This Angry 316bhp Hot Hatch Is The New Honda Civic Type R

This year’s Geneva Motor Show may include reveals for the likes of the Lamborghini Huracan Performante, Ferrari 812 Superfast and McLaren 720S, but the car of the show for us and - we suspect - most of you guys remains the new Honda Civic Type R. So, without further ado, here it is.

It’s the fifth-generation Civic Type R, and is based on the 10th generation Civic hatchback. Under its vented bonnet lies an evolution of the 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four from the outgoing model, “optimised” for improved throttle response, and a 10bhp increase.

That leaves the new Type R with 316bhp, plus 295lb ft of torque (unchanged from before). No word on performance stats just yet, nor the weight figure for that matter - but we’re not expecting a drastic change from the 5.7sec 0-62mph time the old one managed.

That 316bhp output is fed exclusively through the front wheels, via a six-speed manual gearbox and although the press release neglects to mention, we’re guessing the setup includes a mechanical limited-slip differential. There’s a new rev matching system too - a nice addition, but we’re hoping there’s an easy way to switch it off for those wanting to indulge in a little heel and toe.

Under the skin you’ll find adaptive dampers and a proper multi-link, independent rear suspension setup. There’s also a new drive mode selector. Where the outgoing car gave you a choice of rather hard ‘normal’ mode and an even harder ‘+R’ setting, the 10th-gen version lets you choose between ‘comfort’, ‘sport’ and ‘+R’.

The aero package is - as I’m sure you’ve gathered - thoroughly bonkers. The epitome of function over form, it goes even further than its predecessor, offering vortex generators, an even smoother underbody, a front ‘air curtain’ and the mother of all rear wings. Downforce figures haven’t been given, but Honda is promising “best-in-class balance between lift and drag”.

We’ll be doing our best to find out more about the new Type R at the Geneva Motor Show, but for now, we’ll leave you with the knowledge that you could be driving one of these hot hatch nutters as soon as the July.