The official debut will be made at the Paris Auto Show, but Honda will give us a first preview at its Prius fighter the day after tomorrow (September 4th). The production version will be revealed in 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show.

Honda UK’s environmental manager John Kingston said that the new standalone hybrid model will play a very important role in the company’s future. "It is a very important car for Honda and our future direction. This is a car that will change customer perception of hybrids."

The new model will be built on a totally new platform and will feature a revised version of the Civic IMA’s mild-hybrid powertrain.

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