With the new Honda Civic Type R, dealers are being offered a hot hatch built to appeal to a wider market than its predecessor.

According to the manufacturer, the more refined Type R comes as a result of customers calling for more comfort, less noise and extra equipment in the new model.

Lucy Ellwood, product planning executive at Honda UK, says: “The previous Civic Type R dominated the hot hatch market, appealing to a predominantly male customer seeking a pure, exhilarating drive.

“With the new Civic Type R, we are looking to retain those customers, but widen this fairly narrow customer base slightly to include a few more female buyers and company car drivers.”

The new Type R should also be easier to use in everyday life. A torsion beam suspension replaces the old independent rear suspension, giving more boot space and increased rigidity in cornering, while the overall ride has also been made more comfortable.