New Honda Civic Type R prototype revealed

Honda is set to throw itself back into the hot hatch market with its new Civic Type R which was shown as a prototype at the 2016 Paris motor show.

While the brand claims it is a pre-production version it isn't expected to vary much from its current look, much like the Civic hatch prototype which first broke cover at the 2016 Geneva motor show closely resembled the production version.

Fitting its sporty appeal the new Civic Type R - which is based on the tenth generation Civic hatch - has the look to match with its muscular stance and aerodynamic features.

The front bumper has been widen with large air intake dominating the lower quadrants  and a bonnet scoop and LED headlights add to its masculine look.

Flared wheel arches holding 20-inch black alloy wheels are linked front to back by carbon fibre side skirts.

The rear of the car features a larger carbon fibre rear diffuser and three tail pipes are topped off with an almighty big wing.

The exterior is also highlighted by touches of metallic red paint on the bumpers, side skirts, badging and wheels.

Honda is tipping that the Type R will be more potent than the likes of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and instead will target more ferocious vehicles such as the 257kW all-wheel drive Ford Focus RS.

While Australia missed out on the previous generation Type R, the new variant is slated for sale in Australia after it has been official revealed in production guise in 2017.

The new version is expected to be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the previous model, which was capable of producing 228kW and 400Nm.

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