The new Civic Type R is the most hardcore Type R ever produced by Honda. It uses a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The motor is good for around 228kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It will hit 100km/h in 5.7 seconds and will reach a top speed of 270km/h. If those figures don’t impress, then we better remind you that the new Civic Type R set a lap time of just seven minutes 50 seconds around the infamous Nürburgring. For a little perspective, that’s not only the front-wheel-drive record it’s also faster than the legendary Honda NSX R. The engine also features Honda’s Variable Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTec) and Dual-Variable Timing Control (VTC).

To keep this hot hatch stable at high speeds, the under-body of this car is almost completely flat. It also features a wide front splitter, deep side skirts, vents on the front wheel arches and a large rear wing should keep the Civic Type R glued to the road during high-speed cornering.

A new Adaptive Damper System has also been developed as well as a Duel Axis Strut front suspension system, which Honda claims will reduce torque steer by around 50 percent and enhance high-speed stability. The car also features a revised rear suspension upgrade as well as high performance Brembo brakes with four-piston callipers and 350mm drilled discs at the front.

Honda has also redesigned the high-backed sports seats for the Civic Type R, trimmed in suede-effect black and red fabric with red double stitching on the seats, which fit the body perfectly, while a modified seat frame provides driver and front-seat passenger with superlative support whether during day-to-day driving or harder cornering.

All that needs to happen now, is for the Type R to arrive in South Africa. We look forward to this car and the battle that it will have between the likes of the Volkswagen Golf R and Renault Mégane RS Trophy.