And it'll launch with a top speed of 167mph, Honda confirmed on 11 February. That v-max, the Japanese firm reckons, is unrivalled in the world of front-wheel-drive hot hatches.

Such pace comes courtesy of a 2-litre VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine – making this the first Type R to feature forced induction – with a power output of “at least 285bhp”. Honda's yet to confirm precise output, but latest reports suggest the Civic Type R could even be nudging 300bhp. All through the front wheels, remember.

Along with these frustratingly teasy teaser shots, Honda has released a few other juicy tidbits on the British-built hot hatch. We're told the combination of an “almost completely flat” underbody and rear diffuser help “suck” the car to the road, while the Civic's rear spoiler will generate downforce as well as offering a useful shelf upon which to stack magazines or place trinkets.

The Brembo front brakes are 350mm drilled discs grabbed by four-piston calipers, lurking below new 19in alloys.

Honda says it has already taken orders for “over 100” Civic Type Rs in the UK alone, not that anyone knows exactly how much it'll cost yet. We'll find out in Geneva...

A version of this story originally appeared on TopGear.com.

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