Following up on the launch of the Civic hatchback, the Japanese automaker announced at the Paris Motor Show that it will offer a high performance Type R version of the compact for the first time in the U.S. The track-inspired 5-door high performance hatchback will be showcased at the 2016 SEMA show in Las Vegas this November.
“We promised the most ambitious, sportiest Civic lineup ever and we’re delivering on that promise with each new Civic,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division. “For the first time ever in America, Honda fans and enthusiasts will have access to the ultimate performance in the form of the new Type R.”
This hot hatch is expected to compete directly with the 2017 Ford Focus RS, an all-wheel drive rally-inspired hatchback that makes 350 horsepower. Whether or not this front-drive Honda hot hatch matches these numbers is left to be seen, although with its front-drive layout, the Type R will likely come in below that figure from the all-wheel drive model from Ford.
The Civic Type R sports an aggressive front fascia with larger inlets to help cool the pumped up turbocharged engine. The car is festooned with bright red H badges which call out the Type R tuning. The exterior also features carbon fiber side skirts and smoked lenses for the LED headlamps. Wheels are 20-inch alloys painted in piano black with red accents.
