Here comes the new Honda Civic Type R
HONDA CARS Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) brings in the updated version of the aspirational (and popular) Honda Civic Type R — the top expression of its classic Civic nameplate.
Now bannering a “new sporty exterior design and mechanical updates which aim to further improve the model’s already exhilarating driving performance,” the Civic Type R was first introduced locally in 2017. The 100 units initially allocated for the market then were snapped up within 48 hours after announcement of availability.
HCPI said that the warm reception is “due to the model’s strong following, multiple recognitions, rich racing heritage, and several track records broken in some of the world’s most challenging racetracks.”
The new Civic Type R gets a sporty update to its aerodynamic package. The front and rear bumpers receive a new lower fog light surround, with a new symmetrical design, smooth surfaces, and sleek styling blades which contribute to the car’s clean styling. Also on the front and rear bumpers (plus side skirts) are a carbon fiber effect front splitter, side under-spoilers, and rear diffuser with a sporty red accent line.
Out back is a Type R spoiler with “vortex generators” diverting airflow across the tail while giving additional downforce to the rear wheels for improved road-holding ability.
A thinner beam and new design define the front grille. The intake area has been enlarged by 13%. “Combined with the Type R’s updated radiator core, this decreases coolant temperature by up to 10 degrees (under Honda internal testing) during high-demand situations, such as track driving,” explained Honda. Wheel arches have been enlarged, and the Civic Type R is fitted with 20-inch Berlina Black alloys.
Still predicated on the 10th-generation Civic, the new Civic Type R features a high center console, and Type R bucket seats with a suede-effect red and black fabric trim. There are carbon center inlays and red accents on the dashboard which extend to the side door panels. The exclusive Type R serial number plate is found below the gear shift lever.
As for the instrument display, a seven-inch full color thin film transistor (TFT) LCD display is in the center area of the cluster. It reveals a variety of different function readouts including, driving mode display (+R, Sport, Comfort), LED gearshift indicator light, turbo boost pressure gauge, throttle/brake input display and g-meter.
Meanwhile, on top of the center console is an updated seven-inch touch screen display audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. “Control functions for the infotainment and climate control system have been updated with additional physical buttons and tactile knobs for optimum usability and functionality,” reported Honda.
The familiar 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo resides under the hood, and produces a maximum power output of 310ps at 6,500rpm and peak torque of 400Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. The driver can access the performance through a six-speed manual transmission equipped with a rev match control system enabling the car to sustain maximum power during gearshifts. The new Civic Type R also now comes with Active Sound Control (ASC) to augment and complement its triple exhaust system note. “With the ASC, the Type R’s audio system provides an enhanced engine sound within the cabin during aggressive driving in Sport and +R modes, refining it during acceleration in Comfort mode and enhancing the driving experience,” reported Honda.
Improvements on the suspension and brake systems are intended to result in better responsive and sharper handling. The Adaptive Damper System control software gets an upgrade to allow faster road condition evaluation, for improved damper reactions. Braking power comes from Brembo four-piston calipers paired to a new two-piece floating 350mm front brake discs and new brake pads. Honda said that the braking system promises improved thermal efficiency, reduced brake fade — perfect for high-intensity driving, which makes the Type R even more of a track weapon.
The Civic Type R now also comes equipped with the Honda Sensing suite of driver-assistive functions. A monocular camera and wave millimeter radar work together to “monitor and assess various road conditions in front of the vehicle.” The system will alert the driver of potential hazards. Honda Sensing makes the following features possible: adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, lane keeping assist system, road departure mitigation, and lane departure warning. Aside from this suite, the Type R boasts front driver and passenger air bags, side and side curtain air bags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, vehicle stability assist, hill start assist, and a multi-view reverse camera with guidelines.
The new Honda Civic Type R has a suggested retail price of P3.21 million, and will be available in three colors: Championship White, Racing Blue, and Sonic Gray. HCPI said that the SRP is exempted from the Safeguard Duty Bond, and an introductory discount of P100,000 will be extended from July 27 to Sept. 30. For more information, visit www.hondaphil.com or a Honda dealership.
