It’s been five years since the Civic Type R graced the new car market of the UK, but
now it’s back and although it may use the same engine and still deliver power through
two wheels, it is the hottest model to ever wear the red ‘H’ badge. In fact, Honda
even describes it as a ‘Race car for the road’.
Boffins at Honda have added new aerodynamic improvements to reduce drag and actual generate
downforce, it just so happens that these new changes make it look absolutely nuts. There’s
a revised front splitter, rear wing and front fenders. And there’s even some cool vents
near the front wheel arches to optimise air flow. So what else is new?
Every Type R prior to this fourth-gen model has featured naturally-aspirated engines,
and while the 2.0-litre VTEC petrol used in this model is the same size as the last, it
is now turbocharged and has been re-tuned to offer just over 100bhp more.
Now this means power isn’t spread evenly and you do get some turbo lag when you put
your foot down, but there is more mid-range thrust and, more importantly, a power output
of 306bhp. The top speed is a colossal 167mph and thanks to its 400Nm of pulling power coming
in at 2,500rpm, a zero to 62mph sprint time of just 5.7 seconds. This engine can only
be mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, and an incredibly slick one at that, with a throw
of just 40mm, making it the snappiest in its class… In my opinion, I think every car
should have the gearbox. A new four point Adaptive Damper System is
the headlining feature when it comes to the ride and this basically means that each corner
of the car can level itself out when needed so if you go into a tight bend then the dampers
will adjust accordingly and keep the car level. Same goes for if you accelerate or brake harshly.
The ride is pretty firm, but it’s not enough to take away from the driving experience.
Its mechanical limited-slip differential will also help composure when cornering, ensuring
that neither of the front-wheels lose grip, allowing you to really tuck its nose into
an apex. The 350mm Brembo brakes don’t go a miss either.
Steering wise, there’s plenty of weight and it is very precise, filling you with confidence
when cornering at speed. Honda actually claims that torque steer has been reduced by 55 per
cent as well. And this brings me to its +R mode.
Now, pressing this little button relaxes some of the assist features, giving you a bit more
freedom, sharpens up the throttle response, makes torque more prominent and increases
damping stiffness by 30 per cent. The instruments get a nice red glow as well and you get the
likes of lap time tables appearing behind the steering wheel which goes alongside its
gear change indicators. The +R mode is more track orientated though,
especially when it comes to the stiffer suspension set-up, but if you are cruising at say 50
or 60mph on the motorway and need a little nudge, then the +R button is perfect. Kind
of like poking an already peeved off bear with a massive stick.
I just want to make a quick point about the engine note… it doesn’t sound as exciting
as the Type R’s exterior would suggest it should which for petrolheads might be a bit
of a bummer. Although re-built from the ground up and completely
different in the way it drives to the standard Civic, the interior is still very similar
to the standard model in terms of layout. However, there are splashes of Type R personality
all over the cabin, with red trim, a titanium gear knob and of course these brilliantly
comfortable bucket seats. Standard kit is spot on as well, as you get
cruise control, Bluetooth, a rear parking camera and even Honda’s City Brake Active
system all of which give it an easy to live with character. The only choice you will have
to make is whether you go for the slightly plusher GT model, which adds the likes of
parking sensors, dual zone climate control, a Garmin satnav and some small red highlights
on the body work. It has similar nuisances to the standard Civic
though, like obstructed rear visibility, thanks in part to that F1-style spoiler, and it can
be tough to see the speedo at times over the steering wheel.
Of course what would a Civic be without practicality? The Type R retains the Civic’s generous
rear passenger space and offers just under 500 litres of storage space in its boot.
So what is the Type R going to cost you? Just under £30,000, that places it in-between
the Renault Megane 275 Trophy and the four-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf R.
But is it a race car for the road? In short, yes it certainly is. It looks the part, it
grips the road for dear life and it is very, very fast. It’s actually the fastest front-wheel
drive car currently on sale. In fact, it feels and looks more hardcore than a Golf R. Basically,
if you want every journey in your hot hatch to be an event, choose the Type R. If you
need more day-today comfort, the wild Civic could be too uncouth.
So, would you go for the red Honda badge? Let us know in the comments section below
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