Our first reaction to Honda’s production Civic Type R that was presented in Geneva was a strange mixture of excitement and disappointment.

Excitement because Honda seems to have kept its promise of delivering segment-leading performance with the 2.0-liter turbo’d VTEC pushing out 306hp (310PS) and the Type R having lapped the ‘Ring (in development-model guise) in just 7:50.63.

The disappointment comes from Honda’s unexplained decision to ditch the more streamlined and futuristic appearance of the well-received concept for something that looks like it was cobbled up in a German tuning shop.

Among other things lost in translation were the curvalicious fenders on both ends of the car, the front bumper styling with the LED stripes, the hood vents and of course, the most impressive part of the original study, the ‘Devil Horns’ rear wing that incorporated a unique set of lights. 

Nevertheless, we’re still eager to see what Honda’s hot hatch has to bring to the table.

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