Honda's sizzling hot Type R Civic will undercut its main rival in the VW Golf R when it arrives in Australia later this year.

Prices for the Type R have been announced and at $50,990 (plus on-road costs), an identical sticker to that worn by the Ford Focus RS but one that is et to be cheaper than the hottest Golf by a full $2000.

The Type R will arrive in one specification only. That means the 2.0-litre turbo-powered hatch comes with a six-speed manual gearbox (and no auto option), as well as 20-inch alloys, adaptive dampers and Brembo brakes included in its features list.

In fact, the only available option will be the addition of metallic or pearlescent paint for an added $575.

What the Type R won't get is as much horsepower as originally expected. Up until now, the quoted power output has been 235kW, although it turns out that figure is for European and Japanese versions tuned to accept 98 octane fuel.

The limited availability of that brew in Australia means our Type R's engine is designed to accept 95 RON unleaded and as such will produce an official 228kW of power at 6500rpm.

The engine's maximum torque output of 400Nm between 2500 and 4500rpm remains the same, however, and while Honda Australia is not quoting acceleration times it is likely local versions of the Type R will match the claimed European figure of 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds.

According to Honda Australia, using 98 octane fuel will give a slight increase in horsepower but not the full 235kW available in other countries.

The $50,990 price tag puts it on par with Ford's Focus RS, and a couple of thousand dollars higher than the Subaru WRX. Both those two and the Golf R come with all-wheel-drive; the nearest-priced hot hatch that matches the Civic's front-drive layout is Peugeot's 308 GTi 270 which sells for $49,990.

Honda Australia says the Type R, which goes on sale in October, has already attracted 250 firm orders as well as 5000 expressions of interest from digital tyre-kickers.

To go with all the goodies that make the Type R a marked step above a conventional Civic – including engine, suspension and body work – Honda Australia has come up what seems a comprehensive equipment package.

Instrumentation includes a range of performance aids such as turbo boost gauge, g-meter, even a throttle position indicator and gearshift light.

The highest level of safety-oriented driver aids – known as Honda Sensing, and not available in most cheaper Civics – is fitted, and includes forward collision and lane departure warnings, as well as adaptive cruise control and lane assist.

Full details of the Honda Civic Type R will be revealed closer to its local arrival. Check Drive.com.au for our first drive review in the coming days.

• For more information visit our Honda showroom