Honda has released the first photos of the new Civic.

The designers of the new Civic wanted to keep the sporty and advanced elements of the car’s character but tailor them to communicate the new model’s more dynamic feel. Sources of inspiration included a ‘blended wing body’ aeroplane in which the fuselage and wings blend into a single body for superior aerodynamic performance.

Nearly all of the body components on the new Civic have been redesigned with particular focus on ride and handling, reduced CO2 emissions, design and interior quality, while retaining the class-leading cabin, boot space and practicality.

Designed and developed specifically for the European market, the new Civic will be offered as a five-door hatchback and will reach Europe showrooms in early 2012.