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Video: new Honda Civic Type R
Let Rory be your guide to the all-new Honda Civic Type R and the latest in a long line of hot hatch heroes from the Japanese brand
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 24 August 2022 | 0 min read
The Honda Civic Type R is a giant in the hot hatch world and has, over 25 years and six generations, evolved into a true wild child, with ever more extreme performance and looks. An enduring favourite with enthusiast drivers, the good news is that while Honda – like everyone else – is busy electrifying its range it’s still found time to have one last crack of the purely petrol-powered whip with an all new Type R version of its latest Civic. And Rory’s been lucky enough to get an early look at it!
So, what’s new? Well, the new Type R steps back from the … confrontational styling of its predecessor with a relatively toned-down look stripped of the vents and pumped up bodywork of the last car. Not to say it doesn’t look purposeful, mind. As Rory explains, what scoops remain are properly functional and used to cool hard working brakes and reduce turbulence along the sides of the car for reduced drag and improved performance. And, of course, while it may be a bit smaller than before there is still a rear wing! Buy a Civic Type R on Auto Trader
So, what’s new? Well, the new Type R steps back from the … confrontational styling of its predecessor with a relatively toned-down look stripped of the vents and pumped up bodywork of the last car. Not to say it doesn’t look purposeful, mind. As Rory explains, what scoops remain are properly functional and used to cool hard working brakes and reduce turbulence along the sides of the car for reduced drag and improved performance. And, of course, while it may be a bit smaller than before there is still a rear wing! Buy a Civic Type R on Auto Trader
Under the skin the new Type R is more evolutionary than revolutionary, but that’s no bad thing given how good the previous one was to drive. The engine is an updated version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol motor used in the last car, with a revised turbo for more power. How much power exactly Honda isn’t saying yet but, given the last one had 320 horsepower, you can be sure it will be a worthwhile hike over that. Unusually in this day and age the Type R also sticks with a manual transmission, something that will please long-time fans on the basis Honda’s gearboxes have traditionally been among the best in the business.
Other Type R constants carried over to the new car also include the heavily sculpted sports seats, bright red interior and multiple driver modes with the signature +R setting for when you’re really pressing on. A new digital instrument cluster meanwhile serves different displays according to which of these modes you’re in, prioritising the information you need whether you’re on the commute or hanging it out on the race track. Which is where Honda really wants owners to enjoy their cars, given the effort it’s putting in chasing lap records at legendary circuits like Suzuka in Japan and the Nürburgring in Germany. To help you do the same a host of new displays, including a gaming style ‘scoring’ function, can record your performance to help you improve further and slash those vital seconds from your lap time. Rory clearly can’t wait to get a go with the new Civic Type R, and who can blame him. Rest assured he’ll be putting it through its paces for a full review at the earliest opportunity but, in the meantime, if you like this video make sure you hit like and then subscribe for more great content like this.
Other Type R constants carried over to the new car also include the heavily sculpted sports seats, bright red interior and multiple driver modes with the signature +R setting for when you’re really pressing on. A new digital instrument cluster meanwhile serves different displays according to which of these modes you’re in, prioritising the information you need whether you’re on the commute or hanging it out on the race track. Which is where Honda really wants owners to enjoy their cars, given the effort it’s putting in chasing lap records at legendary circuits like Suzuka in Japan and the Nürburgring in Germany. To help you do the same a host of new displays, including a gaming style ‘scoring’ function, can record your performance to help you improve further and slash those vital seconds from your lap time. Rory clearly can’t wait to get a go with the new Civic Type R, and who can blame him. Rest assured he’ll be putting it through its paces for a full review at the earliest opportunity but, in the meantime, if you like this video make sure you hit like and then subscribe for more great content like this.
