Honda Civic Type R 2020

Honda Philippines initially showcased the Honda Civic Type R in the 2017 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) and did not confirm the introduction of the model until July 11, 2017. Initially, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) was only going to bring in 100 units of the high-performance model, but after the demand for the Type R overcame the 100 unit supply, HCPI decided to bring in another 100 units to market. 

Designated as the FK8, the new Type R features an all-new chassis that is in line with the new Civic that comes in either a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatchback in other countries. Honda has decided to make the FK8 Type R a hatchback, hence its K designation, rather than the C designation that the Civic sedans have. Chassis codes aside, the front and rear suspension features fully independent units all around, but with one key difference that sets apart this high-performance model from regular consumer variants. The front suspension features Honda's highly engineered dual-axis strut front suspension that can only be found on the Type R. The rear features a multi-link suspension that has a higher spring rate than normal models in the lineup. An active damper system also works in tandem with the multiple driving modes on offer for the model. Honda has also outfitted this model with cross-drilled Brembo brakes for the front wheels. The vehicle rolls on a set of 20-inch alloy wheels that allow the driver for more steering feel and stiffness.

The engine in the Civic Type R is the K20C1 motor from the Honda stable. It's a DOHC turbocharged motor that produces 306 hp with 400 Nm of torque. The engine layout of the Type R is transversely-mounted and outputs power to the front wheels.

The Honda Civic Type R is a driver's car. Acceleration and handling are superb for the front-wheel-drive record-breaker from Honda. Steering is point and shoot. Turning into corners is sharp and precise. The manual transmission also improves driver involvement immensely, while the assists make driving the modern Honda easy whether in traffic, out of town, or even on the race track. Even if the Civic has grown in size, improvements, and engineering that Honda has integrated into the Civic Type R helps make it handle lightly. Power from the 2.0L turbocharged motor is ample for the body of the Type R. With 306 hp on tap and 400 Nm of torque, the hot hatchback accelerates hardily in a straight line and pulls hard out of corners with all the torque coming from its motor. 

The cockpit of the Honda Civic Type R comes with a plethora of screens and displays that allow drivers to digest information and interact with maps and media. The infotainment system sits in the center screen, and it comes in at 7 inches in size with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touch screen system connects through Bluetooth, USB, and HDMI. Audio is routed to a set of 8 speakers that round out the media experience. The gauge cluster is all-digital and can showcase different information with regards to performance such as boost, and even a shift indicator to help wring out the turbocharged motor to its full potential. 

Other technology features in the Type R include Dual Zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push start, rear parking sensors, a backup camera, brake hold, cruise control, and several drive modes to select that influence the driving characteristics for the ride and handling of the vehicle. 

The exterior of the Honda Civic Type R is radical and features many bits of black plastic that help create contrast and depth to what would otherwise be a normal Civic hatchback. Upfront, the Civic features a black grille with Type R badging, and surrounding this piece is a pair of LED headlamps and foglamps. Brake ducts also can be found to the side of this bumper and help cool the large cross-drilled Brembo brakes. The front clip is very wide and much more muscular than that of the normal, non-type R variants. It features a widened stance made possible by the 20-inch wheels and wider front fenders that add some nice bulk to the model. Also included are the black lips found in the front, rear and side. The side profile of the Civic Type R is different from its sedan counterpart, mainly because of its hatchback design. It does not feature a trunk, but it has a liftgate that follows the fastback shape that honda wants for its vehicles. The rear is also filled with many bits of bodywork that are not just for show. The Civic gets a set of vortex generators that direct moving air to the big spoiler at the back for more downforce. Below this large wing sits a small complementary spoiler that helps redirect air away from the rear hatch as well. Below this sits the tri-tip exhaust, which is surrounded by the rear diffuser, which only cements this hot hatch's motif of extreme and radical styling. 

The interior of the Type R has many elements of red sprinkles all over the cabin. Trim pieces are red, and so are the seats that also feature extra bolstering and support for when drivers feel the need to fling this vehicle hard into corners. The seatbelts also receive a splash of color which is also in red, and the color has carried onto the rest of the telemetry and infotainment screens, in order to keep with the theme. Seating is ample and is not that different from a normal Honda Civic. Space is adequate for 5 passengers, and cargo is also on the larger size, meaning no compromise is really made for practicality. Generous amounts of storage may also be found throughout the cabin, with the center console housing a large volume for miscellaneous items. 

The Civic Type R's pro is undoubtedly its excellent on-road performance with its sharp handling and better than average acceleration and driver involvement features like its manual transmission. Even though it is a high-performance model, the ride is not as stiff and rather comfortable even if it rolls on a set of 20-inch alloy wheels. Being a Civic, the unit also features good space and practicality for all passengers and cargo. Being a hatchback means that cargo access is plentiful, and cargo space is on the larger side of the spectrum. 

For the cons of the Type R, the styling is a little over the top for most people who want a more subtle look, though this works in favor of the model since it is an extreme take on the Civic. Even while performance is a high point for the Civic Type R, the engine is a little too quiet and doesn't inspire as much because of its timid sound.