Honda Civic Type-R

The Honda Civic Type R boasts a stylish black and red cabin design that is both performance-oriented and functional. Its seats are made with a red suede upholstery that flaunts the Type R logo. Its front Type R bucket seats offer good ergonomics for the driver and the co-pilot. These seats have sliding and reclining features, while the driver’s has an exclusive height adjuster function.

Aside from these, drivers are given a 3-spoke Alcantara steering wheel as well as an aluminum shift knob, giving them exciting racing-like steering and shifting experiences. For real-time monitoring of current driving conditions, drivers also have access to a 10.2-inch full color TFT instrument cluster.

Meanwhile, all passengers can enjoy a 9-inch touchscreen audio display with a navigation feature that offers wired Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. The infotainment system is linked to a premium 12-speaker Bose sound system for high-quality acoustics inside the vehicle. The Civic Type R also has an above average trunk space and a generous leg room at the second row. However, it lacks adequate rear headroom for taller passengers who will be seated at the second row.

The latest generation of the Honda Civic Type R is given a more elegant look compared to its more aggressive-looking predecessor, the FK8. At the front, it sports a blacked-out Type R front bumper with a spoiler as well as brake cooling vents, all of which give it an intimidating expression while on the road. It also offers premium LED lighting through head lights that have auto leveling and auto on and off features and clean DRLs. Additionally, like its predecessor, it is also given a functional hood vent that helps the car blow some steam off especially when running at a high performance. Also, don’t forget the red front and rear Honda badges, which separate you from the rest of the other Civics.

On the sides, it also has high-gloss black window trims, door mirrors, and side sill garnishes that blend majestically with its body color. Trailing behind this vehicle, you’ll notice its unique-looking LED taillamp with a continuous strip shape as well as its eye-catching triple exhaust system with a tailpipe finisher. It also flexes a blacked-out rear bumper and diffuser. Its rear still embodies the Type R assertiveness despite being tamed-down in terms of aggressive-looking sporty exterior features. 

This time, the latest model of the Honda Civic Type R comes with a functional Type R wing tailgate spoiler that improves its overall aerodynamics. This hot hatch runs on 19-inch matte black alloy wheels. Overall, the build of the latest Type R masterfully balances styling and functionality. 

The Honda Civic Type R is 4,593 mm in length, 1,890 mm in width, and 1,407 mm in height. It has a 2,735 mm wheelbase and 123 mm ground clearance.

The Honda Civic Type R utilizes a suspension combination of a Dual Axis Strut Suspension at the front and a Multi Link at the rear. Its suspension system is equipped with an adaptive hamper system with a sensor, allowing it to absorb bumps and other road imperfections. It can run smoothly on uneven concrete pavements. That said, you’ll have a relatively comfortable cruising experience with the Type R. One flaw when it comes to its suspension, however, is that it makes the vehicle’s maneuvering or turning at low speeds quite stiff. Well, it is still a performance-oriented car at the end of the day.

The Honda Civic Type R is powered by a 2L, 16-valve, in-line 4-cylinder, DOHC VTEC, turbocharged engine that produces a maximum power output of 320 PS and a maximum torque of 420 Nm. It runs on 6-speed manual transmission and offers four driving modes: + R, Sport, Comfort, and Individual. 

This hot hatch runs well both on city roads and highways. It has good fuel economy. Hence, it is a feasible daily driver in the city. When you hit the gas, you’ll definitely hear the eargasmic roar of its turbocharged engine. But, it is also relatively quiet and peaceful inside when you’re just driving at moderate speeds. The Civic Type R offers one of the easiest and smoothest manual transmissions in the market.

Similar to its siblings, the Honda Civic Type R is also equipped with the brand’s advanced driver assistance systems through its Sensing. This includes adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, forward collision warning, lane keep assist system, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, and auto high beam. It is also equipped with standard safety and security features. 

In terms of braking, it utilizes a Brembo 350 mm Ventilated Disc at the front and a 305 mm Disc at the rear. Its braking is pretty responsive and safely-secured through an anti-lock braking system and electronic brakeforce distribution.

Even though the Honda Civic Type R is pricey for a 4-seater vehicle, its reputation, outstanding performance, and world-renowned manual transmission system just place it on a different level compared to its nearest rivals in the market. These qualities make it all the more worth securing a unit before it sells out in the Philippines.