Honda Civic Type-R

Once you slide into the cabin, your eyes will be drawn to the driver-centric instrument cluster. The 7-inch full-color TFT is the background for the multi-functional three-spoke steering wheel clad in matching faux leather and red accent. The center console features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and iPhone connectivity which is located just under the AC vents. Down below is the gearbox that features a titanium shift knob and controls for the auto brake hold, electric parking brake, and the three-mode drive system switch. The driver and front passenger bucket seats add to the ultimate race car feels. The rear seat, on the other hand, can accommodate 3 passengers but is ideal for 2 persons as there is a folding center armrest with 60:40 split seats. Though there is enough leg space at the rear seat, the sloping roofline of the hatch restricts the headroom for taller passengers which is just at 37.4 inches as compared to the front headroom at 39.3 inches.

The Honda Civic Type-R features an in your face race car design. Imbibing the spirit of racing, this Civic race car has a very sporty exterior that features the signature Type R front grille flanked by LED headlights with DRL and fog lights. The front bumper has a carbon-fiber splitter with red accents. On the side is a matching custom side skirt with a carbon fiber effect and the same red trim design. The rear is very impressive with its massive Type R wing spoiler, under spoiler, vortex generator, and rear bumper with diffuser. This Honda racing hatch rides on a set of signature Type R 20-inch black aluminum wheels wrapped in 245 / 30 ZR20 rubber.

Though this Civic is awesome on track and paved roads, it will not be our first choice for long trips or for exploring the outdoors. For one, the big wheels and low ground clearance means big thumps on bumpy, unpaved roads. The loud, unimpressive sound can be an earful on long trips. Given that the Type-R has a new Active Sound Control which is supposed to enhance the natural sound of the engine, well, let’s just say the engine of the Type-R is not hitting the right notes and the sound it amplifies can be annoying. Other than that, the Type-R is very agile and easy to maneuver, perfect for city and highway cruising. The advance suspension system coupled with the adaptive damper system and agile handling assist, the Honda Civic Type-R delivers a smooth and stable drive.

The Honda Civic Type-R is equipped with a 2.0-litre in-line 4-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC VTEC Turbo Earth Dreams technology direct-injection engine that delivers a maximum output of 310 PS at 6,500 rpm and peak torque of 400 Nm at 2,500 – 4,500 rpm. The Euro 4 compliant premium gasoline engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a rev-matching function that uses a dual-pinion variable-ratio Electric Power-Assisted (EPS) rack-and-pinion steering gear. The Type-R also boasts of 3 driving modes: +R Mode, Sports Mode, and Comfort Mode that control features like the active damper system, steering, throttle, and vehicle stability to deliver the perfect ride on any terrain. The +R Mode is specifically designed for when you want to race on the track as it enhances the vehicle’s responsiveness and steering firmness for better control of the vehicle. The Comfort mode is best for relaxed drives and cruising on highways while the Sport mode is advisable for everyday driving. When it comes to fuel efficiency, this Honda racing vehicle can go 22 mpg or 9.35 kmpl on the city and 28 mpg or 11.9 kmpl on the highway, for a combined driving mileage of 25 mpg or 10.63 kmpl.

When it comes to safety specs, this Japanese racing hatchback is fitted with a braking system suited for its race car features. The brakes are a combination of Brembo ventilated disc and drilled disc with 4-piston caliper at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear. For passive and active safety systems, the Type-R comes loaded. It is equipped with not just two but complete with driver and front passenger airbags, driver and front passenger-side airbags, and curtain airbags, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, the anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution (ABS with EBD), ISOFIX child seat anchor, speed-sensing door lock, multi-view reverse camera with dynamic guidelines, cruise control, security alarm and engine immobilizer, and smart entry with walk-away auto-lock.

For some, race car designs are an acquired taste. The design might be over the top but if you have a penchant for speed or are an adrenaline junky, the Honda Civic Type-R will definitely give you that burning tire smell on the track and loud roar of the engine. It’s an amalgamation of powerful performance and a comfortable drive without sacrificing practicality. The small details and enhancements on this hatchback are also very impressive. Finding fault on this hatch beauty is simply nitpicking.