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Honda Civic Type R review: A Golf R beater at last?
23/09/2024
With almost three decades of production under its belt, Honda’s had plenty of time to perfect the Civic Type R recipe. Vicki Butler-Henderson finds out if the latest FL5 version can hold its own against Germanic rivals.
From the darty, rev-hungry EP3 to the boisterous and lairy FK8, the Civic Type R lineage is littered with all-time great hot hatches. But the red-badged legend hasn’t always hit the mark – the FN2’s ironic blend of space-age styling and outdated internals earned it little praise. So where on the spectrum does the new FL5 fall?
According to Driver Reviews host, Vicki Butler-Henderson, the Type R is off to a strong start. Compared to its forebears the FL5’s exterior styling is mature, restrained… you could even call it subtle. Ok, so the bulging arches, bonnet scoop, and chunky spoiler tell a different story, but the borderline cartoonish lines of earlier iterations are long gone.
The Type R’s cabin is more typically daring. Dropping into the vibrant red bucket seats, Vicki is impressed by the bold crimson accents running into the carpets and the suede-clad sporty steering wheel. And, while the infotainment display isn’t the biggest or most advanced on the market, the Civic’s generous boot and spacious back seats claw back some practicality points.
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But what about the main event? Fear not, the Type R is a riot when you drop the hammer. Sure, the new turbocharged VTEC engine doesn’t have the same theatrical blare as the revs climb and the camshafts switch over, but with 329 bhp and a 5.4 second 0-60 mph dash, it blows Honda’s older engines into the weeds for raw grunt. What’s more, the firm’s signature “military-grade” manual gearbox is reportedly still a treat to row through ratios – a real USP now the Golf’s manual has been axed.
As for the handling, Vicki argues that a firm ride around town pays dividends in the bends. Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres provide a strong foundation for agility, while a low 1500 kg kerbweight and powerful Brembo brakes are a perfect complement. Is it more fun to hustle than a Golf R? Hit the video to find out.
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