Civic Type R bows out

THE next-generation of the British-sourced Honda Civic hatch will be available in Australian showrooms from July, but don’t expect to see a hot Type R version any time soon.

Honda Australia director Stephen Collins told GoAuto at the local launch of the new Civic that he was not aware of plans for a successor, stating that the brand was focusing on the perky hybrid CR-Z as its halo sports model for now.

The demise of the Type R Civic means it joins other performance Hondas such as the Integra Type R, Prelude, S2000 and NSX supercar on the production scrapheap, with the car-maker of late devoting more of its efforts to hybrid and electric vehicle technology.

However, recent concepts such as last year’s EV-STER electric sport car from the Tokyo motor show and the re-born hybrid NSX from the Detroit show in January indicate the company has found a way to pair its green focus with its performance heritage.

While the EV-Ster concept is not destined for Australia, Mr Collins said the NSX was firmly on the company’s wish list for the local market once it enters production within three years.

Until that time, the fun and frugal – but far from fire breathing – CR-Z coupe will retain Honda Australia’s sporting mantle As we have reported, the new Civic hatch – which retains the eye-catching angular styling of the current model – will initially be launched in Australia exclusively with petrol power.

Early next year the car-maker will, for the first time in its local history, introduce a diesel version, powered by its new 88kW/300Nm ‘Earth Dreams’ 1.6-litre turbo diesel unit.

As we recently reported (see separate stories linked below), the launch of the new Civic sedan last week kicked off a busy 18 months for Honda Australia in which it will refresh a large proportion of its local line-up.

As well as the new Civic hatch from mid-year, the Japanese car-maker will release the new CR-V compact SUV petrol by year’s end – with a diesel to follow in 2013 – as well as a hybrid version of the Jazz city car.

Next year will also see the arrival of the new generation Accord mid-sized family, with Mr Collins indicating to GoAuto that the company was keen to retain its successful formula of selling both the US and Euro-centric body styles concurrently.