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Ahead of its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show next month, Honda has revealed that the all-new British built Civic Type R has a top speed of 167mph.

To reach the unrivalled (amongst its front wheel-drive competitors) top speed, it features a 2.0-litre direct injection VTEC turbo engine, high-performance Brembo brake package (developed specifically for the car) and new 19-inch alloy wheels (unique to the Type R) which fill the arches and accommodate the larger brakes.

A wide front splitter, deep side skirts and a completely flat underside aid airflow and combine with a bespoke rear wing and rear diffuser to optimise downforce. The front bumper has been shaped specifically to inhibit air turbulence around the front wheels, cutting drag and enhancing high-speed stability.

Larger upper and lower grilles in the front bumper, vents above the wheels on the front quarter panels and vents at the trailing edges of the front wheel arches all provide greater cooling and ventilation for the high-output engine.

Head of car at Honda (UK) Leon Brannan said: “We’ve already seen huge customer interest for this much anticipated and unique car with over 100 orders already in the bank.

“With the release of these new technical details I think we can expect many more.”