FirstDrive: Honda Civic Type RThe Honda Civic has always been something of a Jekyll and Hyde model. One the one hand you got the sensible five-door family hatchback; on the other a sporty three-door that was loved by young single motorists, particularly males.
Where other brands merely offered a three-door as a cheaper alternative, Honda managed to give their lesser-doored versions a premium racing look.
To top the ranks, Honda then offered a brain frazzling Type R version of these three-door models, a version that became a collectors item for owners and a pin-up for young car fans. Unfortunately those two additions to the Civic name also had the ability to set alarm bells ringing in insurance companies.
In motoring circles the Type R always causes a stir and its return this April/May will be warmly welcomed by the hot hatch fans.
Thanks to the 2-litre engine and a retuned chassis, it claims a top speed of 235 km/h and a 0-100km/h marking of 6.6 seconds. Admittedly, the new car is not all about raw power and several comfort features are carried over from the five-door version.
These include air conditioning, a better audio system and more sound isolating materials, none of which were available in the first generation Type R. Yet it still retains its raw driving appeal. Top among its traits is a really sporty chassis set-up (with 20mm wider rear track than the calmer versions of this car).
In terms of aesthetics, the Type R stands out through its front and rear skirts, a rear spoiler plus a radiator grille with an enlarged air intake. Type R logos on the front brake callipers enhance the look.
The new Civic is heavier than its predecessor (100 kgs more), but the evolution of Honda's i-VTEC system offsets any derived loss in performance.
The improved VTEC system means the power curve now continues upwards through 5,400rpm and on to 8,000 rpm.
On the other hand, 90 per cent of the peak torque is available from just 2,500rpm, an engineering accomplishment for a normally aspirated engine.
The driver is informed of the cam change via an i-VTEC indicator just to the right of the digital speedometer.
Improved aerodynamics, combined with a gear ratio that makes better use of the high-revving engine completes the extra work on the Type R powertrain.
The six-speed manual transmission is unusually smooth and light for a compact sports hatch, though it could be criticised by purists for lacking the true racing feel that Type R aficianados crave.
The Type R also introduces extra strengthening in the forward floor area, around the upper suspension mountings, and across the front of the engine bay to provide the more responsive handling. These little tweaks may seem relatively trivial but we certainly noted the difference.
The end result is handling that's predictable and fun, showing an impressive stability and a surprising level of comfort for a car in this class. Steering, on the other hand, proves to be communicative and sharp, but one of the handling highlights is the non-intrusive and effective intervention of ESP and traction control.
Before starting the button (and illogically inserting the ignition key) the driver feels nicely embraced by the three-dimensional facia, although the relatively high seating position and the insufficient steering height adjustment generate a less than perfect driving position.
This sprinting hatch will be produced in Swindon and there are plans for a stripped down version of the "R" that will weigh 40kgs less. The "naked" Type R has no audio system, rear load cover, air conditioning or engine undercover noise insulation material and provides a solid base for a racing version prepared by JAS Motorsport.
The Type R manages to marry raw racing appeal with some home comforts. The name may not be well known outside car circles, but this car secures its position as a premium pin-up of the hot hatch generation.
Factfile
Civic Type R - 2.0 i-VTEC
Engine:1998cc, DOHC petrol
Power:201bhp @ 7,800rpm
Torque:192Nm @ 5,600rpm
Top speed:235km/h
0-100km/h:6.6 seconds
Fuel consumption (Combined):9.1L/100km (31 mpg)
CO2:215 g/km
Arrival:April/May
Price:€35,000 to €38,000
Expected Irish sales:35 to 40