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GENEVA — Honda dropped a yellow bomb onto the Geneva show floor by unveiling a "concept" version — which is actually very close to production — of its forthcoming Type-R hatch.

Honda's latest Civic, which was first unveiled at the 2004 Paris Motor Show to mixed reviews, is looking like another winner in a long line of them for Honda. Of course, Civic fans being what they are on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, the excitement has built for the all-important souped-up version. First Americans saw the Civic Si concept at the Chicago auto show, and now Europeans are getting a look at the second-generation Type-R in Geneva.

Don't be fooled by the "Concept" moniker; this looks every bit like the final version. There's a nice aerodynamic body kit with huge spoilers, a scoop on the hood, wide wheel arches — not to mention that striking yellow paint job.

The Type-R concept is powered by an updated version of the current Type-R's four-cylinder, 2.0-liter power plant, which makes 200 horsepower without the aid of a turbocharger.

There were about 35,000 original Type-R cars sold, far exceeding company targets. Naturally, Honda hopes to replicate this success when the new version goes on sale early next year.

What this means to you: Score another one for the Japanese, and chalk up some more happiness for the amateur tuner and the boy racer on a budget.