Honda needs the Honda Civic Type R to be really good. The company is currently stuck in a product vacuum with very few products to surprise automobile enthusiasts. The Japanese company has been trading water for quite some time, mainly due to the lack of decent Type R products and the major delay of the NSX supercar slayer.
The latest Honda Civic Type R is an indicator of bright upcoming things. It was first unveiled at the Geneva car show after incessant concept cars and prototype, this car will finally launch in summer. However, does is have what it takes to dislodge other rivals in its class? How does the new turbocharging comply with the VTEC revving?
Firstly, you need to make up your mind on the gaudy styling but no doubt, there is serious engineering at the heart of the Honda Civic Type R. Honda has called it ‘race car for the road’. The swollen wheel-arches are bespoke in nature and they are crafted from aluminum in order to reduce 42% weight compared with if they were made from steel.
In brief, this is Honda’s first turbocharged Type R in history. The VTEC variable valve lining and the lift has been retained but it is now helped by a large single blower in order to ram more air into the 1966cc four-pot. The raw figures reveal 306bhp at 6500rpm and 295lb.ft of torque, generated in a broad range of 2500-4500rpm.
When you approach the new 2015 Honda Civic Type R, it will take some time to digest the exterior brutality. The first impression continues inside as you get to settle into nicely upholstered, alcantara racing buckets. After taking a seat, most drivers will discover an immediately focused driving position.
It comes with a good, chunky sports steering wheel with a perfect positioning of the aluminum gearknob. You are in for a good ride if this matches the tactility of Type R gear-changes of yoke. There is a digital read-out located high up in your line of sight along with a group of conventional dials located below.
It has a large touchscreen in the center console with a separate heating display located further down. If you don’t like sporty, bright red color palettes, you better avert your eyes.
When it comes to the performance, the Honda Civic Type R goes 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and the top speed sounds politically incorrect at 167mph. Press the starter button and the 2.0 liter four-pot fires into existence with little jubilance.