> New Honda Civic Type R hot hatch expected to be revealed early 2022
> Based on 11th generation Civic
> YesAuto’s spy shots of test mule reveals aggressive looks will remain
> Prices expected to be around £43,000
2022 Honda Civic Type R: what is it?
The current FK8 Honda Civic Type R cleaned up in the world of hot hatchbacks. The turbocharged VTEC beast from the east won just about every award and won enthusiasts over with a seriously engaging drive. This new car aims to do the same but will be based on the all-new eleventh-generation Civic.
This new Civic remains a hatchback, but its silhouette is reminiscent of a saloon thanks to that elongated C-pillar. It will be a longer and wider car than before, but no less potent. Fresh spy images reveal more of the new Type R than ever before with large intakes, flared wheel arches, and triple exhaust exits on show for all to see.
It has been suggested that there might be some interesting design options for this Type R that hark back to icons such as the Integra Type R. Expect classic paint colours such as Championship White and the potential for a few other surprises.
The past two generations of Type R have been honed at the infamous Nurburgring, something that helps calibrate their most potent +R setting. It’s also a model that has held the production hot hatchback lap record at the ‘Green Hell’ multiple times. Honda is testing this all-new Type R at the ‘Ring once again, perhaps with the intention of reclaiming the title of fastest hatch on sale just in time for the car’s launch?
2022 Honda Civic Type R: what is it powered by?
There was strong speculation that the new Honda Civic Type R would become a hybrid model to fit with the Japanese marque’s electrification plans. However, we have it on good authority that this hot hatchback will escape any form of battery power.
Instead, the next-generation Type R will retain its turbocharged 2.0-litre VTEC engine that sends all of its power to the front wheels. Speaking of power, a bump to around 330bhp is feasible. It is also expected that this car will only be offered with a 6-speed manual gearbox – no bad thing as the manual in the current car is excellent.
While many competitors possess all-wheel drive platforms, the old-school purity and general lack of weight front-driven hot hatchbacks offer have been assets to the current car.
2022 Honda Civic Type R: when will it be on sale?
The car is currently undergoing testing, and while development has been ongoing for a while, we’d be surprised if the new Type R surfaced before 2021 is out. A reveal is possible, but don't expect to see one on the road until 2022.
2022 Honda Civic Type R: how much will it cost?
The current FK8 Honda Civic Type R actually represents rather good value for money sat next to rivals of ever-increasing values. We would expect to see the new car to jump up in price a little, but it to be well equipped as standard versus the competition. Considering the current car’s price, we’d hazard a guess of between £43,500 and £45,000.
There will also likely be a more quietly styled SportLine model at a later date, maybe even a hardcore track-focused variant.
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