Honda has launched a sporty Type R version of its Civic sedan in Japan, describing it as “a pure sports edition of the Civic with further enhanced driving performance”. The new model went on sale today (Friday 30 March).
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Honda offered Type R versions of the previous generation three-door hatchback model, built at its Swindon, UK, plant and widely exported to other markets, including Japan, but not the US, where Honda has never launched the Type R premium sporting brand. That market was instead offered a milder UK-built three-door Si, with a less powerful two-litre i-VTEC engine and less overtly sporting body and interior trim. That model has now been replaced by a locally-built two-door Civic coupe.
A Honda UK spokeswoman told just-auto today the unit had just launched a new-generation Type R three-door hatch here at the beginning of March but there were no plans to export that to Japan or the new Japanese-market sedan equivalent to Europe.
Honda UK also said Japan had no plans to export the Type R sedan but just-auto expects the model would do well in the US, particularly on the west coast where sporty models from the Japanese brands are popular and aftermarket customising of models such as the Civic is common.
Honda sells its current UK-built Civic hatchback line only in Europe (small numbers of Japanese-built Hybrid sedans excepted) while the rest of the world gets sedans and coupes assembled in a number of countries including the US, Canada, Japan and Thailand.
Referring to the new Type R sedan, Honda Japan said: “This new Civic Type R was developed to make the driver feel at one with the car for the ultimate driving experience in all driving conditions, including on circuits.”
It has a “specially tuned” 165kW (at 8,000rpm!) two-litre normally aspirated engine matched to a six-speed manual transmission with optimised gear ratios said to offer superior accelerations at high speeds, “providing exhilarating performance”. New features include a highly rigid aluminium transmission case while the addition of a baffle plate that helps prevent oil starvation at high cornering speeds.
A higher compression ratio and improved breathing efficiency help the engine rev so high – maximum torque of 215Nm is developed at 6,100 rpm.
Drive-By-Wire (DBW) provides for finer tuning of throttle response and power output. What Honda calls “NSX production methods” ( a reference to its top-line, hand-built, luxury two-seat sports car) contribute to smoother port surfacing, improving intake/exhaust airflow. Optimum tuning of intake and exhaust manifolds provides for high output at high engine speed while also improving torque characteristics over a broad engine speed range.
A lighter, more rigid body shell, specially tuned suspension, 18-inch tyres and large 17-inch front disc brakes are also specified. Newly developed aerodynamic devices further enhance high-speed performance while giving the wide and low form a more aggressive look, Honda said, adding: “Front bucket seats, a unique instrument panel and other performance accessories contribute to an easier and more responsive drive.”
The automaker said its Type R models are specially tuned to take full advantage of the potential of the base model and provide a racing car-like driving feel. First offered on the NSX in 1992, the Type R range was extended to the Integra in 1995, and the Civic in 1997.
The new aerodynamic devices include a large air intake in the front bumper and grille, a rear bumper with built-in rear diffuser, a high-mount rear spoiler, and extended side sill garnishes.
Specifically designed engine hood and front fenders, a specially designed shiny black chromed front grille bar, headlight sub-reflector and Civic emblem design also distinguish the Type R from lesser models.
Honda said the overall black colour scheme gives the interior a racing car-like appearance. Front bucket seats were specially designed for the Type R with separate centre/side construction with high side bolsters and optimised cushion rates to help hold the body in place under fast cornering.
The multiplex i-VTEC engine rev counter alerts the driver that engine speed is approaching maximum allowed revolutions. It is self-illuminated, lit with red flashing lights and strategically located for minimum eye movement in circuit and other high speed driving conditions.
Other performance-oriented features include a small-diameter, genuine leather oval steering wheel, an aluminium ball-type shift knob, a short stroke sports shift linkage, metal sports-type pedals and footrest, and a separate, button-type engine starter.
Graeme Roberts
