Aggressive new 316bhp Civic Type R makes its Geneva debut

The first thing we’re met with is that signature aggressive Type R aesthetic that, as with the FK2, won’t be to all tastes. Was a Type R ever a shrinking violet? Also as per the FK2, there is function following that outlandish form. A smoother underbelly joins a raft of aero improvements that make for what Honda says is a “best-in-class balance between lift and drag”. 

Though this is a new model based on this year’s Civic, all signs point towards this new Type R flaunting revised wears from the outgoing model. Stiffer chassis, revised suspension and enhanced everything else should make for tangible improvements in an already very capable performance car.

The biggest most obvious component to be passed over and revised is that VTEC TURBO engine, which Honda has been fettled for better response and a mild bump in power to 316bhp. The already sweet six-seed manual transmission now features a rev-matching system. The driving modes have been refined with the addition of a new 'Comfort' mode to make the new Type R a more amiable day-to-day experience than its predecessor.

All told it should make for a subtly improved car all round, with different but still controversial looks to divide opinion. A likely success in the footsteps of the previous model is on the cards.

One last thing: assembly, in spite of the current climate, will remain in Swindon.