Honda Civic Type R is the highest performance version of the Honda Civic made by Honda Motor Company of Japan. It features a lightened and stiffened body, specially tuned engine and upgraded brakes and chassis. Red is also used in the interior to give it a special sporting distinction and to separate it from other Honda models. In Japan, a one-make series of Honda Type R cars where privateers can purchase an off-road Type R and compete in a series championship is a stepping stone for many aspiring racing drivers.
Body styles initially as 3-door hatchback up to the European and international model FN2, it was replaced in favour of the 5-door hatchback with the introduction of the FK2 to the current newer released FL8. FD2 Saloon model is exclusively for Asian market only.
The production halted in 2011 due to newer emission restrictions. But it returned in 2015 to present. The FK8 has notably set a fastest lap time at the Nürburgring in 7:43 in FWD category.
Newer Civic Type R now includes turbocharged for 2-litre started with FK2 to current FL8.
The Type R has been through many generations starting out with a naturally aspirated engines for the first three generations and then turbocharged for the later generations. The Type R has generally received positive press from the Top Gear presenters.
Appearances[]
- In Series 45, Episode 24 (Old Top Gear), Vicki Butler-Henderson tests the EP3 Civic Type R on the road and on the track, while complimenting its competitive pricing, responsive steering, good handling and comfortable seats. In her opinion, this car should shift Honda's image away from old peoples' cars.
- Twice on Men and Motors, Richard Hammond tests the EP3 Civic Type R praising its sensation of speed and excitement, stating later for it to be the best hot hatch on sale.
- In Series 1, Episode 1, Richard and the Stig fail to beat a speed camera as it clocks an EP2 Civic Type R at 129mph. The Stig then takes the Type R around the Top Gear Test Track, where it sets a lap time of 1:36.5.
- In Series 1, Episode 6, the EP3 Civic Type R was briefly seen in the "Uncool" section of The Cool Wall.
- In Series 2, Episode 8, several sci-fi characters and species battle it out on the Top Gear Test Track in a EP2 Civic Type R.
- In Series 3, Episode 8, The EP3 Civic Type R appeared on the Christmas Card, alongside the ATV bikes potrayed as the 'three-wise men'.
- In Series 3, Episode 9, Richard reviews the facelifted EP3 Civic Type R around the Top Gear Test Track alongside the NSX Type R. He praises the car's styling, speed, noise and handling deducing it to be the best current hot hatch. At the hands of the Stig it sets a lap of 1:32.8.
- In Series 10, Episode 6, Jeremy reviews the FN2 Civic Type R around the Top Gear Test Track. Despite praising the styling he loathes the car, criticising it's slow speed, horrid handling, impracticality, ride quality and stupid features. He concludes it to be nowhere near as good as the EP2, which he praises for it's handling, practicality, speed and engine. At the hands of the Stig it sets a lap of 1:33.5.
- In Series 23, Episode 3, Reid reviews the FK2 Civic Type R and compares it to the Ford Focus RS and Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG around the Top Gear Test Track. Reid praises the Type R's handling, grip but criticises it's price, speed and styling.
- In Blasts from the Past, May chooses an FK8 Civic Type R to prove that modern hot hatches are better than classic british sports cars as he travels from France to Spain competing against Hammond and Clarkson in modernised versions of the Jaguar XK SS and Aston Martin DB4 GT. He praises the Civic's ease of use, handling, comfort, speed and has a far more relaxing time driving than either of his colleagues. When they reach a banked track in spain, he also manages to beat Clarkson with a trap speed of 93mph.
- In Series 25, Episode 3, Harris compares the FK8 Civic Type R to the Lexus LC500 in Japan. He praises the car's speed, handling, drive, speed, comfort finding to be far superior to the LC500. At the hands of the Stig it sets a lap of 1:25.6 around the Top Gear Test Track.
- On DriveTribe, May does a short review of the FK8 Civic Type R, stating it to be simply fabulous.