Hot Civic stays true to Type
AS confirmed to us by Honda UK MD JeanMarc Streng, the brand is busy with the development of the next Civic Type R hot hatchback. What’s more, performance car enthusiasts can breathe a little easier about the model’s future, because Streng sees the continuation of the hot Civic not as an obligation, but as a vital part of the company’s business.
“Type R is still relevant,” said Streng. “So we will bring Type R on the new design – I think that it makes the brand unique. I’m glad that Type R stays, because it helps us tremendously – it has a good impact in bringing in new customers.”
Streng told us nothing about the new car, but it has been spied previously, and we’ve previewed it in our exclusive main image.
Quite obviously, the model will keep the wild styling of the previous two generations of the hot hatch, with a sharp, angular bodykit and a huge rear wing to boost aerodynamic performance.
“I’m sure everybody will be excited by the new Type R. I mean, what is Honda without Type R?” said Streng.
While the core European line-up for the Civic Mk11 will come exclusively with a hybrid drivetrain, the Type R will almost certainly stick to its guns by retaining the current car’s turbocharged 2.0-litre fourcylinder engine. However, power should increase beyond the 316bhp of the current Type R to a figure approaching 330bhp.
The new Civic uses an updated version of the Mk10’s platform, and the evolutionary approach will see it continue with front-wheel drive and a six-speed manual gearbox.
The Mk11 Civic’s brand-new interior will get a typical Type R makeover, with supportive bucket seats and an aluminium gearknob. The new Civic Type R is expected to be revealed in the first half of 2022.
“The core Civic line-up will have hybrid drive, but the Type R will almost certainly stick with a 2.0-litre turbo”