Looks like we won’t have to wait until next month’s Paris Show to get a first glimpse of Honda’s new Prius-fighter as according to a report from Just-Auto, the Japanese automaker will unveil the concept version of its standalone hybrid model on Thursday, September 4th. According to CarScoop sources, the production version of Honda’s dedicated hybrid model (see rendering here) will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January, 2009.

Speaking with journalists at the European launch of the new Jazz (Fit) in Frankfurt, Germany, 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." -Continued

"This is key for us and to achieve this hybrids have to be made more affordable - the key barrier to hybrid sales is price and we want to break that barrier," added Kingston.

In terms of pricing, although Kingston did not reveal specific details, he did note that Honda’s aim is to price its new global hybrid at the same levels as conventional cars from rival manufacturers.

Built on a new platform, Honda’s compact-sized five-door hatchback will use a revised version of the Civic IMA’s mild-hybrid powertrain. Among other developments, the powertain’s key components is said to be more compact and placed under the cargo space instead of behind the rear seats, as in the current Civic IMA.

Via: Just-Auto (sub. Req)