NO more power will go under its bonnet, but the next Honda Civic Type R model will be quicker off the mark and faster all-out than its predecessor.

Unveiled in concept form this week at the Geneva Motor Show and available in the autumn, the new version of the Japanese firm’s 2.0-litre, 200bhp hatchback will be about 5% lighter than its predecessor.

A spokesman said: ‘Instead of upping the power, we’ve gone for the engineering solution for higher performance. Trimming back the weight promises to make the new car a sizzler.’

Meanwhile, the latest Civic range has become Honda’s fastest-selling car yet. More than 6,000 have been sold since it went on sale at the start of the year and output at Swindon has been increased to 500 per day to meet demand.

  • Full Geneva Motor Show coverage on FNN next week.