Civic pride powering on

"When we started talking it was not going to happen because of the cost of getting that model out of the Swindon factory, but in the end a deal was thrashed out."

Honda used the opening of the Melbourne motor show to announce that the stunning three-door hatch, which is made alongside the five-door hatch at

"This is a great halo car that is going to do the same thing for us that the Euro Accord did in getting people into the showrooms to look at it," Higgins says.

"While a lot of those people may walk out with a Jazz because that is where the money stops, the reason they were in the showroom at all will be because of the Type-R."

Powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated 2.0-litre i-VTEC inline four that offers peak power of 148kW at 7800rpm, the Civic Type-R puts the 0-100km/h sprint behind in 6.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 235km/h.

The free-spinning engine is paired with a slick six-speed manual gearbox, while it will ride on standard 18-inch alloy wheels shod with low-profile 225/40 tyres.

"It has all the stick you would expect from an R car but is also a sweetheart around town," Higgins says. "The previous Type-R car (Integra) was unbelievably focused but it was the sort of car you would treat yourself to over a weekend and then hand the keys back.

"This one is quite happy to toodle around town as a daily drive if that is what you want it to be."

In eight generations of Civics sold in Australia this will be the first time the model has been offered in Type-R specifications.

Pricing is still to be finalised but is expected to start around $40,000.

Honda Australia managing director Toshio Iwamoto, says bringing the sought-after Type-R here is particularly pleasing.

"I'm sure all motoring enthusiasts will be impressed with the performance, handling and luxury of the Civic Type-R," he says. "It's the hottest Civic we have ever launched here."

Talks on getting the five-door Civic Hatch in Australian showrooms are continuing. "It is certainly still on the table but we have to work through the value equations and where it would sit against its opposition," Higgins says.

Honda also unveiled a 1000-unit limited-edition Accord Euro Sport with improved safety levels.