Honda Civic Type R 2021 review
Content
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 10/10
- How practical is the interior space? 7/10
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 10/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 8/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
- What is it like to drive? 10/10
- Verdict
Hot hatches are good in many ways, and their high performance and relative affordability make them a winning combination for the mainstream enthusiast.
But few are more divisive than the Honda Civic Type R for its wild styling, which is a shame because it arguably sets the benchmark for its segment.
But since the 10th generation model has been on sale for over three years now, it's time for a mid-life update. Has the breed improved? Read on to find out.
| Honda Civic 2021: Type R | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 2.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 8.8l / 100km |
| Landing | 4 Places |
| Price from | $45,600 |
Is there anything interesting about its design? 10/10
Let's get straight to the point: the Type R isn't for everyone, and it has nothing to do with how it rides, because if it was (spoiler alert), everyone would buy it.
Instead, the Type R divides opinions because of the way it looks. Needless to say, this is a wild child and the very definition of a "racing boy". If you ask me, it's love at first sight, but there's a good chance you won't agree.
In any case, Honda has made a few changes to the Type R's exterior, but that doesn't make it stand out from the crowd any less. In fact, they give it even more advantages - in terms of functionality.
Our test car was painted in "Racing Blue" for an additional $650.
For example, a larger grille and a thinner grille optimize engine cooling, a combination that provides a 13% increase in air intake, while a redesigned radiator core also helps reduce coolant temperatures by 10% in high-demand scenarios.
While these changes actually reduce front downforce slightly, they make up for the disadvantage by redesigning the front air dam, which is slightly deeper and now has ribbed areas to create negative tire pressure.
The large grille helps with engine cooling.
Other design changes include symmetrical fog lamp surrounds with smooth surfaces and body-colour petals, a feature replicated on the rear bumper.
It's business as usual otherwise, which means you get LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights, as well as a functional hood scoop and front splitter.
On the sides, black 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 245/30 tires are connected by raised side skirts, and the red color of the front four-piston Brembo brake calipers seeps through them.
The Type R wears 20-inch alloy wheels.
However, all eyes will be on the rear, where a huge wing spoiler is complemented by vortex generators on the edge of the roof. Or maybe the triple tailpipes of the centralized exhaust system inside the diffuser will get the most attention?
And if you really want the exterior to be flashy, opt for the sizzling "Racing Blue" (as seen on our test car), which has joined "Rally Red", "Crystal Black" and "Championship White" as paint options. It's worth noting that Rally Red is the only color that doesn't require a $650 premium.
The rear of the Civic gets the most attention because of the huge wing spoiler.
Inside, the Type R now has a flat-bottom sports steering wheel finished in black and red Alcantara. The new shifter includes a teardrop-shaped aluminum knob at the top and a black Alcantara boot at the base. To the former, a 90g internal counterweight has been added for better feel and accuracy.
There's also an updated multimedia system with a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen, with physical shortcut buttons and a volume knob now part of the package, greatly improving usability, even if overall functionality is still somewhat limited.
Black and red Alcantara is scattered throughout the cabin.
However, for those who want to keep track of their driving data, there's new "LogR" software on board that can track performance, log lap times, and evaluate driving behavior. We've mentioned "racer boy" before, haven't we?
Otherwise, it's pretty much the Type R we know and love, with red and black Alcantara upholstery covering the form-fitting front sports seats that have integrated headrests, as well as brushed carbon fiber trim on the backs. dash.
A very useful and large multi-function display is located in front of the driver, between the oil temperature and fuel level readings, while the alloy sports pedals are at your disposal at the bottom.
In front of the driver is a large multi-function display.
But before you start driving, make sure all passengers are wearing red seat belts and rear passengers are seated on a two-seat bench (yes, Type R four-seat) upholstered in black fabric with red stitching. .
The Type R certainly feels more special than the regular Civic, with red accents throughout and black Alcantara with red stitching on the door inserts and armrests, and the Type R serial number plate under the shifter completes it all very nicely. .
How practical is the interior space? 7/10
Measuring 4557mm long (with a wheelbase of 2700mm-1877mm), 1421mm wide and XNUMXmm high, the Type R is a bit big for a small hatchback, which means good things for practicality.
