By the time that Honda’s famed Type R badge was officially introduced in South Africa with the arrival of the FN2-generation Civic in 2007, this publication had already run an exclusive preview of what to expect from this hallowed performance division with a test of a specially imported Integra Type R in the January 1999 issue. Now its time for its successor to forge forward as a front-wheel drive marvel.
Looking for something exciting to get the blood pumping? Find it here with CARmag.
Honda Civic Type R Fast Facts
- Price: R999 900
- Engine: 1 996, 4-cyl, turbopetrol
- Power: 235 kW
- Torque: 420 N.m
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, FWD
- 0 – 100 km/h (claimed): 5,5 seconds
- 0 – 100 km/h (tested): 5,79 seconds
- Fastest lap time: 1:12,9
Related: TRACK TEST: Honda Civic Type R – CPS 2024
Acknowledging the crimson red badge with its passionate local following, as a publication we’ve been somewhat frustrated over the years with Civic Type R products; not least for their wild-child exterior styling, but also a traditionally compromised default driving position that isn’t suited to taller drivers. Honda’s stubborn resistance towards turbocharging also saw these cars fall short against competition of the time, such as in the 2008 Performance Shootout.
All was forgiven, though, with the arrival of the new (FL5) generation Civic Type R, as seemingly out of nowhere all our previous reservations (in particular the over-the-top styling) had been addressed. Achieving a best 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5,79 seconds, the latest and probably last of its kind – Type R introduces a solid-feeling and essentially comfortable (red) interior, while sticking to the traditional hot hatch formula of a turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder motor powering the front wheels exclusively via a manual transmission.
Built around a platform that Honda claims is 15 per cent stiffer than that of the previous-generation car, the new Type R introduces several suspension- and damping enhancements aimed at offering a superior default ride quality for road, as well as two firmer settings for other driving conditions – including for tracks.
The Hype
Following an exclusive road test (August 2023) of this limited-edition Honda, where it impressed with its newfound breadth of ability but also segment-defining sharpness, the newest Type R enters this year’s Shootout as a favourite.
Related: TRACK TEST: Renault Megane Trophy 300 EDC – CPS 2024
Thoughts from the Cockpit
What does our guest driver, reigning GR Cup Champion and sim racer, Setshaba Mashigo, think about each of the Shootout cars after some hot laps around Aldo Scribante?
“Of all the cars here, this is the one that I would look to develop into a racing car. It’s just so competent from the outset, which I gather is why so many of the CAR team are drawn to it. The front-end grip, including the wizardry of that limited-slip differential – and, I suspect some default camber – make the Honda really impressive, especially as you look to power out of a corner. The track setting on the dampers is a touch too firm for this track, though.”
Find the full feature in the January 2023 issue of CAR Magazine.
