A prototype of the forthcoming Honda Civic Type R has been spotted being tested against its key rivals, ahead of its planned debut in 2015.
The new hot hatchback, seen here undergoing trials against the new Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG at Honda's European testing centre, appears to be wearing minimal camouflage.
It is believed that the concept, revealed at the Geneva motor show in March 2013, closely resembled the production model – a fact further borne out by this prototype's similar appearance.
Reports suggest that the Type R is also being benchmarked against the Vauxhall Astra VXR, Renault Mégane Renaultsport, Seat Leon Cupra and Volkswagen Golf R.
Besides a 30mm drop in ride height, the new Type R – compared to the standard Civic – features aggressively flared arches, redesigned front and rear bumpers and a substantial rear wing.
Power for the front-drive hatch comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with "over 276bhp", although the engine rumoured to be capable of producing around 300bhp.
“This is the most extreme Type R yet,” said senior project designer Masaru Hasegawa.
No official torque figures have been confirmed but Honda engineers have suggested that 300lb ft is offered at 2000rpm. Likewise, performance figures are all currently estimated but it's believed that the Type R will be capable of 0-62mph in under 6.0sec.
Enthusiasts may also be pleased to learn that the turbocharged Honda will feature a six-speed manual transmission, instead of the increasingly prevalent dual-clutch gearbox.
Honda had previously stated its intent to secure a Nürburgring lap time of under eight minutes with the Civic, a record for production front-drive cars, but was pipped to the post by the Seat Cupra. A new iteration of the Mégane Renaultsport is also now contending for the same title.
Read our Honda Civic Type R prototype first drive.
See more of the Honda Civic Type R concept.
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