The Honda Civic Type R needs no introduction.
The Japanese carmaker is heating up the hot-hatch segment once again, this time with its sixth-generation model.
Adam Gray recently got behind the wheel of the latest Type R to see if it was worth the hype.
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Honda Civic Type R design
On the outside, this Honda Civic Type R looks slightly more reserved than its lairy-looking predecessor.
It still has that familiar triple exhaust setup and a new large touring-car-style rear wing.
But those tacked-on aero bits are gone.
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Instead, the panels have a new smooth yet muscular look to them.
Wider and lower than the standard Civic, the Type R sits on 19-inch alloys wrapped in Michelin rubber.
Interior
There’s lots of styling carried over from the base car, like the air vents, nine-inch touchscreen infotainment and climate controls.
But the suede trimmed steering wheel and teardrop aluminum gear lever remind you of where you are.
Oh, and those bright red bucket seats covered in suede are probably the best there is.
Other Type R-specific features include a car build number badge and a +R drive mode button.
There’s now a fully digital dial setup, which changes depending on the drive mode you’re in, with F1-style gear shift lights added above the display.
Another noticeable difference compared to the standard Civic is the fact the Type R doesn’t have a center back seat, instead, it’s got two cupholders.
Honda Civic Type R price
This is where the Honda Civic Type R might struggle.
The model tested had a sticker price of $57,359 (£47,645).
It won’t be as fast on the track, but you could get a Volkswagen GTI for quite a chunk less – and it’d still be huge fun to drive.
Performance
The beating heart of the new Honda Civic Type R is its two-liter, four-cylinder VTEC turbo engine.
It’s an upgraded version of the outgoing cars’s powerplant, producing a potent 325bhp and 308 lb-ft of torque, capable of 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in 5.4 seconds.
The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, optimized by a rev match control system for precise gear changes.
Honda Civic Type R verdict
There’s a strong possibility the new Honda Civic Type R will go down in history as one of the greatest hot hatches in the world.
Its eye-watering price tag really is the only thing letting it down.
Will it be enough to put the Type R fanboys off, though? Only time will tell.
