2023 Honda Civic Type R leaked

Say hello to the hottest-ever Honda Civic.

The new Civic Type R hot hatch has leaked ahead of its reveal next week, with images published on the Honda Japan website revealing its front end without camouflage for the first time.

It wears a more subdued look than the outgoing model, but is still dripping with intent thanks to the gaping low air dam and red Honda badging.

There’s a cooling vent on the bonnet, while the wheels (likely 19-inch units) appear to evolve the look of those on the current car. There’s a gloss black side skirt, gloss black mirror caps, and black end plates for the rear wing.

You can see the car’s red suede sports seats (a Type R tradition) through the windows. The brake calipers on this Championship White example are also red.

Based on spy photos and our knowledge of previous Type R models, expect to see a matte silver gear knob between the seats and plenty of red highlights.

Once it’s here, the new Civic Type R will compete against the upcoming Toyota GR Corolla, Cupra Leon VZx, and Volkswagen Golf R, as well as the Hyundai i30 N, Renault Megane R.S. Trophy and Audi S3, among others.

Like before, the new Civic Type R is expected to be petrol-powered and have a six-speed manual transmission.

Honda is expected to slot an evolution of the current 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the bonnet. In the previous model it produced 228kW of power and 400Nm of torque.

Its predecessor, the wildly-styled FK8 Type R, at one point held the lap record for front-wheel drive cars around the Nurburgring, and Honda is expected to go chasing a record with the new model after being usurped by the Renault Megane R.S. Trophy-R in 2019.

MORE: Everything Honda Civic