Honda Civic Type R

[KoLiKoV]

 

Price: £30,000 (est)

On sale: early 2015

 

The new Civic Type R has been in the pipeline for quite some time now, and the showroom model is set to arrive shortly after the new year. Honda has whetted our appetite with not one but two Civic Type R concept cars, which both gave us an insight into what we can expect from what will be the brand’s most extreme hot hatch. Ensuring the Type R can compete with the likes of the VW Golf GTI and Renaultsport Mégane, Honda has told us to expect at least 278bhp from the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine – that means 0-62mph should take around six seconds. A sophisticated suspension set-up will help make use of all that power, while a new +R driving mode unlocks the car’s full potential by boosting performance, stiffening the ride and adding weightier steering.

 

Honda HR-V

 

Price: £16,000 (est)

On sale: early 2015

 

The HR-V badge was last seen in 2005, but after a nine- year absence it’s set to return. Honda is looking to target the Nissan Juke with its new crossover, which features some neat practical touches to boost its family appeal. The centrally located fuel tank helps to free up more boot space and Honda’s Magic Seating arrangement gives greater flexibility. The car sits on the platform of the next-generation Jazz, meaning there should be a familiar range of engines, including a hybrid.