While some generations have been rather "extroverted", the new Civic Type-R looks less extreme than before, even if the colored hues highlight its specific elements like the open front fascia, the rear diffuser and the three exits of exhaust, or even the refined rear spoiler.
Inside, we find the famous red seats in the perfect driving position, but above all the small gear lever with aluminum knob, which controls… a six-speed manual gearbox!
A choice fully assumed by the designers who still and always favor the mass and the pleasure provided to the driver.
Noticeably calmed down also in terms of look, the dashboard of the new Type-R nevertheless offers a central screen with numerous displays.
A typical Japanese habit but which requires a bit of getting used to.
Three driving modes are offered: Comfort, Sport and +R, not to mention the possibility of concocting your own favorite settings (Individual).
Daily comfort
In Comfort mode, the Civic Type-R is more considerate and will be able to ensure daily journeys without any problem.
The rear seats are perfectly suited to two adults and the 410-litre trunk is not afraid of being filled to the brim.
The suspensions filter the unevenness of the road effectively and the soundproofing is neat.
Obviously, the slightest stretch of winding road encourages you to take advantage of the cavalry by opting for Sport mode.
Because it is obviously for this, above all, that the Type-R was born.
This is where you really measure all the improvements made by the engineers, whether to the rigidity of the car, to the chassis, and of course to the fabulous 2.0-liter turbo engine of 329 hp.
Endless fun
After the road and comfort, it was on the Estoril circuit, near Lisbon, that we were invited to really see what one of the last real front-wheel drive sports cars has in store.
Fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, the Civic Type-R swallows curves with gusto, dives into the ropes with its surgically precise front end, and benefits from its torque when exiting corners, while returning power to the correct front wheel.
A bit of optimism at the start of a tight bend and the rear axle drifts nicely.
We can truly compare its behavior to that of a kart, with a perfectly tuned chassis.
Doing laps on the circuit at the wheel of this jewel is indescribable pleasure that we would have liked to repeat endlessly!
But we will finally return the keys, after taking a look at the data logger integrated into the multimedia system.
Usable on certain circuits, it generates scores to compare the performance of the driver with that of the Honda test rider.
It can also display the condition of each tire and the Gs that the driver inflicts on it during his "hot laps".
Data that will be useful to followers of trackdays but which may seem useless to many owners.
What a joy, in any case, to find yourself behind the wheel of such an efficient sports traction!
Thanks to Honda for perpetuating this pleasure!
The bill set at €57,220 (excluding penalties of course) is a bit steep.
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The Honda Civic Type-R in a few figures
Engine: 4 cyl.
Turbo, petrol, 1.996cc;
329hp at 6,500rpm;
420Nm from 2,200 to 4,000rpm.
Transmission: to the front wheels.
Gearbox: 6-speed manual.
L/W/H (mm): 4.594/1.890/1.407
Curb weight (kg): 1,429
Trunk volume (l): 410
Tank (l): 47
0-100 km/h (sec): 5.4
Max speed (km/h): 275
Cons.
Mixed (l/100 km): 8.2
CO2 (g/km): 186
Price (€): 57,220
Automotive
Honda
sports cars