By Otsile Kadiege 

One of Honda’s most iconic cars is the Civic Type R. The nameplate celebrates its 25th years as well as the he launch of the sixth-generation Type R. The new Type R has been engineered to deliver the most exhilarating Civic Type R experience to date, building on a long tradition of performance cars inspired by the spirit of racing.

Ultimate Sports Design 

Honda’s high-performance hatchback has been developed under the model concept of creating the “Ultimate Sports 2.0,” the new Type R builds on sleek and sporty silhouette of the recently revealed Honda Civic e:HEV. To enhance the sportier look and elevate driving performance, the Type R is noticeably lower and wider in stance. The squat form is enhanced through wheel arches that flare out over lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, shod with bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. 

The large lower grille of the front bumper is said to maximise airflow to the engine, and works in unison with the new, subtle bonnet that now features a vent to again maximise airflow around the front end.

Other design details that help maximise aerodynamics include the large aperture vents behind the front wheels and a new, larger rear diffuser that is integrated directly into the under-floor – itself shaped to work in unison with the bodywork above.

The dramatic and somewhat signature new rear spoiler design further contributes to downforce generation and has been angled rearward to suppress air resistance. Supported by new aluminium die-cast mounts, the rear wing sits lower but wider than the previous model, accentuating the sleek new roofline and wider stance. Another signature design feature are the centred triple-exhausts. 

Body paints include the historic Championship White revered by Honda Type R enthusiasts, in addition to a solid Rallye Red, as well as Racing Blue, Crystal Black and Sonic Grey Pearls.

Immersive cockpit

Inside, the new Civic Type R has sporty details which help set it apart from its hybrid siblings. It features chunky but lightweight bucket seats with suede-effect upholstery and ‘Type R’ lettering embossed on the headrests. Despite being performance oriented, Honda claims that the new Civic Type R maintains the high level of comfort, practicality and refinement found within the all-new Civic e:HEV.

Other noteworthy features include a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with a red coloured Honda emblem, red floor mats and foot-wells, Type R badging, a digital instrument cluster with model-specific animations, a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a 12-speaker Bose sound system. 

Also worth noting is Honda’s extensively revised Honda LogR data logger which now combines performance data collected by in-car sensors with a smartphone app to help drivers monitor and record a variety of metrics in real-time. Key features include a stopwatch to record lap times, tyre friction circles that displays the maximum tyre force the vehicle can achieve, 3D vehicle motion display, and an innovative scoring function that helps drivers improve their skills on the track and much more.

Performance

Honda is mum on the new Type R’s power and torque figures of the new Civic Type R however they did say that it is still powered by a more powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder VTEC engine paired to a reworked 6-speed manual transmission. Power is still channelled to the front wheels and it features a mechanical LSD (Limited Slip Differential). 

Stopping power comes in the form of upgraded Brembo braking system retains the two-piece discs from the previous generation for improved feel and longevity. The new car also features enhanced temperature control and air-cooling through an upgraded radiator, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during heavy use. 

The new triple-exhaust design with enhanced sound modulation is said to enhance the aural sensation, further strengthening the driver’s connection with the car.