More expensive and less powerful, the Honda Civic Type-R is an interesting offering compared to Ford’s Focus RS. Today we get the final, possibly most important detail for the Type-R, its pricing.
The Type-R is a 2.0L Turbocharged powerhouse, good for 228kW, deploying that power at a rate of 400Nm. When I plug in my postcode (3690) that performance is available from $56,450 (note you may find it cheaper). This doesn’t compare particularly favorably when positioned next to the closest rival, the Ford Focus RS at $55,438 which delivers 257kW through 440Nm of torque through a 2.3L engine.
The Honda certainly looks more aggressive with some crazy track-tested aerodynamics kit, unique triple-exhaust tip at the rear and 20″ black allows standard. Despite the looks, there’s another big issue, the Focus RS is AWD, while the Type-R is RWD.
The Civic features six-speed manual transmission (no automatic option) with rev-matching function and unfortunately is another car shipping in 2017 that forces your shifts through a slow H-pattern gearbox instead of a couple of fast, flappy paddles under the steering wheel.
There’s no doubt the Type-R is fast, securing a hot-hatch record around the Nürburgring Nordschleife, it helps those who can’t afford the NSX get into a performing car with a Honda badge and continue to dream.
The Type R brings a new spring, damper and bushing settings, a new Dual-Axis front suspension set-up with aluminium lower arms and steering knuckles for improved at-the-limit cornering and reduced torque steer, while a new multi-link rear suspension enhances stability under braking. There is also an adaptive dual-pinion electric power steering system with variable gear ratio and a helical limited-slip front differential.
The Honda Civic Type R features with three driving modes: Comfort, Sport (default) and +R. The driver-selectable modes adjust steering and throttle response, transmission rev-matching, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) threshold, and Adaptive Damper System. Honda Civic Type R strikes a fine balance between extreme performance and every day usability.
Inside, the Civic Type-R features Android Auto and Apple’s Car Play, so you can be connected and entertained while you drive in the most comfortable, and lightest, Type R specification sports seats, trimmed in grippy suede-effect fabric. Red accents are used throughout to amplify the performance-feel of the cabin, and each vehicle features a unique Type R serial plate number.
2018 Honda CivicType R Specs
| Engine: | 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo – 228 kW at 6500 rpm / 400 Nm from 2500-4500 rpm |
| Gearbox: | 6-speed manual with rev-matching function |
| Configuration: | Front-wheel drive |
| Drive modes: | Adaptive Dampers with “Comfort”, “Sport” (default) and “R+” modes |
| Braking: | Front – 350 mm ventilated and drilled disc; 4-piston caliper (Brembo) Rear – 305 mm solid disc |
| Exterior:
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Comprehensive aero package 20” Berlina black alloy wheels with 245/30 R20 – Continental SportContact™ 6 |
| Interior: | Striking red and black sports interior Lightweight Type R front sports seats Machined alloy gear knob Class-leading interior space with 414-litre boot capacity |
| Technology:
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Seven-inch colour TFT-LCD Driver Information Interface with shift light function Smart entry with push button start Apple CarPlay®/Android® Auto™ Honda LaneWatch Honda Sensing safety suite |
