The previous-generation Civic Type R drew ridicule because of its design, which could have caught the attention of many ufologists. Her descendant is still extravagant, but is much more measured and balanced. Stockier and leaving aside the oblique front optics, it exudes a strength that has gained in wisdom. Admittedly, its three-outlet exhaust system remains, as well as the front spoiler/skirts/diffuser assembly, but there is much more cohesion in their meeting. Honda also claims that this new design increases downforce for more stability at high speeds while reducing drag. Its curved fenders expose a stretched track width of 25 mm at the front and 19 mm at the rear while the wheelbase gains 36 mm. Longer by 31 cm than a Volkswagen Golf R, this Civic is also quite imposing, overflowing on the side of the intermediates.
Reaping the benefits of its exterior dimensions and the polish given to the 11th Civic, the interior of this Type R is the example to follow in the segment… provided you like red. The carpet just like the front buckets welcome us with their carmine hue, an obvious genetic link with the ancestors. The dashboard is the benchmark in the arena, combining sleek and efficient design with flawless ergonomics. The honeycomb mesh fixed in all the models of the brand breaks the monotony in addition to adding a rawer element of material. A number of soft-textured parts make up the assembly, the assembly and feel of which are of high quality. The space itself impresses us with its expanse, favoring clearance at the level of the head as well as the legs. The large 696 L trunk would also make many SUVs blush.
The charge for this Type R is still led by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder engine whose output climbs to 315 hp and torque to 310 lb-ft. To achieve these figures, engineers improved the efficiency of the exhaust system and the turbocharger, capable of boosting pressure to a remarkable 25.2 psi (1.7 bar). Its flexibility is captivating, but the star of the duo is its manual transmission. Equipped with a six-speed fork whose guidance is unrivaled in vehicles with front-wheel-drive chassis, it blends in fascinating harmony with the engine it guides. The clutch bites confidently with every gear change. Rev synchronization happens naturally with a lighter flywheel. The only fly in the ointment is the engine speed, which is sometimes slow to drop when climbing the tachometer, a “rev hang” phenomenon that remains generally well controlled, moreover.
Observing from the driving position the air extractor cut out of its abnormally long hood for a compact, we appreciate the support provided by the furniture at the front as much to the new thighs as to the sides. The seat can also be lowered, which makes it easier to blend in with the machine. The first gear change reveals the intentions of this Civic Type R in all the firmness of its damping. On Quebec roads, the Japanese car stumbles under heavy acceleration and manhandles its passengers, a character trait that becomes almost unbearable when you engage the “R” mode, which automatically firms up the shock absorbers. Never mind, the scalpel is still as sharp as before. Its wide 265 mm sneakers made by Michelin (Pilot Sport 4S) bite fiercely, ensuring, with its stiffened chassis, neutral and extraordinary cornering. The steering is almost telepathically progressive, ensuring constant driver involvement. It’s high-flying, but it’s also pretty sharp.
Few buyers will care about the tech offering of this Type R. It’s a purchase usually driven by passion. However, it remains correctly provided in this sense. Its multimedia system does not have the definition of that of the latest Honda Accord, but offers a logical layout, good responsiveness and flawless readability. GPS is built in, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The configurable digital instrumentation interface is among the best of any manufacturer. A Bose stereo is also part of the standard features, ensuring an acceptable sound for the mission, without really shining. In a completely different vein, note the absence of heated seats and heated steering wheel, despite the price demanded, which will make chilly mornings less pleasant.
With the birth of this seventh-generation Civic Type R, the arrival of the Toyota GR Corolla and the recent redesign of the Volkswagen Golf R, sporty compacts are living happily ever after. They are also in danger of disappearing – at least in their current form – as the industry continues on the path to electrification. The Type R is therefore an important and necessary work that puts driving at the forefront of its design philosophy. This approach, however, is a double-edged sword: the harshness of its damping and its summary soundproofing make it a much sharper vehicle than a Golf R, for example. Its two front drive wheels also limit its ease when the asphalt becomes icy or snowy. So you probably have to approach it as a three-season vehicle. In this mission and in that of awakening the senses, the Honda Civic Type R excels in a way few cars manage to do.
With a bill of $51,945, this Civic Type R may seem expensive, but it’s still competitive with the Volkswagen Golf R ($51,010). However, it is more expensive than the Toyota GR Corolla ($48,261). Good luck getting your hands on a copy, as demand far outstrips supply.
To limit the torque effect that can quickly affect the front axle, Honda equips its Civic Type R with a suspension that detaches the strut knuckle by means of a fork. This works in concert with a limited-slip differential.
Like many manual cars, this Civic Type R can synchronize the engine speed to the downshift automatically when this function is activated. This avoids disturbing the chassis when braking in sporty driving.
As with any self-respecting sports car, the brakes on this Type R are very efficient and bite with a very progressive stroke. The system is made up of four-piston Brembo calipers with 13.8-inch discs up front and a two-piston rear caliper with 12-inch discs.
The Civic Type R is aimed at an audience of track driving enthusiasts. It therefore offers an application called Honda LogR to save a lot of information about the laps in your smartphone.
