Japan is where Honda may build their cars - but Honda was also spotted doing some testing in Europe. Spies on the streets of Offenbach, Germany, caught pictures of the ninth generation 2012 Honda Civic during testing.

The five-door prototype shows that the Civic might wind up with a smaller body and wheelbase than the current model.

Seen in Offenbach, at Honda's research and development facility, the Civic seems to maintain its short hood, though its rear glass seems to have a bit of a steeper rake. The door handles for the rear doors look to be nestled in the c-pillar.

The rear LED light clusters can also be seen through excessive padding tacked onto the car to keep its true form uncovered during testing. It appears that the car gets a completely new set of headlights, though there may be some tape covering up parts of the lenses. Even though Honda tried to keep their new 2012 Honda Civic five-door prototype undercover it is safe to safe that it has been uncovered.

Reports state  the car will get a new gas engine, and the diesel version will have an engine smaller than the 2.2-liter currently on offer. Potentially, the car could get a dual-clutch transmission and a Civic hybrid version is likely to hit the market.

Check out the latest versions of the Honda Civic today, live and in person, at Diamond Honda of Puente Hills - 17525 E. Gale Ave. City of Industry, California, 91748