Honda Civic Type R: New variants planned for hot hatch
The forthcoming Honda Civic Type R looks likely to be the first in a series of variants for the hot hatch.
Hideki Matsumoto, chief engineer of the Civic range, told Automotive News, “We’re hoping that by gradually putting out more [variants] that we’ll be able to maintain a more stable sales volume”.
The next cab off the rank is likely to be a more hardcore version of the Civic Type R. This model should feature more power than today’s Type R, which comes with a 235kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a six-speed manual and a 0-100km/h time of 5.7 seconds.
Also on the drawing board is a version “focused more on the grand touring aspect”. This toned down version would be tasked with broadening the Civic Type R’s market appeal.
An all-wheel drive variant is also possible, and would give Honda a model directly in competition with the Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX and WRX STI, and Volkswagen Golf R.
If these plans come to fruition, the Civic Type R will follow in the footsteps of the Renault Clio RS and Volkswagen Golf GTI/GTE/R, amongst others, which are available with a variety of engine outputs, trims and specifications.
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