For example, cargo capacity is a very comfortable 414L, but folding the rear sofa 60/40 (using latches with manual second-row opening) creates an undisclosed amount of extra storage along with an illogical hump on the trunk floor. .
There's also a high load lip to contend with, although there are four attachment points next to one bag hook that make handling loose items easier. What's more, the parcel shelf slides out and stores away.
While it offers about four inches of legroom (behind my driver's seat is 184cm/6ft 0″) as well as two inches of headroom, the second row is only wide enough for two adults, which is ideal considering the Type R is a four-seater. -local.
The back seats are just right for two adults.
Of course, children have much more room to maneuver, and even a large "transmission tunnel" is not a problem for them. And if they are younger, there are two top cable attachment points and two ISOFIX child seat attachment points at hand.
In terms of amenities, however, the Type R lags behind, with rear passengers lacking directional air vents, some form of connectivity, or a fold-down armrest. There are also no card pockets on the backs of the front seats, and the door bins can hold regular bottles in a pinch.
However, the situation is much better in the front row, where the deep center compartment has a cup holder and a USB-A port, another of which is located under the “floating” B-pillar compartment next to the 12V outlet and HDMI. port.
On the front is a USB port, a 12V outlet, and an HDMI port.
The glovebox is on the larger side, which means you can fit more than just the owner's manual in it, and the door drawers can comfortably hold one regular bottle apiece.
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10
Starting at $54,990 plus travel expenses, the updated Type R is $3000 more expensive than its predecessor, and so the model is quickly becoming something of a demand, though you won't be left wanting too much.
Standard equipment that hasn't been mentioned yet includes dusk sensors, rain sensors, a rear privacy glass, an electric parking brake with auto-hold function, and keyless entry and start.
Inside, there's a 180W eight-speaker sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Bluetooth connectivity and digital radio, as well as dual-zone climate control and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
The multimedia system with 7.0-inch touch screen does not have built-in sat-nav.
What is missing? Built-in sat nav and a wireless smartphone charger are notable omissions and should be included at this price point.
The Type R has many competitors, the key ones being the Hyundai i30 N Performance ($41,400), Ford Focus ST ($44,890) and Renault Megane RS Trophy ($53,990).
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 10/10
No changes have been made to the Type R VTEC 2.0-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, although the newly introduced Active Sound Control (ASC) boosts its noise during aggressive driving in Sport and +R modes, but improves it further in Comfort settings.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 228 kW/400 Nm of power.
The unit still puts out an impressive 228kW at 6500rpm and 400Nm of torque from 2500-4500rpm, with those outputs sent to the front wheels via a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission with rev-matching.
Yes, there are no all-wheel drive and automatic options here, but if that's what you're after, there are plenty of other hot hatchbacks that have them.
How much fuel does it consume? 8/10
Type R fuel consumption in combined cycle testing (ADR 81/02) is 8.8 l/100 km and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are 200 g/km. Considering the level of performance offered, both statements are quite reasonable.
In the real world, though, we averaged 9.1L/100km over the 378km split between highway and city roads. For a manual, front-wheel-drive hot hatch that has been driven with intent, this is a terrific result.
For reference, the Type R's 47-litre fuel tank holds at least 95 octane gasoline, so be prepared to pay more for refills.
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10
Although ANCAP awarded the rest of the current generation Civic lineup a maximum five-star safety rating in 2017, the Type R has yet to be tested.
Advanced driver assistance systems extend to Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Manual Speed Limiter, High Beam Assist, Hill Start Assist, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Rear View Camera, and Front and Rear parking sensors.
What is missing? Well, there's no blind-spot monitoring or cross-traffic alert, though the former is in part due to Honda's LaneWatch setup, which puts a live video feed of the passenger's blind spot on the center display when the left light is on.
Other standard safety equipment includes anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (BA), and conventional electronic traction and stability control systems.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
5 years / unlimited mileage
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
Like all Honda Australia models, the Type R comes standard with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, two years short of Kia's "no strings attached" benchmark. And roadside assistance is not included in the package.
