Is this yet another teaser from Honda?

Nope! Finally we have the new Honda Civic Type R in all its undisguised glory. Shown here in Championship White (one of five paint finishes available), it goes on sale this summer following its world debut at tomorrow's Geneva Motor Show.

It looks rather 'assertive'...

Indeed it does. There's nothing subtle about the new Type R with its huge rear wing, deep front splitter, rear diffuser and four, massive exhaust pipes. It's all functional according to Honda, and peek underneath and you'll find a mostly flat floor to further aid aerodynamics. It's clear this car has been designed to travel quickly. A lot.

What are those ugly vents above the front wheels?

They're air outlets, working with other vents aft of the wheels to help extract hot air from the engine bay. The inlets up front are larger on the Type R than on any other Civic too, hinting at what lies beneath.

And that is...

A new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine utilising Honda's VTEC system and what the company refers to as an advanced turbocharger. Peak figures are 310hp at 6,500rpm (just 500rpm shy of the rev limiter) and 400Nm of torque at just 2,500rpm. Honda quotes 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 167mph. The engine is bolted to a six-speed manual gearbox, which is operated by a machined aluminium gear knob, just like the previous Type R Civic.

Hang on: is this thing front-wheel drive?

It is indeed, but Honda has pre-empted your questioning by developing something it calls Dual Axis Strut front suspension. Apparently it reduces torque steer by 50 per cent. No mention yet of a limited slip differential, but there will be adaptive damping with four settings. The most extreme is selected when the driver presses the '+R' button. That also reduces assistance from the electric power steering and sharpens up throttle response.

Sounds great, but do I have to put up with the garish red interior?

Thankfully no. The standard car has black suede-effect fabric for those promising looking sports seats, though double red stitching is part and parcel of the Type R brand. The new Civic appears well-equipped with all that matters to driving nuts, but Honda has detailed an optional GT Pack for those that want a few more luxuries.

What does that add to the mix?

Other than red stripes on the splitter and diffuser there's a heap of extra equipment, including auto lights and wipers, satnav, front and rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control, an upgraded stereo and Honda's Dynamic Safety Pack - including Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, High-Beam Support System, Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Monitor.

Sounds like quite a package, any pricing details?

None as yet. Watch this space.