Honda reveals all-new Civic Type-R

14 September 2006

First official pictures of new hot hatch
0-62mph in 6.6secs
On sale in March 2007

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Honda has released the first details of the next-generation Honda Civic Type-R.

Due to get its first public airing at the Paris motor show, the new Type-R uses a mildly tweaked version of the original car's 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine. It now has 198bhp on tap instead of 197, and Honda says that the pulling power is available from lower down the rev range with the new car.

The new Type-R does carry a little extra weight, but Honda says that slightly shorter gear ratios will compensate. Accordingly, performance should match that of the old-gen Type-R - the new model will hit 62mph in 6.6secs and go on to a top speed of 146mph.

While the Type-R sits 15mm lower than the regular model the car's styling doesn't quite match that of the concept, but it still looks dramatic, aided by seven-spoke alloys, spoilers at the front and rear tailgate, Type-R logos on the brake calipers, and a black honeycomb mesh grille sporting a red 'H' badge.

Inside, the sporty touches include red illuminated dials and a leather steering wheel with red stitching, and bucket front seats with alcantara bolsters. The dash also features an i-VTEC indicator which lights up once the revs rise above 5200rpm. Other detailing includes Type-R logos on the door sills and a plaque engraved with each car's serial number.

Honda is also promising a GT model, which will blend the Type-R mechanicals with extra kit including cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, foglights, automatic headlights and wipers, and curtain SRS bags.

No prices yet, but at least we have a UK on-sale date - March 2007.