Honda’s next-generation Civic has been spied during early development testing in Germany.
Originally due this year, but delayed until late next year after a rethink, the new Civic is said to be lighter and more economical than the car it replaces, in line with Honda’s new strategy.
See the first pics of the next-generation Honda Civic in testing
Following the economic downturn, Honda CEO Takanobu Ito ordered a complete re-evaluation of Honda's plans, killing its V8 and rear-wheel-drive programmes and demanding revamps of all existing designs.
Ito has not identified a target launch date for the new Civic, but said: "The team is struggling. We are injecting more manpower to meet our target."
European models will have petrol, diesel and hybrid power; the latter will use next-gen lithium ion batteries to increase range and improve performance.
Read more on Honda's plans to launch several new small and eco-friendly cars
