Honda’s latest new model – the 150mph Civic Type R – was unveiled to the world’s press at the Geneva Motoring Show yesterday.

To be built entirely in Swindon – and ultimately to be exported to Japan – the Type R will make its debut on British and European roads next year.

The 1997 Civic was the first of its kind to get the red Honda badge and every time the Civic has been refreshed a Type R has followed. The R stands for racing for the car which was first developed in 1992.

The 3,000 workforce in Swindon regard the Type R as their pride and joy and the latest model has been highly anticipated after some months.

“When you see see one of these cars on the road and realise you built it, it makes you immensely proud,” said one of the Associates, who preferred not to be named.

“It’s a beautiful car and there will be hundreds of motorists who can’t wait to get their hands on it.”

In fact Honda has already started a waiting list for drivers who want to buy the new model.

Described by the design team as a racing car for the road rather than a high performance version of a road car, the new Type R looks set to signal a new era for the marque – with the most extreme Civic Type R yet.

The styling of the car is heavily linked to performance, with the Type R concept clearly showing its credentials in the exterior design. Many of the styling features offer real performance benefits, in addition to aesthetics, as confirmed by feedback from prototype testing at the famous Nürburgring in Germany.

The shape and angle of the stand-out rear spoiler, for example, has been designed to provide additional downforce, as a direct response to information gained through track testing. Additionally, the upper and lower front grilles have been enlarged and air outlets on the bonnet provide cooling for the high-output engine.

While further detail on performance is yet to be announced, Honda has confirmed that the forthcoming new Type R will be the first model in Europe to feature one of its new VTEC turbo engines from their Earth Dreams Technology range. The two-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder turbo is expected to deliver class-leading output of at least 280PS and will be EURO 6 compliant.

While turbo engines have not been seen in Honda’s production cars in Europe for some time, Honda has continued to actively develop turbo technology on the race track and in other regions.

Honda is also using the 2014 Geneva Motor Show to showcase the powertrain layout of the next generation NSX, set to launch in 2015. Alongside this, Honda’s next generation Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle concept, makes its European debut at the show, with the company confirming for the first time that the production version will be on sale in Europe from early 2016.

To view the Civic Type R Concept teaser film, before the live unveil at the Motor Show, head to the Honda UK YouTube Channel or keep up with all the news by following #TypeR.