The European dominated ‘hot hatch’ sector is about to be shaken up by a new Japanese member, the new Honda Civic Type-R, featuring edgy styling and an interior akin to a space-shuttle launch.
Unlike most other Hondas imported into Australia, the Civic Type-R does not come from Thailand but from Honda’s UK plant in Swindon, and it looks nothing like its Civic four-door siblings.
Its style is edgy and the lines are clean, with the bonnet line flowing from the steep sloping front window and a rounded backside adorned with rear boot fin – this may help with the wind dynamics of the vehicle but considerably hampers your rear vision.
Honda’s Type-R philosophy is focused around offering a driving experience similar to that given by racing cars. It’s also about making the driver part of the machine by providing high levels of feedback from the vehicle such as sound, steering response and handling. It’s ideal for those looking for a car which offers a smooth ride.
Type-R cars are not just known for being fast, they also offer great performance in gear changing, braking, steering and handling, and this Civic is no exception. Another goal of Type-Rs is to offer an ‘authentic’ driving experience, ie one unaffected by driving assisting systems such as sound proofing which can diminish the driving involvement. For the very same reason a Type-R Honda is not generally equipped with ‘luxuries’ such as sat-nav, hands-free telephones or leather interior, rather it is meant to look and feel more like a racing car.
Under the bonnet you will find a 2.0L DOHC i-VTEC engine with 148kW of power and 193Nm of torque. However to get any real surge in power out of the engine it has to revving up past 7000rpm.
Climbing inside the Civic Type-R is like stepping into the main control room of a spaceship. The red illuminated dials are strategically placed over the double layered dashboard which sweeps around either side of the steering wheel. The futuristic feel is further accentuated with the red start button, the digital speedometer and the large dial in the centre with tacho on the perimeter and other meaningful info glowing red, in the centre.
The coupe styling does not compromise the cabin space. The interior provides a high degree of flexibility and passenger accommodation. The Civic Type R features Honda’s ‘magic seat’ system, allowing the rear seats to fold to create a fully flat rear cargo floor. Folding the rear seats flat increases the usable boot space from 485L to 1352L.
With all the opposition packing high power and high torque turbo engines, Honda’s naturally-aspirated Civic Type R will win you over with involvement and an 8000rpm redline. It’s an appealing package with loads of character – and keenly priced – but may not provide the instant adrenaline rush many are looking for.
auto facts
Price $39,990
Engine 2.0L petrol four-cylinder
Power 148kW, 193Nm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Good Great looks and drive
Not so good Poor rear visibility
