New Civic Type-R pics

Honda has christened its new Civic Type-R a 'superhatch'.

Not for Honda the mere hot-hatch term, and with an engine that revs to a sweltering 8,000rpm, who are we to argue?

You're also not going to hear any complaints from us about the way the Type-R looks.

All aggressive angles, creases and attitude, the Civic should have the competition quaking in their boots with just a look.

The performance should also have the Honda's rivals seriously worried, thanks to a reworked version of the previous generation Type-R's engine.

The 2.0-litre motor now gives out 198bhp, revs to 8,000rpm, and the VTEC variable valve timing does its clever stuff at 5,200rpm to give a broader spread of power.

There's also an I-VTEC indicator on the dash to let the driver know the full lunacy of the Type-R's engine is there to be used.

Nought to 62mph now takes 6.6 seconds and top end is 146mph, while lowered and firmed-up suspension takes care of the handling.

Inside, the Type-R has caressingly grippy front seats finished in Alcantara cloth and a dash that wouldn't look out of place on the Starship Enterprise.

A GT version will feature cruise control, dual zone climate control and side curtain airbags.

No prices yet, but the British-built Civic Type-R starts headbutting the competition in March 2007.

© Source: original article on topgear