Honda has taken the wraps off the all-new Civic, giving it a world debut at the Detroit Auto Show.
The Civic Si Concept coupé and Concept saloon are brand new models - but neither is destined for the UK.
Honda is at pains to point out that 'the Civic for the European market will continue to be built in the UK and is not mechanically related to either of the US models.'
But despite that, the new look will have a bearing on the styling of the European car, particularly the grille and headlamps.
Honda pitches the Civic, it's entry-level car in the US, as a model for younger drivers - its average buyer age is just 35. The company has made this version sportier than ever, with the coupé particularly rakish.
Both are labelled concepts, but the car is in production ready, available in both petrol and petrol-electric hybrid forms. The latter will see Honda use a lithium-ion battery for the first time in a production car.
The all-new European Civic is due at the end of 2011, so expect a Frankfurt Motor Show debut.
