HONDA CIVIC

• What Car? has exclusive Type-R details• Designer spills beans on car's looks and engine• Car due for release in spring 2007

Honda's forthcoming red-hot hatch, the Civic Type-R, won't appear in showrooms until next spring - but whatcar.com has been given some exclusive details of the car.We interviewed the Type-R's project leader, Mikio Suzuki, at the British International Motor Show in London. Here's what he said:

When will we see new Civic Type-R?

We should see the car at the Paris Motor Show this autumn. UK sales start in spring 2007.

How will the production car differ from the concept car pictured?

This gives a definite flavour of what to expect. The new Civic three-door's design has a sporty, kicked-up window line and we're likely to use the concept's alloy wheel design, although they will be smaller than 20 inches.

Describe the main difference over the old Civic Type-R

. The aerodynamic package and spoilers look like they are more integrated into the design now. We wanted to design a car that looks like it's ready to get going.

What engine will the Type-R have?

We're sticking with the same 2.0-litre VTEC engine and gearbox, although they will be significantly modified. We want to retain the performance.

So how quick will it be?

The three-door bodyshell is lighter - and this helps performance. I can't reveal performance figures yet, but the old car did 0-60mph in 6.6sec.