Honda has unveiled a prototype version of its 2017 Civic Type R hot hatch at this year’s Paris Motor Show.
The Type R is Honda’s flagship performance hatch and has accumulated a battalion of loyal fans over its 20-year history. The 2017 Type R, which will be officially launched next year, aims to offer a more approachable, tamer design – although being a Type R, it still looks rather radical.
Gone is the plump design of the current model, replaced by a more stretched, traditional hatchback shape. Iconic Type R trademarks still remain however, with a large rear wing, black and red alloys and a highly aggressive body kit that includes extended wheel arches and side skirts.
The new 2017 Type R prototype also includes a large bonnet scoop, smoked LED headlight lenses, diamond-mesh air intake inserts and a winged carbon fibre splitter.
Honda will be hoping that its new Type R hot hatch will take the competition to the new and much sought after Ford Focus RS, which has been grabbing headlines with its all-wheel drive capabilities and Hoonigan Drift Mode.
The new 2017 Honda Civic Type R will be built at the Civic’s global manufacturing hub in Swindon and will be officially unveiled in production form next year. Sales are expected to begin in Europe during the second half of 2017.
