In a world of turbo-powered hot hatches, Hondas Civic Type-R dares to stand out in the crowd.By Barry Green
The Type-R is available in one specification only: with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre DOHC i-VTEC engine, coupled with close ratio six-speed manual transmission, that is good for 148 kW of power at 7800 rpm and 193 Nm of torque at 5600 rpm.
Now available in Honda Championship White, the pocket rocket is from the same mould as its S2000 stable mate: this is a car that thrives on revs, so if walking the torque is your thing, then the Type-R is not for you.
It is especially in its element from about 5500 rpm, when the high lift lobes on the i-VTEC cams come to the party with a solid rush and stick around until nearly 8000 rpm. It’s at this point, on your favourite bit of twisty back road, that you appreciate the addition of a Torsen limited slip differential to the 2009 model. The ‘LSD’ diffuses any wheel spin, aiding and abetting what was already impressive grip.
The car’s electric steering is knife-edge sharp and the overall handling makes this one of the more accomplished sporty front wheel drive cars around. But a combination of short suspension travel and low-profile 225/40 tyres on 18-inch alloys has a downside and the resultant rock hard ride quality – when you’re not otherwise focused on its performance benefit – can be hard to live with.
The interior is in keeping with the Type-R’s leading edge racy exterior, with rib-wrapping Alcan Tara sports seats, alloy foot rest/pedal covers/gear knob and stylised doorsill garnish all standard fit. But Type-R is purely a four seater.
In summary, the Honda Civic Type-R is not for everyone. But therein lies much of its appeal: this is a hot hatch with a point of difference.
KEY STATS
PRICE:
$41,990.
SAFETY:
Driver and passenger front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) tyre deflation warning system, parking sensors.
KEY FEATURES:
Power and heated rear vision mirrors, tilt and telescopic leather multi function steering wheel, cruise control, automatic head lights with dusk sensor, front fog lights, dual zone air-conditioning, rain sensing wipers, AM/FM radio with CD player, iPod connectivity.
ENGINE:
2.0-litre DOHC I-VTEC 4-cyl.
MAX. POWER:
148 kW @ 7800 pm.
MAX. TORQUE:
193 Nm @ 5600 rpm.
0-100 km/h:
7.8 s (as tested, two occupants).
FUEL (ADR FIGURE):
9.3-litres/100 km PULP 95 RON (as tested, 10.6).
CRASH RATING:
***** (Euro NCAP).
EMISSIONS RATING:
***1/2
FOR:
Dynamic handling, racy looks and equipment, individualism.
AGAINST:
Harsh ride, limited rear-quarter vision, no full size spare.
