The Honda Type R has made a triumphant return to South Africa, and it’s better than ever. Boasting the iconic red badge, the 11th-generation Civic Type R has been engineered to be the fastest and most powerful yet. This performance hatchback is a celebration of Honda’s 25 years of producing high-performance vehicles and 50 years of the Civic but it comes with an eyewatering pricetag.
With a human-centred approach to design, the Type R has been refined to perfection, with integrated design enhancements that not only look sporty but also provide aerodynamic benefits. The car is lower and wider than the standard Civic, with a new rear spoiler design accentuating the sleek roofline and contributing to the car’s aerodynamic performance and muscular appearance.
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The Honda Civic Type R is equipped with lightweight components and an increase in power from its 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, resulting in one of the highest power-to-weight ratios in its class. With 235 kW of power and 420 N.m of torque, the new Type R has increased power compared to its predecessor, and torque has also been boosted. The power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching control.
The interior of the Type R has been designed to enhance the excitement of driving. The driver is positioned 8 mm lower than in the previous Civic Type R, creating an immersive feel further accentuated by the body-hugging seats. The cabin has been designed to enable high levels of concentration from the driver during intense driving experiences, with essential controls placed within easy reach, and the main information display positioned centrally to allow the driver to maintain focus on the road.
With pre-set driver modes and a new Individual mode that enables customization for drivers, the Honda Civic Type R is a performance-packed hatchback that maintains the high level of comfort, practicality and everyday usability that is the hallmark of the standard Civic. The ferocious Japanese hatchback that’s been purpose-built for serious driving enthusiasts comes at a price though. The latest epitome of hot hatch performance will come in just under a million rand and while it may seem steep, the Type R is said to deliver exceptional handling and power that will leave driving enthusiasts grinning from ear to ear.
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But what sets the Type R apart is that it doesn’t sacrifice comfort and practicality for performance, making it just as easy to navigate around town as it is to hit the track. With ample space and advanced technology, the Type R truly offers the best of both worlds for those seeking a performance-driven vehicle without sacrificing everyday usability.
Honda Civic Type R pricing
Honda Civic Type R – R979 000
Also read: Honda releases OEM goodies galore for the new 2023 Type R
