While every new generation of the Honda Civic is eagerly awaited by many the world over, true fanboys will confess that the variant most anticipated is always the Type R. Since 1997 when the first EK9 Civic Type R debuted, the model has set the standard by which all other Civics and pocket-rockets are measured. And just as the world enjoys the latest 10th-generation Honda compact, the Japanese carmaker has just revealed the newest Type R.
Based on the Honda Civic hatchback, the 2017 Type R promises to take performance to a whole new level. Employing high-strength steel, as well as aluminum in places like the hood, the body is more rigid while being lighter by roughly 16kg versus the previous iteration. These help improve handling as well as steering response and overall agility. And of course, performance is greatly improved.
At the heart of the new Honda Civic Type R is a 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder mill featuring Honda’s vaunted i-VTEC variable valve timing and lift electronic control. The potent engine makes a whopping 306hp at 6,500rpm and 400Nm from between 2,500 to 4,500 revs. It is mated to a short-shifting 6-speed manual that boasts rev matching and automatic throttle blips. These make for smooth shifts and blistering acceleration.
Besides offering lightning-quick sprints, the latest 10th-gen Civic provides the ideal platform to further tweak the Type R for motoring nirvana. The car receives model-specific spring, bushing, and damper tuning, a Dual-Axis front suspension, along with aluminum steering knuckles and lower arms. Honda even threw in four-wheel adaptive suspension, dual pinion variable gear ratio steering rack, and helical limited front slip differential. The result promises to be razor-sharp reflexes that can run with the best of them and take the Type R even higher in terms of cult status.
Washing off all that speed need not be a problem, thanks to Brembo aluminum 4-pot caliper and cross-drilled equipped brakes. And when the driver gets on the boil once again, he can choose between three driving modes—Comfort, Sport, and +R. Each one can adjust steering, Vehicle Stability Assist, throttle response, rev matching, and even Adaptive Suspension settings to suit one’s style.
Apart from being a willing and able track and street weapon, the new Civic Type is likewise loaded with the latest connectivity and creature comforts to pamper occupants during those themes when they just want to chill. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 7-inch touchscreen interface, a 540-watt 12-speaker audio system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and Type R driving meter are just some of the goodies that complete the Type R experience.
The 2017 Honda Civic Type R made its global debut at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show.
