Honda Civic Type R 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Honda Australia has announced the returning Civic Type R will be priced from $50,990 before on-road costs when it rolls into local showrooms in October.

Offered in a single specification grade, the Japanese brand's hot hatch is $2000 less expensive than its manual-equipped Volkswagen Golf R rival – which is set for a mid-life update in August.

Additionally, the Type R shares its sticker price with the limited-run Ford Focus RS that quickly achieved cult status when it was released in July last year.

The Honda punches out 228kW at 6500rpm and 400Nm between 2500-4500rpm thanks to its 2.0-litre VTEC unit.

However, both of these competitors employ all-wheel-drive set-ups, whereas the Civic sends power to its front wheels.

Nevertheless, each model pairs a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed manual gearbox.

The Honda punches out 228kW at 6500rpm and 400Nm between 2500-4500rpm thanks to its 2.0-litre VTEC unit, which shades the similarly sized Golf R (213kW/380Nm), but is shy of the 2.3-litre Focus RS (257kW/440Nm).

Despite its performance credentials, the sporty Civic drinks 8.8L/100km on the combined cycle test, with carbon dioxide emissions of 200 grams per km.

Three different driving modes – 'Comfort', 'Sport' and '+R' – are available for the Type R, each capable of adjusting the steering, throttle, transmission, stability control and adaptive damper system settings.

An exterior aerodynamics package is complimented by a set of 20-inch 'Berlina' black alloy wheels that are wrapped in low-profile 245/30 Continental SportContact 6 tyres.

Tucked behind the front rims are Brembo brakes that combine 350mm ventilated discs with four-piston calipers, while the rear-end employs a pair of 305mm solid rotors.

Other standard equipment includes a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, lightweight front sports seats trimmed in pseudo-suede fabric, red and black interior theme, machined alloy gear knob, 7.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, digital radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support, keyless entry/start, dual-zone climate control, and a unique 'Type R' serial plate number.

Furthermore, a suite of safety and driver assistance technologies are also on offer, such as AEB with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, passenger-side blind-spot monitoring camera, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, tyre pressure monitoring, reversing camera and lane keep assist.

Five paint colours are available to choose from, with 'Rally Red' the only no-cost option. The others hues – 'Championship White', 'Crystal Black', 'Sonic Grey' and 'Brilliant Sporty Blue' – attract a $575 premium.

Type R is the ultimate expression of Honda putting the enthusiast at the centre of everything it does.

Timing issues meant the previous-generation Civic Type R never made it Down Under, but Honda Australia director Stephen Collins is confident that the new model will strike the right chord with performance aficionados.

"Type R is the ultimate expression of Honda putting the enthusiast at the centre of everything it does. So it was very important for Honda Australia to bring the famed Type R name back with the all-new Civic Type R," he said.

"As a record-holder around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, it's clearly the fastest, most dynamic Type R model ever sold in Australia."

It was revealed in April that the spicy Civic had lapped the infamous German circuit at record pace for a front-wheel-drive production vehicle, with a 7:43.8 time set.

Honda's local arm claims over 250 pre-orders have already been lodged with dealers since their books opened up in May, while more than 5000 people having also registered interest for the Type R.

Has Honda priced the Civic Type R competitively enough against its rivals? Tell us what you think in the comments below.