New 2022 Honda Civic Type R spied for the first time

Our spy photographers have spotted the all-new, 11th generation Honda Civic Type R for the first time. However, the Japanese brand’s next hot hatch isn’t expected to go on sale for another two years. 

Styling changes over the current model look to be evolutionary rather than revolutionary, with this Civic Type R development mule sharing the same fastback silhouette, enormous rear wing and broad front splitter as the outgoing model.

• Best hot hatchbacks on sale now

The major revisions to the Civic’s styling will fall in line with Honda’s latest design language, which was first previewed by the new Honda Jazz. So, like the supermini, there’ll be a set of larger headlamp units and a new radiator grille up front while, at the rear, there’ll be a similar pair of horizontal tail-lights.

This mule’s rudimentary side-exit exhaust will also be replaced by a centre-exit unit on the production model – much like the system fitted to the current Honda Civic Type R – as hinted by the cut-out in the rear bumper.

Honda’s interior revisions should be a little more involved. Peering through the windows of this mule, we can see a redesigned dashboard and a new, high-mounted infotainment system, which appears to have been lifted from the new Jazz. Buyers should also be offered a fresh pair of sports seats and an updated sports steering wheel.

Despite Honda’s towards electrification the next Civic Type R is likely to be an exception. The Japanese firm recently clarified its EV strategy by announcing that it aims to electrify its ‘mainstream’ European line-up by 2022. Auto Express understands that this exempts the Type R.

Under the bonnet, expect the upcoming hot hatch to stick with its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with power likely to rise beyond today’s 316bhp Type R. 

What do you make of the new Honda Civic Type R? Let us know in the comments section below…