finishing quality was also below expectations, ending it as a disaster.
Interior and Performance: Still Very Much a Honda Civic
Despite the extensive exterior modifications, the vehicle’s interior remains largely unchanged. While the steering wheel has been replaced with a Mercedes-Benz emblem and yellow leather has been added to the door panels, the basic structure of the Honda Civic is still intact. The center console features a large infotainment screen, but the layout and interface still bear the unmistakable traces of the Civic. The audio system, which uses aftermarket speakers, sacrifices practicality in favor of excessive styling.
In terms of performance, the car remains a Honda Civic at its core—the engine bay houses Honda’s i-VTEC engine, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. Unlike most Mercedes-Benz coupes, which use rear-wheel drive, this modified Civic retains its original front-wheel-drive configuration. So, aside from its appearance, there is no reason to consider it a true Mercedes-Benz sports car.
For Sale at a Low Price: The Fate of the “Mercedes-Benz” Civic
The modified Honda Civic is currently listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace for between $4,600 and $4,800. It’s estimated that more than $2,400 was spent on modifications, but given the low quality of the work, many potential buyers may hesitate. The seller has attempted to market the vehicle by placing various Ferrari models alongside it in the photos, further exaggerating its appeal. What will be the fate of the Honda Civic that wanted to be a Mercedes-Benz vehicle?
