Honda has unveiled a new generation of its Civic Compact for the 2022 model year, but so far we’ve only seen the regular Civic sedans and Civic hatchback variants.
Sporty Si- and Type-R variants are also in the works, the latter being seen again in prototype form.
The outgoing Civic Type R is a favorite here at Motor Authority, so the engineers have a solid base from which to prepare the redesigned model. What we do know is that the latest Civic range benefits from a stiffer platform compared to its predecessor, which should also benefit the new Type R.
2022 Honda Civic Type R espionage recordings – Image rights: S. Baldauf / SB-Medien
According to Honda, improvements in body and chassis stiffness in the latest Civic range (8% better torsional stiffness and 13% better flexural stiffness) have resulted in improvements in driveability and handling, as well as noise, vibration and harshness levels. The wheelbase and track width have also been increased.
The Type R will again be based on the Civic Hatchback, which for the latest generation has adopted a Fastback profile instead of the chunkier look of its predecessor. And with the Type R, the rear wing looks smaller, which gives the car a more mature look. The single exhaust tip seen on this prototype is just a temporary unit and will likely be replaced with a three-pipe design, as on the retiring Type R.
The interior of the latest Civic range has taken a giant leap in technology and refinement. Digital screens are used for the instrument cluster (a partial digital screen comes standard and a full digital screen is available on higher end models) and infotainment, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included as standard.
Honda Civic Hatchback 2022
It’s not clear what mechanical modifications are planned for the Type R, but we can expect a version of the previous model’s 2.0-liter turbo in-line 4 to be under the hood of this prototype, possibly with more than that current 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed manual and front-wheel drive will likely be standard on the new Civic Type R, and we wouldn’t be surprised if some form of electrification is made available at some point.
While the Civic sedan will be built at a plant in Alliston, Canada, the hatch, which will go on sale later this year, will be sourced from a plant in Greensburg, Indiana. This is the first time a Civic hatch has been built at a US facility. This means that the new Type R will also be built in the USA, unlike the previous model, which came from a factory in the UK.
Honda has announced that the new Type R will be sold in 2022. That means a reveal could come later this year. As mentioned, a new Si is also in the works, although we’ve heard it will only be available as a sedan.
