Road Test : Honda Civic Type R

Review by Jay Williams - 27/January/2010

The Civic Type R is vastly different to its rivals on numerous levels. In a world dominated by turbocharged engines - even more so in the 'hot hatch' segment, Honda stays true to its naturally aspirated roots.

Powered by a revvy 2.0-litre engine and paired with an impressive 6-speed manual gearbox and, in my opinion, one of the tightest chassis on offer, the Honda Civic Type R represents a real drivers car, something that has be too pushed to its limits to be truly appreciated.

The design of Type R model originally focused on race conditions, with an emphasis on minimising weight and maximising performance potential (e.g. engine tuning, suspension set-up), this is why this car feels so balanced.

Going fast is part of the Type R experience, but not everything. High levels of handling, braking, engine performance and refinement all combine to make for a driving experience to remember.

Drive: 4.5/5

Slipping into the racing bucket seats of Type R you can tell that this car means business.

But first let's start the car, putting the key in the ignition and turning it illuminates the dash, but the engine won't start. You have to push the little red starter button. This gives the feel of a race car.

First impressions of the way the car drives were good. It's easy to steer thanks to its refined steering response, the throttle is a bit touchy, but the clutch and 6-speed gearbox are friendly enough for everyday use.

Everything is at hand fairly easily - the steering wheel is small and sporty, the gear shifter offers short sharp throws between the gears, and all your ancillary controls are clearly labelled.

Although I found the extensive rear blind spot brought about by the rear pillars and the rear wing a bit of a hassle while driving on the freeway. And, the front seat belts were positioned too far back, meaning you had to really stretch to get them.

The suspension is set up in favour of 'performance' meaning that ride quality suffers, but this is a Type R people, if you want comfort stick to the standard Civic.

Out on twisted country roads is where the Civic Type R really shines. With peak torque hitting at 7800rpm, you really have to rev the engine to to get the best out of it. Keeping revs above 5500rpm makes the Civic Type R a very quick car.

Pushing the 2.0-litre engine to its redline (just over 8000rpm) results in a whole lot of fun, a beautiful engine tone and blistering acceleration performance.

Although the Type R will be put to shame by most turbocharged hot hatches in a straight line, it's 6.6 second 0-100km/h sprint time is still impressive and a 14.8 second quarter mile puts things in perspective.

Body roll is non existent, torque steer is minimal, and the steering is fantastic. The small steering wheel feels great in hand and is very very responsive. The precise steering makes you feel directly connected to the car, and the feedback is likewise very clear.

In short, this is one perfectly balanced car with the engine, gearbox and suspension all working together in harmony.

Engine: 4.5/5

The Type R is powered by a naturally-aspirated, high-revving 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, mated to a 6-speed manual. It produces 148kW at 7,800rpm.

That's right a naturally-aspirated engine, no turbo or supercharger here. This might sound strange in the world of 'hot hatches', but Hondas philosophy when it come to its Type R name plate has always been pure, balance and smooth power delivery.

While its competiors may be posting high power outputs Honda is more concerned about creating a performance car with balance rather than sheer power. If Honda were to get into the forced induction game it would likely be at the cost of its smooth power delivery or stable cornering under acceleration.

Honda describes the engine tone as "...more of a guttural howl, that becomes a rasping shriek as the revs rise". Sweet!

Throttle response is great, tap the pedal on your right and the engine instantly responds, but it must be said this car can be driven normally too.

Our overall fuel consumption for the seven day test drive was 10.3L/100, well above the claimed 9.3L/100 that Honda claims. I take full responsibility. 

Exterior: 5/5

The doors, rear three-quarter panels, lower sills, and front and rear bumpers are unique to 3-door Civics. In particular, the lower edge of the rear side window tapers upwards more steeply for a more sporty profile.

Sculpted side skirts flare outwards and blend seamlessly into the front and rear wheelarch surrounds. These in turn flow into the front and rear spoilers to complete
the lower body structure, all of which is finished in the body colour.

The deep front spoiler and large air intake are possibly the most aggressive styling features at the front end (although that intake does do a job, allowing a clearer flow of air to the induction system). Meanwhile, a black honeycomb mesh grille replaces the central glass panel of the Civic 5-door and this houses the all important red ‘H’ badge. To give another indication of its potency, the Type R sits on 18-inch seven-spoke alloy wheels, tucked under the wheelarches due to the 15mm drop in ride height. 

Other features include the large triangular front fog lamps, which mirrors the shape of the large exhaust tail pipes. At the back, a distinct body-coloured tailgate rear poiler follows the kick-up line from the rear quarter windows, and provides added downforce, as well as giving the effect of a more aerodynamic shape.

With such aggressive styling, a wider and comparatively longer wheelbase, the Civic Type R demands respect from its competitors.

Interior: 4/5

Perhaps the key piece of design on all Civic models is the centrally-mounted 50-litre fuel tank beneath the floor, a feature which was introduced in the Jazz in 2002. It means the tank is well-protected in the event of an accident, but more importantly it improves passenger and load space and allows the inclusion of a useful flat rear floor.

The cabin is focused around the unique ‘Dual Zone’ dash, which has become such a distinctive feature of the current model Civic, all around the world.

The dash design places instrument panels and controls in a rational way, with the most essential information appearing at the very top of the fascia and far forward. The concept is particularly effective in displaying information without compromising the driver’s concentration on the road. Secondary information and controls are then organised around and below this central focus.

The two-tier dash features red illuminated dials set off by gun-metal effect switch panels on either side of the central display. A new feature is an i-VTEC indicator which illuminates once engine revs rise above 5,400 rpm, indicating the switch to high-lift, long duration valve timing.

Red features again on the steering wheel, used for stitching around the black leather-wrapped wheel. It also features gun-metal colour spokes, which house audio and cruise control buttons. There’s also the traditional red ‘H’ emblem in the centre of the wheel.

The race-style seats have wide, banked side bolsters for increased lateral support during cornering. The cushion material is also much better at absorbing vibration.

Finished in black Alcantara with red stitching, and a red fabric centre cushion and base, the seats match the look of the rest of the interior.

Overall: 5/5

The Civic Type R won't always reign supreme in the traffic light tango due to its low levels of torque, but in terms of driver involvement there are few performance hatchbacks - and even sports cars - that can rival this Japanese-engineered model.

It may not be as powerful or as quick as many of it's rivals, but the Civic Type R is one hell of a car to drive. It is a car that beckons you to spend as much time as possible in it, because of its superior handling and engine response, but also because of the way it looks.

The Civic Type R is the ultimate drivers car.