Honda has unveiled its new Civic Type R, confirming that it will be sticking to a familiar formula.
The next-gen Type R will make use of an updated version of the same K20-based turbocharged four-cylinder petrol as the outgoing Type R, paired exclusively to a 6-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.
The revised four-cylinder is said to have more power than ever before, although Honda has yet to confirm exactly how much that is. Nor has the brand stated any other performance figures, including 0-100km/h times or top speeds.
The locally sold outgoing Type R produced 228kW of power and 400Nm of torque for reference, the exact same figures Volkswagen’s Mk7 Golf R produced.
Honda did state in its release that the new Type R is designed to be the fastest front-engined front-wheel drive vehicle on the market, adding that the 2.0-litre will outperform all previous generations of Type R.
The Type R is poised to be one of Honda’s final pure internal combustion models before it commits to becoming hybrid only in the coming years.
It’s also set to be one of the last performance cars available in manual only. Some rivals, like the Hyundai i30 N, have added an automatic in order to appeal to a wider range of customers. Others like the Volkswagen Golf GTI and R have scrapped manuals entirely in some markets.
The Type R is based on the revised Civic’s hatchback bodyshell, with the Japanese firm adding in a comprehensive aerodynamic package comprising of spoilers front and rear, a rear diffuser, and a bonnet vent. The model’s styling is much more reserved than the Type R it replaces, and unsurprisingly it produces less drag.
It also features integrated flared arches (which support a wider track), 19-inch wheels (smaller than the 20-inch wheels of the previous model, but in this case paired to wider Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres), and the return of the triple-exit exhaust system.
Under the skin, Honda says it’s worked hard to make the Type R engaging and focused on “the joy of driving”. The brand says it’s focused on three goals; ‘Fastest’, ‘Addictive Feel’, and ‘Secure Feel’.
In its release, Honda boasts that the Type R gets a new rev match control system and “enhanced suspension and steering performance”, adding that the R’s body is “lightweight and highly rigid”. Those thinking the brand is being a little vague on details can expect more thorough updates in the build-up to the vehicle’s launch.
Images from the Civic Type R’s reveal are perhaps more revealing. They show that it gets four-piston Brembo monobloc calipers, with the aforementioned wheels wrapped in larger 265/30 ZR19 rubber.
Inside, the Type R takes the well received cabin of the updated Civic hatch and pairs it to familiar bright red hues on the carpets and seats. The two ‘polyhedral’ front bucket seats come with Type R logos embroidered in the head rests.
Other R touches include red stitching throughout, a numbered plaque on the dashboard, red detailing in the digital cluster, suede arm rests in the doors and on the silver-trimmed centre console, and a red ‘H’ badge on the steering wheel.
The Type R has already been confirmed for the Australian market, with local arrival expected before the end of the year. Pricing and availability has yet to be confirmed.
