DSG to Civic Type-R
A modern transmission, competitive engine and sufficient demand from Australia are set to boost Thai assembly prospects of Honda's flagship compact saloon

Asian Type-R would produce around 220hp.


Honda is set to assert itself as a drivetrain specialist by becoming the first Japanese carmaker to offer DSG (Dual Shift Transmission) in a production model.

Slated to appear in the forthcoming Civic Type-R to be sold specifically in Asia-Pacific markets, the advanced gearbox will be similar to that developed by the Volkswagen Group.

Such a move will boost demand for the Type-R in this region including Thailand where motorists prefer to do away with the conventional clutch pedal.

And as revealed for the first time in Motoring (Sept, 22), a plan to build the Type-R in Thailand alongside the mass-selling Civic has become even sounder as Australia - major export market for Thai-made Civics - is showing demand for it.

Unlike its rivals (see sidebar at right), Honda wishes to make the Type-R as competitive as possible around the globe by building it at four different locations namely the UK, US, Japan and Thailand.