THE new high performance Honda Civic Type R will be priced from £46,995 when it arrives early in 2023.

Described as the most advanced and complete Type R to date, Honda says the new model comes with improved aerodynamics, a power boost and more lightweight components.

Top speed is increased to 171mph and the 0 to 62mph acceleration time is now 5.4 seconds making it the quickest Type R so far.

It is powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine boosted to deliver 325bhp making it the most powerful VTEC Turbo developed by Honda.

That is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with a rev-match and auto blip system to help balance the car when entering a corner.

There is also an individual drive mode which allows drivers to set their own preferences - a first on a Type R.

Other standard specification features include Type R styling elements that make it lower and wider than the standard car; of which, only the front doors and rear tailgate are retained.

New sculpted and aerodynamically formed wheel arches are paired with sports bumpers and an updated rear spoiler to offer a comprehensive level of useable downforce.

Also fitted as standard are the new, reverse-rim lightweight 19-inch matt black alloy wheels.

Inside, Honda says the Civic Type R benefits from the same high levels of comfort, practicality, and refinement as the all-new Civic, only elevated through the application of performance-focused items and the use of the evocative, classic Type R crimson red trim.

The fully customisable and digital binnacle is standard on the Type R and the dial set works in conjunction with the multiple drive modes.

Among the car's new functions is Honda LogR - a highly integrated data-logging system that draws information from a number of sensors around the car which provides drivers with a wealth of data, presented in a way that can help improve their driving skills.

Accessed via the central touchscreen, parameters such as G-forces, tyre forces, as well as vital temperatures and pressures are all relayed in clear, easy to interpret formats.

"Celebrating 25 years of success, the Civic Type R is a cult hero to many loyal customers, drivers' clubs and communities around Europe," said Tom Gardner, senior vice president at Honda Motor Europe Ltd. "The latest generation builds on the success of its predecessors, injecting Honda's motorsport-derived technologies to deliver the most performance-focused Civic Type R experience in our history."