Honda yesterday has introduced a brand new version of the iconic Civic Type R hot hatch. Although it hasn’t been confirmed, this will most likely be the very last pure combustion hot hatchback from Honda.

When the new car was unveiled, it was on the 25th anniversary of the Civic Type R – which was definitely no accident.

The car is once again front wheel drive, despite most of the industry moving to four wheel drive for hot hatches, such as the Volkswagen Golf R and the latest Mercedes AMG A35. Before it was dropped, the Ford Focus RS was also four wheel drive.

In the latest Civic Type R we have a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine producing over 316bhp. 0-60mph is handled in 5.7 seconds and the entire engine isn’t new, its just a reworked version of the previous generation Type R. Here the turbo is brand new and in a much smaller compact case.

The most notable thing that has been changed is the toned down design, compared to the outgoing model. The 11th generation Civic is generally a less fussy look car. However, the latest model does have a large rear wing with exposed diecast aluminium mounts.

Inside is a more minimalist look with suede-wrapped sports seats, suede-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching. Prices are yet to be revealed and the Civic Type R will come in the following colours; Championship White, Rallye Red, Racing Blue, Crystal Black and Sonic Grey Pearls. Cars are to be delivered in the UK and Europe some time in 2023.