2022 Honda Civic Type R spied

First came the Honda Civic sedan, then came the hatchback. Now, the Civic Type R is getting ready to give the Renault Megane RS and Hyundai i30 N some sleepless nights.

Honda’s winged weapon has been snapped testing ahead of a potential reveal in 2022.

The bones of the Type R aren’t expected to change too much for 2022. Honda is expected to slot a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine under the bonnet, sending power to the front wheels through a slick-shifting six-speed manual.

Currently, the VTEC turbocharged engine in the now-sold-out Type R makes 228kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

Honda isn’t likely to rest on its laurels with the 2022 Type R, let alone go backwards, so a power and torque bump is likely.

Externally, the new Type R looks slightly more toned-down than its outlandish predecessor, although no amount of camouflage can hide how aggressive the front end is.

Now a Civic Type R calling card, the new model will also have three exhaust pipes.

Like the regular Civic hatchback, the new Type R will have slim headlights and a simpler, cleaner rear end than the current model. It’s not clear if Honda will offer a Sport Line package like it does on the current car in Europe, with no wing and a smaller set of wheels.

Inside, the new Civic has a new retro-ish design and what appears to be a new infotainment system.

Throw in a red-and-black steering wheel, a metal gear knob, and a set of deep bucket seats, and you’ve likely got a pretty good idea of how the Type R will look.

The core Civic hatch range will arrive in the fourth quarter of 2021, with the new e:HEV hybrid following in 2022.

The Type R has also been confirmed for an Australian launch.

MORE: Everything Honda Civic