For the first time, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) sells the Civic Type R. This is the 5th generation of the high-performance version of the 10th-generation Civic hatchback. Its front fascia is adorned with a mesh grille and a hood scoop on the center. A red horizontal line accentuates the carbon fiber splitter, not to mention the iconic red ‘H’ badge that’s crowning the wing grille.
Turning it on its side, the Civic Type R's huge 20-inch aluminum wheels are also accentuated with a red line, as well as the skirts. A new spoiler adds more character to its aggressive styling. The rear end is just like the front – mesh, carbon fiber, red ‘H’ badge. However, three centrally-positioned exhaust pipes are present to further heighten up its appeal. Under its hood, the 2.0-liter DOHC, direct-injected and turbocharged i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine is capable of producing 306 hp and 400 Nm of torque, making it the fastest and most powerful Civic Type R yet. Transmission is a 6-speed manual, giving the driver the purest driving experience on and off the track. To match this power, the front wheels are fitted with 350mm Brembo disc brakes, while the rear has 305mm solid disc ones. HCPI offers the Honda Civic Type R for 2018 in Championship White, Rallye Red, or Polished Metal Metallic color options.
Launch
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.
Platform, Chassis and Powertrain
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.
Driving Performance
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.
Technology Features
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.
Exterior
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.
Interior
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.
Safety
Even as a high-performance car, the Civic Type R features a good array of safety systems to keep occupants safe in the event of a crash. Dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags can be found all throughout the cabin, while ABS and EBD keep the car braking effectively no matter how deep the pedal is pressed. To keep the car's wheels gripping, Honda has installed a vehicle stability assist (VSA) in the hatch which also serves as the car's traction control system. Not skimping out on practicality, the rear seats also feature ISOFIX anchors for child seats.
Pros & Cons
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.
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Honda Philippines has launched the new Civic Type R. Honda’s high-performance sedan features redesigned front and rear bumpers, an updated cabin, and Honda Sensing technology.
Our Verified Buyer Reviews come from confirmed customers that have had their purchase registered on the AutoDeal platform.
James Spaugh
Honda Civic Type R 2.0 MT Turbo
Purchased from Honda Cars, Fairview - Old
5/5
September 17, 2020
If you have doubted the Honda line, don’t. This car is aesthetically pleasing as it is to drive. Leaving this car completely stock would leave most car enthusiast to believe that t......
If you have doubted the Honda line, don’t. This car is aesthetically pleasing as it is to drive. Leaving this car completely stock would leave most car enthusiast to believe that that’s the way it should be. Every last detail down to the rearview mirror not getting the spoiler in the way has been identified. This is one amazing vehicle. If you were on the fence about buying one of these, don’t. I have driven an Evo 10 and this far exceeds anything that that car did for me. This is a wonder of a four-cylinder experience.
However, the dealership that I purchased this vehicle from does not show up so I will have to select another one. But I just want the public to know that I am thoroughly pleased with my purchase
