HONDA has injected some excitement into its new Civic range with the first public outing of the Type-R. The three-door high performance model will use a 2.0-litre VTEC engine producing 198bhp, with a 0-60mph time of less than seven seconds.

The Type-R has 17in alloy wheels, a chrome exhaust pipe and sits 15mm lower than the standard Civic with uprated suspension and steering. The Swindon-built car will go on sale in the UK in October, with prices being announced in the summer. Other Hondas receiving their first public outings at the Geneva Motor Show are the three-door Civic, Civic Coupe and Stream compact MPV.