In the latest Civic Type-R,
Honda has produced yet another show-stopper.
We've become accustomed to some pretty uncompromising stuff
from Honda and the second generation Civic Type-R is the latest
in a long line of performance sector class leaders. As well
as its predecessor, the latest car follows in the footsteps
of well loved Accord and Integra Type-R variants, the S2000,
the NSX and, at the wheel of one, enthusiasts might even hark
right back to the original 1963 Honda S cars, the S360 and
S500. All have one thing in common: a mile-high rev limit with
an engine note that's the closest you'll come to a racing car
on the road.
Like its predecessor,
this Type R is powered by Honda's naturally-aspirated, high-revving
2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine but the unit has been significantly
reworked to improve responsiveness using a new balancer shaft
and drive-by-wire throttle control. VTEC variable valve timing
and VTC variable inlet camshaft technology continue to underpin
the engine structure. Further development of the Type-R unit
means more useable torque, as the switch to high-lift, long
duration valve timing (the cam change) now takes place at a
lower 5,200rpm, and continues all the way to 8,000rpm. So that
screaming, high rpm VTEC range is broader and more accessible.
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To mark the entry to this 'power band'
a clever i-VTEC indicator just to the right of the digital
speedometer is illuminated once the revs rise above 5,200rpm.
Maximum power is now 201PS, reached at 8,000rpm (the old car
managed 200PS at 7,400rpm) and this Type-R feels more responsive
generally, while improved aerodynamics ensure that it cuts
through the air more cleanly. Slightly lower gearing compensates
for a small increase in kerb weight. Sixty from rest occupies
just 6.6 seconds on the way to 146mph.
"The latest Type-R is unashamedly extreme"
That puts this Honda
in pole position to combat the big hitters in the GTi hot hatch
sector, principally the RenaultSport Clio 197, Vauxhall's Astra
VXR and Ford's Focus ST. Against these rivals, the Honda offers
better build quality, a stronger product image and likely lower
depreciation. Plus it's one of the few hot hatches that you
wouldn't bat an eyelid flogging round a circuit for a weekend's
trackday fun.
The suspension is based on the Civic Type-S,
already fine-tuned for sharper chassis dynamics, and the Type-R
takes those modifications to the next level. Like the Type-S,
its rear track is 20mm wider than that of the 5-door model,
but otherwise damper, bush and spring characteristics are all
unique to Type-R. Broad 225/40 ZR18 tyres provide added grip,
while a 15mm reduction in ride height further reduces body
roll. Firmer steering, a quicker ratio and stiffer steering
box mountings all provide pin-sharp responses to steering wheel
input, while the fuel tank's central location beneath the
cabin floor helps to lower the centre of gravity and reduces
the body's inertia moment.
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The Type R also builds on the Civic's
body structure — one of the stiffest in the C-sector
— and that rigidity plays a key role in the responsive
chassis dynamics. Extra strengthening has been introduced into
the floor cross-member just ahead of the central fuel tank,
around the upper front suspension mountings, while the lower
cross-member (just ahead of the engine bay) provides greater
rigidity. The overall result is a more predictable chassis,
with levels of responsiveness and stability that are some of
the best in class. At the same time, the damper settings deliver
enhanced ride comfort, so the Type-R is easier to use in all
conditions and on all surfaces.
The styling is another major plus. Seven-spoke
18-inch alloy wheels are fitted as standard and - helped by
the car's low ride height — these tuck neatly under the
body-coloured arches. The deep front spoiler incorporates a
larger air intake to channel air to the induction system, as
well as triangular foglamps. There's no missing the distinct
body-coloured tailgate rear spoiler, which follows the kick-up
line from the rear quarter windows, and provides added downforce.
It helps if you like mesh because there's a whole lot of it.
Black mesh inserts sit in the front grille and the triangular
cutouts where the fog lights would normally sit. The rear end
also features mesh in the under-bumper section.
The profile of the car looks similar to
the five-door and it's only after a second glance that you
realise that the razor-thin rear door shutline and concealed
handle are absent. If there's a body shape that better integrates
three and five door body styles than this latest Civic, I've
yet to see it. Inside, it's all about the driving experience.
Front seats are racing-style buckets with large black Alcantara
bolsters and red stitching, red fabric seat cushions and
backs. The seat bench in the back repeats the same colour
combination.
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The effective Dual-Zone, two-tier dash — common
to other Civic models — also
features, but with red illuminated dials set off by gun-metal
effect switch panels on either side of the central display.
The driver grips a black, leather-covered steering wheel with
red stitching and central 'H' logo, while the gear-shift knob
with aluminium-finish has a black boot with red stitching.
And, to make each Type-R even more exclusive, a plaque engraved
with the car's unique serial number is placed just ahead of
the gear lever.
Also available is a fully-equipped GT version,
with additional features such as cruise control, dual-zone
air conditioning, fog lights, automatic lights and wipers and
curtain SRS bags. A voice-activated, state-of-the-art navigation
system is offered as an option.
Overall? Well, this Type-R is a worthy
successor to the original — and that's saying something.
It's a car you must consider if you're shopping for the ultimate
hot hatch. Many will see this car as being exactly that.
Still unsure about Type R? Here's what
Top Gear Magazine writes in its "Hot
Hatch Stig test":
"Enthusiasm from
the Stig is a rare commodity, yet it comes in abundance
here... He'd take the Civic home. And on balance so would
many of us..."
Click here to see which hot-hatch the Top
Gear team rate as "an utter gem" and rank as No.1 out of 29 current hot hatches.
Is the Stig right? Why not test drive
the Type-R yourself?
Please click
here to use online booking
service or call us on 01293 520191.
Want to get the most out of driving a Type-R?
What happens when you pit the new model against the old model? RedH.co.uk has
over 20 videos with all the driving action you could want.
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