Hot Civic's Last Hurrah

Well, R you ready for more power? With the next-generation Civic just around the corner, Honda has something up its sleeve to give the current Type R flagship a fitting send-off. And what's more, it could be sold in white in the UK for the first time.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Chris Thorp

02nd February 2005

Auto Express has learned that extensive testing involving the existing car is taking place around the firm's factory in Swindon, Wiltshire. Sources have told us there could be changes on the way for the hot hatch.

The most obvious enhancement would be a power hike, which will take the 197bhp range-topping three-door over the magic 200bhp figure. However, buyers should not expect a large output increase, as the hard-tuned 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine would require higher-octane fuel than is generally available here in the UK.

Other changes will include suspension and running gear upgrades, to make the capable Honda even more involving to drive. A link with Japanese tuning specialist Mugen is also a possib- ility. The next-generation Civic won't go on sale in Britain until next year. Auto Express has already revealed how the all-new Type R will look, though, with exclusive images first seen in issue 836.

The automotive world will get its first glimpse of the new Civic in the metal at next week's Chicago Motor Show, where the covers will be pulled off the two-door coup΃©.

For an alternative review of the latest Honda Civic visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk