Honda teases wild Civic Type-R

Anyone who complains that Honda doesn’t build fun-todrive cars like they used to just needs to visit Europe. They get all the fun stuff.

The big H pulled the wraps off all kinds of interesting sheet metal today, from an early reveal of the Civic Type-R II concept — a concept in name only, by this point — which is pushing out nearly 280 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.0L engine built to scream into the stratosphere. Expect it to outperform even the legendary NSX, right up until the new NSX comes along.

However, I think we all remember just how much fun even the base model Civic hatchbacks used to be in the days of double-wishbone suspensions and revvy little fourpot engines. Enter the Civic Sport, a refreshed version of the Euro-Civic, which retains hatchback styling for a useful 477 litres of cargo capacity. Or you can go even bigger with the Civic Tourer wagon with its 624L capacity.

Both models now come with some interior upgrades and the Honda Connect system that’s currently debuting on the Fit.

Also for Europe, the new HR-V compact crossover, which we will also see in Canada. Powered by the same 1.5L gasoline engine you get in the Fit (or a 1.6L diesel only for Europe), the HR-V aims to take a bite out of the market segment where the Juke and other small Euro-style crossovers hang out. Expect to see it launch in Canada in time for the 2015 model year.

Lastly, the CR-V showed up with new styling and a ninespeed transmission. However, it looks like the Canadian market will be skipping the multicog gearbox madness and going with a CVT instead. Makes sense, considering that you get the same belt-drive transmission in the Accord. The Euro CR-Vs also get a smalldisplacement 1.6L turbodiesel.

So, a lot of Euro-unobtanium from Honda. If we’re going to pick just one thing to petition for, let’s make it the Civic hatchback. In Type-R trim, preferably.