Meet Honda's GTI basher

This new super hatch will be launched at the Paris Motor Show later this month. It features a butch bodykit which compliments the Civic's already futuristic styling very well.

The new Type R is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC engine which develops 147 kW.

Honda says the Type R can rocket from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds while achieving a top speed of 235 km/h. By comparison the Golf GTI (manual) reaches 100km/h in 7.2 seconds and tops out at the same 235 km/h.

The Civic 5-door already offers one of the stiffest body structures in the C-segment; and the Type R's body is further enhanced, playing a key role in the particularly responsive chassis dynamics.

Extra strengthening has been introduced into the floor cross member just ahead of the central fuel tank, around the upper front suspension mountings, while the lower cross member just ahead of engine bay provides greater rigidity.

The new Type R's bold styling is undeniably assertive in its appearance.

The aggressive looking body has a series of fully integrated aerodynamic parts together with a 15 mm reduced ride height and standard seven-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels.

The deep front spoiler incorporates a larger air intake as well as triangular foglamps whose shape mirrors the large exhaust tailpipes at the rear.

There's a distinct body coloured tailgate rear spoiler for added downforce that splits the rear tailgate glass. It also comes with a honeycomb mesh grille.