Service intervals are every 12 months or 10,000 km (whichever comes first), whichever is shorter. However, free inspection after the first month or 1000 km.
Limited price service is available for the first five years or 100,000 miles and costs at least $1805, which is pretty good all things considered.
What is it like to drive? 10/10
Some say there's no such thing as too much power, but the Type R might just disagree...
As a front-wheel-drive hot hatch, the Type R was always going to test the limits of traction, but it has so much power that it can break traction (and start turning torque) in third gear under hard acceleration. Reversible muscle car antics, indeed.
That said, the Type R actually does a pretty remarkable job of putting down its 228kW if the throttle is pushed appropriately, with it progressively getting harsher in Sport and +R modes.
Aiding this cornering process is a helical limited-slip differential on the front axle, which works hard to maximize traction while limiting power to the wheel that stutters the most. In fact, it takes a lot of effort.
Either way, when you're deciding how to make the most of the Type R's high performance, it's obvious just how hard it hits. After all, it sprints from standstill to 100 km/h in a claimed 5.7 seconds, which is pretty damn good for a manual front-wheel drive hot hatch.
And while the peak torque is 400Nm in the midrange, this engine is still VTEC-classed, so the work picks up as you get closer to peak power and then redline, creating breathtaking acceleration.
Yes, the extra push in the upper ranges is really noticeable and it makes you want to rev the Type R in every one of its gears, the first few of which are nice on the shorter side.
Speaking of which, the gearbox is just as amazing as the engine. The clutch is well weighted and has a perfect release point, while the shift lever feels great in the hand and its short travel makes quick upshifts and downshifts much more achievable.
While that's all well and good, the Type R's trump card is actually its smooth ride and handling.
The independent suspension consists of a MacPherson strut front axle and a multi-link rear axle, and its adaptive dampers assess road conditions 10 times faster than before thanks to a software update that aims to improve handling and ride quality.
That's promising, especially considering the Type R was already ahead of the curve when it came to ride quality. In fact, it's relatively sublime in Comfort mode.
Of course, if you're looking for cobblestones, you'll be fine, but on pavement, the Type R is about as livable as a hot hatch can be. I especially like how quickly it bounces off road bumps like potholes to keep control.
But don't make the mistake of thinking the Type R is too soft, because it definitely isn't. Switch between Sport and +R modes and the adaptive dampers tighten up for a sportier ride.
While adaptive dampers have become almost a cliche because many versions change the driving experience very little, the Type R is a different beast, with variability as authentic as it is real.
As soon as you step out of Comfort mode, everything intensifies, the underfoot conditions come to the fore, and body control becomes even stronger.
Overall, there is even more confidence: the Type R is always eager to enter corners, managing to keep its 1393-kilogram body level, showing only a hint of understeer when pushed hard.
Of course, handling isn't everything, the Type R's electric power steering also plays a key role.
Even though it has a variable gear ratio, its brash nature is immediately evident: the Type R strives to point as directed at any given moment.
Stiffer front and rear bushings, as well as new, lower friction ball joints, are claimed to improve steering feel, improve handling, and improve toe-in performance when cornering.
Feedback through the steering wheel is fantastic, the driver always sees what's happening on the front axle, while the system's weighting is well priced, ranging from pleasant and light in Comfort to tighter in Sport (our preference) and heavy in +R.
It's also worth mentioning that the Type R now has a more powerful braking system with new two-piece 350mm ventilated front discs that reduce unsprung weight by around 2.3kg.
They are fitted with fresh pads made of a more fade-resistant material, and the combination is said to improve thermal efficiency, especially during spirited driving.
What's more, the brake travel has been reduced by about 17 percent (or 15mm) under heavy loads, resulting in a quicker pedal feel. Yes, the Type R is almost as good at braking as it is at accelerating and turning...
Verdict
The Type R is pure driving pleasure. Unlike some other hot hatches, it really can transform into a comfortable cruiser or ferocious cat with the flick of a switch.
This breadth of possibilities is what makes the Type R so appealing to discerning enthusiasts – as long as they can live with its looks.
We can, so we hope the next generation of the Type R, due in the next couple of years, doesn't stray too far from the formula. Yes, overall this hot hatch is pretty darn good.
