We are unabashed fans of the outgoing Honda Civic Type R and despite kicking off the era of powerful hot hatches at a reasonable price (and resulting huge sales), the car has its doubters. This new car you see before you is tasked with silencing the critics.

It's been a long wait for the new Type R, made all the more tortuous by the appearance of the Civic Type R 'concept' as long ago as March (Geneva Show). Finally, only a couple of weeks before the car's public debut at the Paris Motor Show, we can bring you the first official photographs of the new Type R.

There are few surprises in the car's appearance, and though it features a relatively restrained body kit, the basic Civic shape is more daring than the previous generation, and it wears its hot hatch battle paint well. At the front, the distinctive glass panel between the headlights has been replaced by a sportier black honeycomb mesh grille. Beneath the grille, the new front bumper features one large air duct, flanked by triangular fog lights (possibly optional). Modest wheelarch extensions are finished in body colour, as are the side skirts and rear spoiler. Finishing off the new look is a lower ride height and 18-inch alloys in a seven-spoke design.

Surprisingly, there are few Type R badges on the new car, with one on the rear hatch and others on the front brake callipers and the stainless steel kickplates inside. However subtle the exterior is (in relation to the outgoing car in any case), there is no doubting the focus of the cockpit. A substantial number of changes have been applied to the already funky interior. Seats are deeply bolstered and feature black Alcantara and red stitching. The stitching also features on the leather bound three-spoke steering wheel. The red illuminated dials are new and complemented by gun-metal effect switch panels on either side. Signifying the car's enthusiastic following is the fitment of a new i-VTEC indicator to the right of the speedo, showing when the high-lift, longer duration cams are in operation.

Ah yes, VTEC; the acronym that gets the juices of the Gran Turismo generation flowing and has always been at the very core of the appeal of all Type R Hondas. These days Honda calls it i-VTEC, with the 'i' standing for 'intelligent', to indicate that the intake camshaft has continuously variable adjustment. This system is at the heart of the new 2-litre engine under the Civic Type R's bonnet and Honda claims that the new unit is far more drivable than before, which presumably means that it will have a more impressive torque curve.

It was a surprise when Honda announced earlier this year that the new Type R will make do with the same power output as the old car, especially given the all the latest generation of family hot hatches have more then 200bhp. Now that the figures are official, we know that the new Type R will put out 198bhp at 8000rpm, which is actually 600rpm higher than the current car produces its peak. Enthusiasts will appreciate wringing every last rev from this unit, but it must also be torquey in the mid-range if it is to appeal to a wider band of drivers. We'll reserve judgement until we get to drive it for ourselves.

In the same sentence that Honda states that the new Type R is more refined and comfortable than before it also claims that its driving dynamics have been sharpened, with a significant amount of stiffening and strengthening over the regular three-door and five-door models.

Critics of the outgoing Type R moaned at how raw and unrefined it was. Admittedly, there were few creature comforts, but the focus on driving endeared the car to us, and we were not alone. Still, buyers of the new car have the option of a 'GT' pack, which includes cruise control, dual-zone air conditioning, fog lights, automatic lights and wipers and curtain air bags.

We expect pricing to be announced at the Paris Show and we expect it to align with the Ford Focus ST and Astra VXR. Honda intends to build the new Civic Type R in Swindon alongside the Type S and five-door models.

Shane O' Donoghue - 14 Sep 2006