Blue Honda Civic Type R driving on the road

New Honda Civic Type R

£49,995

The fastest and most powerful model to date is also only the second in Honda history to be turbocharged.

Exterior

As one of the most recognised performance cars in the world, the Type R is certainly in the running to be king of the hot-hatches. It’s begun its quest for the title in good form by setting the fastest front-wheel-drive lap time at Nürburgring, the traditional test track for many manufacturers.

Wheels are now sporty 19” Matt Black, wrapped in Continental ContiSportContact 6 tyres. At the rear, there are three central exhaust pipes nestled tidily in the diffuser, blending form with function.

The styling is undeniable with the Type R badge proudly displayed. Its sleek yet aggressive bodyline and overhanging wheel arches produce considered aerodynamics capable of minimising drag and lift. Privacy glass and a black grille provides just the right amount of cool.

Now lighter and lower, the new Honda Civic Type R allows the driver to feel completely in control from his snug seating position. A choice of three driving modes - comfort, sport and +R - will let you feel in command of both this performance car and the road!

Rear view of Honda Civic Type R

Interior

​The Honda Civic Type R offers space and functionality with a comfortable interior. The driver and passengers get excellent adjustability making the front and rear space a relaxing place to be. Larger belongings can be stored in the luggage compartment, which has a capacity of between 410 litres and 1,212 litres.

Technology

The Honda Civic Type R is packed with a bundle of technology - Honda’s CONNECT infotainment system features a 9” touchscreen, Bluetooth® connectivity, DAB radio, an 8-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay, USB slots & internet capability.

Getting into and starting the Honda Civic Type R is quick and easy thanks to Smart Entry & Start. In terms of safety, the Type R is endowed with as much equipment as possible. The usual airbags (driver, passenger, side and side curtain), ABS, EBD and Lane Keep Assist are joined by a whole host of useful features.

Some of the other standout safety features include: Deflation Warning System, various collision prevention systems, an Intelligent Speed Limiter, Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control and a Traffic Sign Recognition System.

Performance

The updated turbocharged 2.0-litre VTEC engine produces 329 PS while the torque figure remains at 420Nm enough to launch from 0-62mph in just 5.4sec.  This solidifies the Civic Type R’s performance car credentials as one of the fastest front-wheel drive cars on the market. 

The 171 mph top speed eclipses its rivals.  Large Brembo brakes (350mm at the front and 305mm at the rear) provide awesome stopping power and the 245-section tyres and increased track width ensure you’ll never be left wanting for grip.  A sizeable rear wing and roof mounted vortex generators aid airflow over the car for improved aerodynamics.  

The Ferrari F40-aping triple exhaust is not solely an aesthetic choice.  The centre pipe enhances the sound of the four-cylinder turbo engine, while reducing drone at cruising speeds and improving usability.  One of the most significant changes to the new Honda Civic Type R is the inclusion of independent rear suspension to provide better handling, ride quality and braking.

Interior of Honda Civic Type R
Rear close up of Civic Type R
Close up of type r stiching
Honda Civic Type R Wheels
Civic Type R front bumper
Side view of Civic Type R

What trim levels are on the Honda Civic Type R?

Type R

Features include:

  • High Beam Support System (HSS)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control
  • Rear-view camera
  • Front and Rear Parking sensors
  • Digital Driver's Display
  • Honda CONNECT with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Driving Modes
  • Honda SENSING safety features
  • Sports Seats in Red Suede with Type R logo
  • Matte black 19" alloys
  • Alloy gear lever and sports pedals
  • Wireless Charging

Honda Civic Type R Review

It’s been designed to be more direct than its predecessor, but no less usable. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

There are few names quite so synonymous with performance as ‘Civic Type R’. It’s a car that has, throughout its many generations, gone down an absolute storm with drivers who have loved both its sharp performance and its day-to-day usability.

Now, there’s a new one. It’s been designed to be more direct than its predecessor, but no less usable. Let’s check it out.

What’s new?

The new Civic Type R has gone on something of a growth spurt. It’s now closer in size to a saloon like the Audi A4, but most of these gains have gone into making the interior more spacious. Honda has also updated the Type R’s infotainment system - an aspect that was really lacking on the previous car.

Plus, we’ve got the addition of a new ‘Individual’ mode which allows you to chop and change between the car’s various settings to get the one which is right for you.

What’s under the bonnet?

Though the ‘standard’ Civic may only be available with a hybrid setup these days, there’s no such electrification going on here. The latest Type R still uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine - just as its predecessor did - but it’s got slightly more power, up to 325bhp rather than the 316bhp you got before.

It remains driven through a six-speed manual gearbox, too, and Honda claims that the new Type R should manage the 0-60mph sprint in 5.2 seconds. Flat out, it’ll do 170mph.

What’s it like to drive?

As with the previous Type R, your entry into the new Civic is dominated by the huge bucket seats which nestle you into the ideal position. Start up the engine and it’s relatively understated in character to begin with, but soon progresses and wakes up as you move off. In more comfort-oriented driving modes the Type R feels spot-on for UK roads, though the most aggressive Type R setting is best reserved for time on track.

The six-speed gearbox is a joy to use, too, while the steering is nicely weighted and really accurate. It all ties together to make the Type R really exciting to drive.

How does it look?

It’s fair to say that the new Civic Type R is a more grown-up affair. It’s considerably more rounded than the car it replaces, with fewer angles and edges to speak of. There’s still a huge rear wing, of course, but that’s the only real tie between the old and new.

It’s not boring, however. The front end has some real character to it, while the contrast black elements help to liven things up regardless of which colour you opt for.

What’s it like inside?

There’s plenty of space on offer inside the Civic Type R. Those sitting in the rear do reasonably well for leg and head room, and though boot space is slightly down on the previous car, the actual shape of the load area is nice and square. It’s easy to access, too.

As touched upon, the bucket seats up front and great both in terms of looks and supportiveness, giving you a really great place to start from.

Verdict

The new Civic Type R arrived with a lot of expectations being levelled its way, but it has more than lived up to this. It’s brilliant to drive, more than capable of dealing with the UK’s rutted roads and it’s even pretty spacious inside.

Things are competitive in the hot hatch world, but it would appear that the Honda Civic Type R has done well to mark its place in the segment yet again.

Enquire about the Honda Civic Type R