HONDA’S new Civic Type R has attracted a class-leading residual value forecast.

CAP estimates the 200bhp range-topper in GT specification will retain 50% of its cost new after three years/ 60,000 miles, compared with the Ford Focus ST on 39% and the Volkswagen Golf GTI on 42%.

Jeff Knight, forecast manager at CAP Monitor, said: ‘The sensible volume aspirations and driver-focused specification levels have created an extremely desirable future used car.’

Honda will offer two versions of the Type R – a basic model costing £17,600 and a more luxuriously equipped GT at £18,600.

Honda plans to sell 5,000 Type Rs a year, with fleets accounting for around 10% of sales. The GT spec will account for 80% of sales.