The model will be called the Type R EURO, to distinguish it from the Japanese-market 4-door Civic Type R saloon, and will be sold in limited numbers.

The car is powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC engine that produces 201PS at 8,000rpm. This enables the hot hatch to run from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 235km/h.

Compared to a standard Civic, the Type R features aggressive styling, a 20mm wider rear track, sportier damper and spring characteristics, a 15mm reduction in ride height, and an improved steering setup.

Japan is the third country outside Europe to import this high-revving hot hatch with the red 'H' badge, following Australia and South Africa. The demand for the European-produced car in Honda's domestic market is testament to the dedication and skill of Associates at Honda's largest European factory - the only production facility in the world that builds the Civic Type R 3-door.

Honda of the UK Manufacturing (HUM) also builds the 5-door Civic, Civic Type S and CR-V for Europe and will start production of the Jazz, this autumn.

Japan also imported the previous Swindon-built Civic Type-R (EP3 model) in 2001.