In an age where most of its natural competition is fast dying out, the Honda Civic Type R stands as one of the last beacons of a bygone age. Only automotive purists and driving enthusiasts need apply, says Kyle Kock after sampling the Japanese icon in the Western Cape.
While the previous generation of the Civic Type R, codenamed FK8, didn’t add much in the way of power and torque to the K20C turbopetrol 2,0 litre V-TEC motor carried over from its predecessor, its most impressive improvements were made to its handling prowess. The adjustments made the FK8 one of the standout hot hatches when it was launched in 2017, but the competition caught up and stole some of the limelight shortly thereafter.
When the 11th generation launched locally last year, it was just a matter of time before Type R would reach our shores. That time is now, and Honda has allocated a meagre 60 units to South Africa for 2023, with 25 already spoken for. And yes, it’s more powerful!
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It’s gone on sale for R979 000, which is an eye-watering asking price, but at the local introduction of the FL5 Type R, we went through the full gamut of just exactly how Honda’s raised the bar on this model. For starters, there are the updated looks as per the latest Civic; which, apart from that rear wing, are altogether more grown up. Because the looks are less aggressive than the sharp angles and creases of the FK8, the FL5 Type R should appeal to a wider audience.
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Functional design
Of course, what makes the Type R look mean is all functional. Behind that gaping grille lies an intercooler that flows more efficiently than before, under the wider fenders lie wider wheels and tyres for more grip and of course, at the rear, there’s a redesigned wing and diffuser for more downforce.
What your eyes can’t see is the increased use of aluminium to lower weight, but also more structural adhesive and enhancements that increase rear torsional rigidity by 15%. The redesigned triple tailpipe exhaust also flows 13% better according to white labcoats at Honda.
Unrivalled on the road
On the road, the Type R is hunkered down and squat by way of its 37 mm lower ride height and it’s beautiful to look at while in motion as my co-driver and I watched the rest of the launch convoy in front and from behind. It’s also a lovely place to be seated in. The red driver and passenger seats, safety belts and red carpet and mats, along with the red-backed Honda badge on the steering wheel and alloy shift knob look the part will make you smile with anticipation, but it also all feels premium in its execution by way of quality materials.
Related: Honda Type R touches down in SA with an eyewatering pricetag
After gawking at the rear end of one of the launch models for too long, it was time to put foot as we headed for the twisty ribbons of tarmac that are Clarence Drive and Franschhoek. Sure, the FL5 Type R makes 7 kW and 20 N.m more at peak, but significant effort has gone into maximising punch in the mid-range and it feels flexible as a result. The tighter corners that make you feel like perhaps you should downshift, can be dispatched easily by riding the torque out of it.
Thanks to revised rev-matching and a slicker shift action, cog swapping is a breeze and you might even want to shift more just because it feels good. Such is the joy of driving the Type R. Torque steer? Virtually non-existent believe it or not.
Summary
Sadly, there’s a severe lack of natural competitors for the Civic Type R in our market. Arguably its greatest rival in South Africa has been the Renault Mégane RS, and the final version of that car, the Ultime, hasn’t been earmarked for local launch. The Golf 8 GTI is still new but when Volkswagen gets serious then it’ll be game on with perhaps a more hardcore version like a ClubSport. For now, there’s just the i30 N from Hyundai but I can’t wait to get them all together for a battle royale to find out who the real hot hatch king is, because I think the Type R has just given this division notice.
Honda Civic Type R Fast Facts
Price: R979 000
Engine: turbopetrol, 1 996 cc, inline-four
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 235 kW at 6 500 r/min
Torque: 420 Nm at 2 600 – 4 000 r/min
Driven wheels: front
0-100 km/h: 5,5 secs
Top speed: 272 km/h
Fuel consumption: 8,4 L/100 km
Rivals: Renault Mégane RS Ultimae, Hyundai i30 N
Warranty: 5 years/200 000 km
