Motoring News

Honda has announced that over 500 people have already placed orders for the new Civic Type R – accounting for more than ten per cent of its annual sales target for the hatchback.

Dealers have been taking deposits for the car since pricing was announced last month and deliveries to customers who got their orders in early will begin on March 1st.

Insurance categorisation for the vehicle has also been confirmed recently – all Civic Type Rs will be in group 17E.

The higher-spec GT version of the car, which most buyers appear to be opting for, combines "blistering performance with improved levels of usability", according to Honda.

Buyers of so called "hot hatches" are also showing a preference for practicality as well as performance, as four out of five customers have chosen the Civic model with more additional comfort features.

Honda hopes to eventually sell 5,000 models in 2007. The entry level Type R costs £17,600 while the GT model is priced at £18,600.