Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

Spy Shots: 2012 Honda Civic struts its stuff in Europe

Well, look at what we have here. Back in May, our intrepid spy shooters managed to snap off a series of images showing the next-gen European Honda Civic hiding in plain sight under an amalgam of ill-fitting current-gen bodywork. The latest set of spy photos seen here prove that Honda's little compact hatchback is progressing along rather nicely.

Unlike previous spy photos, it's clear that the car being tested is wearing its new bodywork... though it's obviously obscured as much as possible with funky matte black panels with strategically placed cutouts for doors, lights and glass. In any case, we can see a clear hatchback body design, as you would expect for the European market, along with an overtly wedge-like profile.

We have no way of knowing what's powering this vehicle at the moment, but previous reports suggest our European friends will get a typical choice of gasoline and diesel four cylinder engines along with a possible hybrid. See for yourself in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery:
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2012-...shots/#3193554

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/21/s...uff-in-europe/

bagwell

damn, that's like the best camo job I've seen...

I'm predicting pretty much the exact same current civic powerplants for US versions...with only slight MPG improvements.

LexFather

Considering everything they've built lately it will be ugly as hell, underwhelming and since its a Civic it will sell.

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

I would love nothing more than to see the Focus crush the Civic

STIG

I think that is the best the new hondas will ever look.

Dear Honda,

Please don't take those camo tapes off from your new civic. It looks better that way. I can promise you.

Thanks,

mmarshall

Hard to fault the Civic's build quality, even if you don't like its looks.

And, speaking of looks, this is just one more example of an automaker playing a cat-and-mouse game with spy photographers. Stop the B.S. nonsense with the bras/tape/masking, Honda, and let us LOOK at the Got-Daymned car.

PhilipMSPT

iTrader: (5)

Like the refurbished Accord, they're adding hints of Crosstour design.

Which is not good...

bnizzle87

^i was thinking the same thing. not good at all....

Nextourer

So they're ditching the minivan-style wipers?

wmb0000

Well the new Focus looks already crush both the Civic and Corolla.

Big Andy

It was clever of them to disguise it as a Toyota Prius.

bagwell

wow...I get the feeling MMarshall is really anxious to see the new civic...

I8ABMR

It will look nice like the current civic. millions and millions of civic drivers cant be wrong. I had one in college. They are just well made cars that are more fun to drive than any Corolla. I cant stand how that little car looks with its lame body kit and SUV stance

LexFather

and I just spit my tea out lol

mmarshall

Not necessarily just the Civic. I was speaking in reference to the whole silly game of auto manufacturers disguising their prototypes and test-vehicles. It's kindergarden-childish, like a game of hide/go seek. I'll keep b**ching about it as long as they continue doing it.