MOTORING REVIEW
www.icenimagazine.co.uk
Issue 93 2021
time of sub-six seconds. The steering is pinsharp, and the feedback is just right. This means it’s a piece of pie to evaluate the amount of exploitable traction left on the R’s rubber. The Civic inspires tons of confidence, especially when zooming into a turn. The Jap-hatch never sways, and the brawny brakes are reassuring, trimming down the pace in no time at all.
Honda has also reworked the infotainment system and climate controls by introducing physical buttons and dials for optimum usability. Additionally, the driver’s binnacle now has an LCD screen that encompasses virtual gauges as well as a medley of function figures. What's more, a performance data logger now forms part of the R’s equipment list. Termed the “Honda LogR”, it hitches the car’s sensors and computer with a ‘phone app that enables you to monitor assorted performance aspects. It also helps amplify your driving skills to produce a driving score.
The Type R’s driving position is bang on, too. And the high-backed sports seats are comfier than they first appear to be. They hold you in place in bends when your grey matter is catching up inside your cranium. Even though the R is brimming with white-hot might, it’s still a functional hatchback, with five doors and an expansive boot. Load capacity is 420 litres, and loading weighty, wide and long objects is stress-free, thanks to a low sill and a charitable boot opening. I was gutted to have had only one day with the latest R, and I’m biting at the bit to drive it for longer. I’ll just have to locate a track to hoon the Honda around on - but at least there’s not a shortage of them in Britain!
So, what did I think of the up-to-date Type R on the move? Well, it blew me away - the model is scrunched so low to the bitumen that you swear it’s swallowing blacktop for breakfast. The modernised model keeps the same 2.0-litre VTEC petrol turbo lump, and the six-speed manual gearbox has been improved due to a bit of “rev match control” tech. This makes sure the hatch keeps on performing when it comes to behind-the-wheel gratification. Now, it might seem peculiar, but the scorching Civic has a comfort button as well as Sport and +R modes. It’s there simply to give you some let-up from the rigid suspension and heavymetal-like driving noise. But whichever setting you use, the trailblazing Type R renders you awestruck with its 0-62mph
PROS’ N’ CONS • Entertaining ✔ • Quick ✔ • Crazy (in a good way!) ✔ • Pricey to buy or lease ✖ FAST FACTS • Max speed: 169 mph • 0-62 mph: 5.8 secs (5.7 secs Limited Edition only) • Combined mpg: 33.2 - 34 • Engine layout: 1996cc four-cylinder turbo petrol • Max. power (PS): 320 • CO2: 187-193 g/km • Price: £32,820 - 34,820
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