Here are the first pictures of the highly anticipated new Honda Civic Type R.

The new model goes on sale in March and is powered by a reworked 199bhp 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine. It powers the car from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 146mph.

The Type R and Type S versions of Civic will be built exclusively alongside the five-door range at Honda's plant in Swindon.

Pricing will be announced nearer to its March launch date.