Sophistication meets excitement
- First Civic Type R to be launched in SA
- Arresting styling sets Type R apart from the hot hatch crowd
- Introduces new levels of sophistication and tractability
- Exceptional quality and comprehensive safety
- Full house of luxury and convenience features
- New Championship White colour introduced
The Honda Civic Type R is arguably one of the most admired performance hatchbacks in South Africa.
Developed by Honda engineers in Japan and Europe, and manufactured at Honda’s state-of-the-art vehicle plant in Swindon, UK, the all-new Type R combines advanced technology, robust build quality, arresting styling and exceptional interior comfort to deliver an exhilarating motoring experience.
As before, a high-revving i-VTEC 2,0-litre powerplant is at the core of the Type R’s performance package, but the cutting-edge four-cylinder engine has been thoroughly reworked to deliver substantial midrange urge and a wider torque band to boost tractability and drivability.
The gains in midrange power have been achieved without hampering the engine’s free-revving nature, which sees it deliver a maximum output of 148 kW at a dizzying 7 800 r/min. The engine’s intelligent management system switches to high-power VTEC mode at 5 400 r/min, while the rev limiter is set to 8 400 r/min.
Drive to the front wheels is via quick-action, close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox, allowing the driver to make the most of the urge on offer in all driving conditions. The Civic Type R accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6,6 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 235 km/h.
The engine is only one of the stars of the new Civic type R package. While the eye-catching Civic hatchback body forms the basis for the Type R, its three-door iteration ensures even stronger visual appeal.
In addition, a new front grille, lower stance, and an integrated body kit with large rear wing leave no doubts as to the Type R’s athletic demeanour. Large, 18-inch wheels and low-profile tyres complete the performance package.
Under the skin, these visual distinctions are underscored by a substantially reworked suspension that features uprated springs and dampers, together with thicker anti-roll bars, reinforced suspension turrets and stronger front chassis members for impressive overall stiffness and rigidity.
The Civic Type R matches its head-turning exterior to a comprehensively equipped cabin offering unusual space and versatility linked to tactile-quality materials and a cosseting comfort. Highlights include sculpted bucket seats, an aluminium gearknob, alloy pedals and a thick-rimmed steering wheel.
The comprehensive list of standard features ranges from electrically operated windows and exterior mirrors and selective remote central locking to a high-end CD receiver with MP3/WMA compatibility, dual-zone climate control, and satellite controls for the sound system, cruise control and the trip computer on the steering wheel.
As one would expect of a sophisticated performance hatchback, both active and passive safety levels are comprehensively addressed. These include front, side and curtain airbags, a reinforced passenger safety cell, inertia reel seatbelts and head restraints front and rear.
In addition, ABS anti-lock control for the all-disc braking system, and VSA stability control are standard fare.
The Honda Civic Type R was originally available in only two colours – Nighthawk Black and Milano Red – reflecting its exclusive positioning at the top of the Honda Civic range. A third colour – Championship White – now makes its debut alongside the two original hues, adding fresh visual appeal to the hatchback.
The new colour commemorates Honda’s long and distinguished history in motorsport.
