EARLY START: It took Honda so long to get round to launching a sporty Type R version of the outgoing Civic hatchback that many enthusiasts wondered why it bothered - by the time the car came out, it was ready to be replaced.
This car is that replacement, and Honda does not want to repeat its earlier mistake by making Type R fans wait... and wait... and wait.
This time, it is showing the Type R at the same time that the regular Civic takes up its position in showrooms, with the promise that sales will begin in the summer.
Honda has invested an enormous amount in its new Civic model, so the Type R gets to take advantage of all that engineering effort and add its own high performance twist.
That means a 2.0-litre petrol turbo with Honda's famous VTEC variable valve timing system and outputs of 316bhp and 295lb.ft, both up on the current, short-lived Type R.
Honda says that it has improved throttle response and driveability and improved the gearchange by fitting a rev match control system to help ensure perfect shifts for the six-speed manual gearbox.
