While Honda lacks recognition as a supercar maker, the brand is nevertheless both ambitious and eager to deliver cars that exude greatness in their segments. Last week’s Paris Motor Show featured new Honda Civic Type R prototypes that surprised its fair share of motoring enthusiasts.

Ignoring the NSX for a moment, Honda’s Civic Type R has always been the brand’s most aggressive and sportiest model, and the new Type R prototype continues the tradition with a beefed up silhouette and performance that sets it apart from every other Honda model. The high-styled body is not just for looking good, but also provides improved aerodynamic performance. The exterior introduces a highly reflective, fine-grained brushed aluminium finish, giving the Type R a unique presence among its peers. A red accent line runs along not only the front fascia but also the carbon fibre side skirts, while the same colour highlights the iconic “H” badge, 20-inch jet black wheels and central tailpipe. The new hood intake vent, as well as the rear wing, remind the public of the Type R’s performance potential.

The Type R prototype’s initial European launch will emerge from Honda’s UK plant at Swindon in the second half of 2017.