Honda Civic Type R

Civic Type R Overview

Honda Civic Type R is an ultimate performance car with no muggle in the world of mid-size performance cars. The latest iteration of the model was launched towards the end of 2017 in the Malaysian market and has gained wide popularity since then. As a sportier, wilder version of the standard Civic, it only comes with edgier styling over the already pleasant looking car and brings thrill performance in the mass market category. 

According to the automaker, the updated Civic Type R is a far improved version that resolves the shortcomings of the previous one. Significantly, the lags of the turbo engine have been reduced and the exhaust pressure has been increased even at lower rpms. This results in generating more output from the VTEC engine. Presently, Type R is the most potent Honda car in the lineup. It is priced at RM 330,002.

With the introduction of the Civic Type-R Limited Edition version earlier this year, Honda has started preparing to reclaim its FWD record at the Nurburgring, which currently lies with Renault Megane R.S. Trophy with a lap time of 7:40:10 seconds.

Honda Civic Type R Interior & Features

Inside the cabin, Honda Civic Type R features a class that one expects from a sports car. Surprisingly, the automaker extends excellent interiors at a very manageable price. Though the overall interior layout and cabin design are more like the regular Civic, the use of red inserts on steering wheel, dashboard, centre console, red backlit instrument console, door panels, and seats make the interior ambience very sporty in overall feel. The car offers best-in-class interior space, smartly utilized by well-shaped and comfortable seats. 

The extremely informative dashboard has a lot of control buttons on all sides. The steering wheel also has a lot of such buttons, including the audio controls, and so does the centre console. There is an advanced 7-inch touchscreen display at the dashboard that is routed to the audio system as well. This system can also be used as a Hands-free Telephone speaker. There are eight speakers in all.

With so much on offer, one can confidently say that a tech-savvy and a crazy racing enthusiast will find it amazing.

Civic Type R Exterior

The fantastic looking Type R possesses a timeless design. The physical cues are a lot sportier, more so with the abundant amount of sporty bits upfront and the overly spiced up rear. 

At the front, there is a sleek and wide looking black grille, which engulfs the LED headlamps housing daytime running LEDs. The front bumper features a revised styling with large fake air dams around the foglights enhancing its sporty persona. At the rear end, a massive rear spoiler is attached to the hatch below the windscreen, which appears loud. A massive bumper, LED tail lights, underbody skirting, and centrally mounted three exhaust ports, make the rear setup distinctive. 

Honda Civic Type R is available in a single White Pearl colour with sporty red accents all across, including the brand’s logo upfront and at the rear and the brake callipers, bring the attractiveness of contrasting colour tones. There is also a shark fin antenna towards the back, much like many other cars from the brand itself. The car rides on chunky 20-inch wheels with 245-section tyres. 

Honda Civic Type R Ride & Handling

The Honda Civic Type R has been made especially for the people who love the thrill of riding at high speeds. It delivers an impressive driving experience that’s safe and fun. 

As for the suspension, the shocker absorbers are pretty decent and apt for a track-focused car. The front wheels have Dual-Axis Strut while the rear has Multi-Link units. The suspension setup is neither hard nor soft.

The hatchback has three different drive modes - Comfort, Sport, and +R, responsible for the change of the complete dynamics driving. Comfort is what you select while riding on the city roads. To experience the engine's thrill and agility, get to the top gear and push the accelerator throttle, the car will sprint from 0 to 100 kmph in just 5.7 seconds. The top speed is rated at 272 kmph. 

Civic Type R Engine & Fuel Consumption

Speaking about mechanical bits, the Honda Civic Type R is powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbo engine tuned to be extremely fine and is mated to a PGM fuel injection (direct type) system. The total power production comes in the form of 310 PS at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 400 Nm, which occurs between 2,500 and 4,500 rpm.

All of the power is sent down to the front wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox. Yes, you read it right. Much to the delight of all the purists, the manual gearbox is here to thrill. However, there are still quite a few prospective buyers who may not like the idea of missing out on an automatic gearbox.

Honda Civic Type R Braking & Safety

We are sure you did not miss out on the red calipers for the disc brakes. But that is just the attractive bit while the actual braking mechanism starts from the ventilated front disc from Brembo and the solid rear units. ABS and EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) are added to enhance the braking abilities further along with Brake Assist.

Other safety features are six SRS airbags (front, sides, and curtains), vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, vehicle immobiliser with a security alarm, and an auto brake hold.

Civic Type R Verdict

Honda Civic Type R is a brilliant yet fun to drive hatchback sports car that is a perfect blend of luxury and speed. It comes with the best in class interior space, braking capability, and a great balance between power and steering.