After a long wait and lots of speculation, Honda Civic Type R has finally been unveiled at the Geneva Stage. This angry hot hatch is the fifth iteration to wear the ‘Type R’ badge and is based on the tenth generation Civic.
The Civic Type R doesn’t sway too far from the concept showcased at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. Under all the aggressive bodywork is a 2.0-litre VTEC four-cylinder turbocharged to pushing out 315bhp and 400Nm. And contradictory to the earlier rumours, the Type R maintains the six-speed manual gearbox. Thanks to ECU mapping and optimised engine control, Honda claims that throttle response and driveability has improved over the outgoing car.
A limited sleep differential will keep power in check in the front-wheel-drive setup, with a revised Macpherson strut suspension up front and independent multi-link at the rear, with the overall torsional rigidity improved by 38 per cent. The three driving modes – Comfort, Sport and a track-focused ‘R+’, can alter the steering, damping, throttle response, and transmission control, as well as traction control systems. Breaking responsibilities are taken care by a high-performance Brembo. The aerodynamic is improved over the previous car as Honda has gone all bonkers with the air vents, splitters, diffusers and a large rear wing. The aggressive body stance lends a “best-in-class balance between lift and drag” according to the Japanese manufacturer. The large 20-inch wheels and three centre-mounted exhaust tips add sporty character.
The new gen Civic Type R will be built exclusively in the Honda’s Swindon plant in the UK and will be exported worldwide including Japan and United States. When it hits the roads later this year, the Type R will continue its fray with the likes of Volkswagen Golf R and Ford Focus RS.
