Honda Civic Type R

Honda has unveiled a more focused, lighter version of its hot hatch hero, but prospective buyers will need to get in quickly. The Civic Type R Limited Edition will be available in "very small" numbers for Australia, and separates itself from the regular range with touches like 20-inch BBS alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, and modified dampers.

Hyundai is readying a lighter, more focused take on its i30 N Performance for the Frankfurt motor show, complete with a raft of previously-teased add-ons. The 'unique specification' will include carbon-fibre reinforced plastic parts and racier 19-inch alloy wheels, designed to make the Project C 'notably lighter' than the (slightly porky) standard car – which tips the scales at 1429kg.

The Honda Civic Type R has set a blistering but unofficial lap record for a road-legal hot hatch at Mount Panorama Bathurst, posting a time of 2 minutes 35.207 in the hands of Formula 1 ace Jenson Button. The 2009 Formula 1 world champion flew into Australia on a secret mission to do the timed run on Easter Monday, while the circuit was closed following the previous day’s six-hour production car race.

The latest Honda Civic Type R has already established itself as one of the meanest, quickest hatchbacks going around – then again, it would want to be, given its storied lineage. Along with a history of quick, front-drive hatchbacks, Honda has the S2000 in its back catalogue. Sure, it's a rear-wheel drive convertible, but the idea of putting one head-to-head with the latest Type R is still tasty.