Honda has announced that it will discontinue its production of 4 door Type R versions leaving only the 3 door variant to fulfil the role of high performance Civic to please hard core Civic Type R faithfuls. On the road Type R behaviour can only be described as eager, delivering high level of performance from its 2.0L litre petrol engine catapulting Type R to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds. Its NA type 2 Litre 4 cylinder DOHC 16V engine with variable valve timing mated to what is probably one of the sleekest 6 speed close ration gearbox is good for 148kW and 193Nm of power. Most of the torque is delivered by 2600RPM resulting in quite reasonable pulling power at lower speeds. This also helps keeping the fuel consumptions under control returning respectable 9.4l/100km. Assisted by sport tuned suspension designed for circuit competition that can sometimes be unforgiving especially over rough surfaces but with consistent high level of grip supported by quite responsive and precise steering this car is definitely not for fainthearted. Considering the engine high revving range it really needs to be pushed hard before its true capability is recognised. Up to 5000rpm where many other 4 cylinders have reached its peak power delivery Type R behaviour can almost be described as idly, but push it above 7000rpm and the power delivery is magnified turning the NA 4 cylinder engine into a true four pot screamer. Not as fast of the line as some of its rivals but let’s not forget that this is a neutrally aspirated version where others dependability on Turbo charging is quite obvious in order to generate this level of excitement. Honda Civic Type R compact exterior design is different and rightfully so. This car has been designed with one purpose only and that is to create a car true to its nature that provides visual representation of its heritage. Sitting low to the ground it’s pumped up wheel arches are home to a set of 18”wheels. Front end honeycomb styled grill running in line with slime lined headlights, side skirts, sloped roofline that leads to a rear spoiler all adds to distinctively sporty look.
On the inside Honda Civic Type R dashboard treatment houses oversized tachometer fitted with trip computer right in the middle of it. Digital Speedo sits up high away from the main instrument cluster which is slightly unusual when compared to the norm. But it does the job rather well. Standard list of inclusion is acceptable offering dual climate control, rain-sensing wipers, folding electric mirrors, automatic headlights, electric windows, keyless entry with central locking, multifunction leather wrapped steering wheel, classy engine start button, rear parking sensors and reasonable in dash CD player with MP3 and WMA compatibility and iPod integrated controls. Safety wise it has been fitted with 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, VSA with TC, tyre deflation warning system and front seatbelt pretensioners. Red and black themed interior works well throughout the car. Its front Recaro seats wrapped in Alcantara provide very good support, especially during hard cornering that is far superior to anything else in this segment with added inclusion of lateral bolsters and great lumbar support. Rear seats continue with front tradition to complete the theme, although without the superior holding capabilities of the fronts. Overly there is not much to complain about as we love this latest version of Honda Civic Type R. Apart from its slightly rougher ride, engine carryover from previous model this car is hard not to like. Its performance may be overshadowed by some other turbo variants but generally the car rates well in all aspects of sport motoring.
This Honda article has been added by Mark Prchal
Look for used or new Honda Civic Type R on Euro DB Automotive used and new car sales classified
