Civic hype building for Honda’s ‘halo’ Type R

Honda’s new Civic Type R is expected to be offered in very limited numbers when it arrives here next year, the brand’s UK boss has said.

The hot hatch isn’t set to be revealed until later in the year, but there’s already a lot of hype developing around the car.

However, Honda is keen to keep numbers of the new model limited to maximise its exclusivity.

Rebecca Adamson, head of automobile at Honda UK, said: “The new Civic Type R will be in very small numbers. We want it to be limited – it’s an iconic halo to the brand.

“There will be a level of scarcity around it, and I’m already getting emails saying ‘Can I join the list’ from the general people, as well as others in the industry. That’s the point of the car.”

The new model, wearing heavy camouflage, recently set a lap record for a front-wheel-drive car at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.

Although Honda is remaining tight-lipped about performance details of the car, a similar 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the outgoing car is expected for this latest generation, with a power boost to around 320bhp likely.

Adamson, speaking at the launch of the regular Honda Civic, which is only offered with hybrid powertrains in Europe, added: “There has to be joy in the brand and Civic Type R, whether you love it or hate it, it’s certainly got credibility. That limited nature makes it special. It will be sold in hundreds.”

Honda’s European car range is now solely offered as an EV or hybrid, with the Civic Type R being the exception.

It will likely be the firm’s last European model sold without some kind of electrification, adding to its future cult status.

The new Honda Civic Type R, which will be made in very limited numbers, is described as ‘an iconic halo to the brand’.