The Civic Type R needs no introduction, especially to those who show interest in hot hatchbacks. One of its most familiar traits is the VTEC motor under the bonnet. The motor is a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, direct-injection unit producing 228 kW and 400 N.m of torque resulting in it being capable of completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.8s and top out at 272 km/h.
Related: Honda Civic Type R vs Hyundai i30 N vs Golf R –which is the best value for money?
Like with the outgoing model, the Civic Type R allows the driver to select between driving modes which alter the suspension damping, steering assistance and the throttle mapping. The modes are aptly named; Comfort, Sport and +R, the latter being the most aggressive in its settings. The engine, however, is not much different from a used model.
1. Styling
The exterior sees small styling updates applied such as newly designed front and rear bumpers with body-coloured accents. Sitting between the sharp headlights is a slightly larger grille which improves engine cooling. On the interior, the driver benefits from an Alcantara clad steering wheel and a new gear selector nob with a suede shift boot. Further, the occupants gain access to the engine sound under spirited driving conditions via the Active Sound Control system which works through the sound system to naturally enhance the aural experience.
2. Safety and assist systems
Honda's Sensing Suite, which features as standard equipment on the Type R, includes a variety of safety and driver assistant systems. The systems fitted to the Type R encompasses; Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigation Braking System which incorporates Forward Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist and Road Departure Mitigation which incorporates a Lane Departure Warning.
Owners can also expect Vehicle Stability Assist with traction control, 6 airbags, Electronic Brake Distribution and Brake Assist all housed within the Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure.
3. Datalogging
Making its debut is a new performance logger and encompasses three different functions. The first function is called the performance monitor and provides the driver with real-time information such as water and oil temperatures, oil and atmospheric pressures, engine intake air temperature, and gear position. This system also provides real-time G-meter which either display a bowl graph or a 3D model of the vehicle which indicates the pitch, roll and yaw.
Another feature which is design for racetracks and closed courses is the Log Mode. This records each lap of the course by use of the GPS system and the on-board computer and displays a map. The driver's performance in smooth shifting and clutch release as well as acceleration, braking and cornering Gs is indicated in colours varying from green to red. The system is designed to improve driver performance and smooth vehicle operation.
Last but definitely not least is the Auto Score functionality which measures all the combined driving information the vehicle has recorded and compares it against a baseline score of a professional driver. This is accessible through the LogR app available on both Android and Apple devices and gives the driver information on each metric they can improve on.
Recommended next:
