Honda Civic Type R
Honda has now introduced the Civic Type-R. It is a huge step up from is noisy, rough-rider predecessor. The new hatch is much better suited to daily living and usage. Make no mistake, just because the Type-R is more suitable to daily is, doesn’t mean that it’s lost anything on performance.
The 2.0-litre, i-VTEC engine can still provide 198bhp. She goes 0-60 in 6.6 seconds and tops out at 146mph. Maximum torque has been improved to peak at 5,600 rpm and acceleration has improved to a much quicker feel.
This new Civic only has the 3 door design. Buyers can choose the standard or GT specs. The GT pack includes: side curtain airbags, dual zone climate control, front fog lights, cruise control, automatic headlights, lockable glove box, and power folding door mirrors. As always, Honda is known for quality, reliable cars. The improvements to the Civic Type-R were made based on customer surveys, and not on any serious complaints about the previous model.
The VTEC engine has proven to be strong and reliable according to Honda. The power steering system in the Civic Type-R is solid and has a grounded feel. The driver can enjoy a continual sense of control and touch between the front wheels and the road. The steering system is unique to this model and does not occur in other Civics. Power delivery is smooth and light, not too front end heavy as compared to similar systems in competitors.
The Type-R has a much lighter feel and it really has some zip compared to some of its competitors. The Type-R rides lower than most Civics; 15mm in fact, its rear track is 20mm wider than what can be found in the 5-door Civics. The Type-R has torsion-beam rear suspension, providing for better cornering stability more boot space. It has extra fortifications on the front suspension, steer box mountings, and underside.
The new Type-R with its variable-valve engine provides for a much smoother, exciting drive. The VTEC responds at much lower speeds than the earlier model Type-R. Formerly dull drives are a thing of the past with this new Civic. Power delivery to the wheels has been improved with the shorter throw gear lever in the 6 speed manual transmission, there’s a new electronic wire driven throttle and a lower sixth gear final drive ratio.
The Civic has received a four star rating from Euro NCAP for overall occupant safety. It received four stars for child protection and three stars for pedestrian protection. Side and front airbags come standard, but with the GT specification curtain airbags are included. The car includes four 3-point seatbelts, two in front, and two in back, and on the front seatbelts there are pre-tensioners and Isofix child seat mounting points.
The Civic Type-R comes with the standard ABS and brakeforce distribution. The VSA stability control has been tuned just for this model, allowing more control to the driver before the electronic controls kick-in. It can be turned off with a switch located on the dashboard.
The Civic Type-R is more comfortable and much quieter than earlier models making the long distance trip much more enjoyable. The Type-R features remote central locking, an immobilizer, a Thatcham, Category one alarm and the lockable glove box found only in the GT model.
Written on behalf of Total Fleet Services Van & Car Leasing
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