New Honda Civic Type R 2015 - pictures

At long last, we've got behind the wheel of the new Honda Civic Type R to see if it's been worth the wait. 

Powered by a new 2.0-litre 4cyl turbocharged engine, the Type R produces 306bhp. 

Going from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, the Civic will also reach a top speed of 167mph. 

There are plenty of touches (both subtle and unsubtle) to mark this hot version out over standard Civic models. 

Quad exhausts and a gloss black rear diffuser contribute to the car's look. 

Put your foot to the floor and the Civic dishes out a great slug of torque, while the six-speed short-throw manual gearbox is a joy to use. 

The engine will rev out to 7,000rpm with ease, so the Type R hasn't lost all of its engine's character in the move to turbo power. 

On a twisty back road, the Type R comes to life, feeling lithe and agile - especially when you press the +R button which stiffens and sharpens everything up.

The steering is weighty, but accurate enough to guide the Civic through corners with confidence. The Type R has tremendous grip, too. 

Hardcore Honda purists might not be pleased with the decision to fit the new Type R with a turbocharged engine, but the new car's unit is a worthy successor. 

Inside, sporty bucket seats provide plenty of support and it's easy to find the perfect driving position. 

There's plenty of standard equipment on offer, too. Bluetooth, keyless entry, cruise and climate control, parking sensors, autonomous braking and Honda's CONNECT multimedia system are all standard. 

Sports bucket seats are comfortable and supportive, and it's easy to find the perfect driving position. 

+R button is subtle, but press it and the car changes to become a more hardcore road racer. 

At £29,995, the Civic Type R is a but more expensive than its rivals, while you can add a GT pack for an extra £2,300 which adds sat-nav and some extra safety systems. 

The Civic is still a five door, so practicality isn't a concern. 

The huge rear wing, amongst other exterior features, contributes to the Type R's purposeful look and downforce. 

The steroidal styling is all fit for purpose, though. The Civic has a slippery shape which means performance and efficiency are both improved. 

The boot is big, while the Honda's clever Magic Seats fold flat to create a huge load bay - meaning this a hot hatch that can do it all. 

The rear seats fold flat or, alternatively, can be flipped up - cinema-style - to fit a variety of awkward loads.