Honda Civic Type R 2015-2017 prices & specs

Honda's new Civic Type R is powered by a 306bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder engine

Civic Type R has a cult following

LED daytime running lights have an 'upticked' shape, says Honda, and work via two light sources and a light guide. They are the longest lighting element Honda has ever made

Front splitter is key to the aerodynamic makeover. It directs air around the front wheels, reducing drag, and produces actual downforce. Red accent lines signify a GT-spec car

The 19in alloy rims get specially developed Continental ContiSportContact 6 tyres. Behind them are 350mm iron Brembo discs and four-piston brake calipers

The shapes of these enlarged ducts, which feed air to the intercooler and through the engine bay, were wind tunnel tested to have the minimum possible impact on drag

Rear wing's angle, height, profile and endplates have all been finely tuned in the wind tunnel. Honda says it makes for the ideal mix of making downforce without creating drag

Diffuser is one of the angrier-looking you'll find on any similar performance car, but it's functional. Underbody panelling helps to direct the airflow onto it

Subtle lowering of the hip point does little to alter the Civic's naturally high driving position

Seats are as supportive as they are handsome, but the bolsters are a bit of a wrestle

Standard Civic DNA means those in the rear enjoy a decent amount of space for their legs, if not for their heads

Civic Type R's new turbocharged engine means its redline is now pegged lower at 7000rpm

Honda's latest i-MID infotainment system is heaps better than the one with which the current Civic range started its life

Honda's questionable plastic trim remains

Another of the model's few additions inside is the Type R plaque, which, when it's not in Honda test car format, will feature a build number

A 1404-litre total load space is plentiful. A huge lip prevents you from sliding items in, but otherwise the advantages of a completely flat floor are appealing

The Civic Type R is as happy to work at its extremities as it is to rev to its limiter

Its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder motor develops 306bhp at 6500rpm and 295lb ft of torque at 2500-4500rpm

The Civic Type R excels in both outright grip and a tangible sense of track-fostered composure

On the road, the firm and uncompromising Type R lacks a sense of connection

Honda Civic Type R is hard-edged, fast, uncompromising and wild to look at. There's a lot to like