Honda’s latest iteration of the Civic Type R makes its much-awaited debut at the ongoing Geneva International Motor Show, marking the end of a five-year hiatus for the nameplate in the European continent.
This all-new version is based on the European Civic hatchback that is mechanically different from the Civic sedan that we are more familiar with. Previously, Honda created two versions of the Civic Type R – one based on the European hatch and another based on the Asian sedan – but with Japan no longer getting the Civic, it is unclear if we will ever see a Type R variant of the current FB generation sedan.
Major highlight of the new Civic Type R is Honda’s all-new 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo engine, which is claimed to be ‘the most extreme and high-performing engine’ ever used in any Type R model by Honda. En route to its 7,000rpm red line, the blown four-pot pumps out 400Nm of torque at 2,500rpm and some 306hp of power at 6,500rpm. These magical numbers, they are worth repeating, are shared with engines such as BMW’s 3.0-litre N55 TwinPower Turbo and Volvo’s 2.0-litre Drive-E T6.
Staying true to Type R tradition, the new powertrain is mated with a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission which enables a century sprint of 5.7 seconds and a top whack of 270kph.
From the Civic hatch’s platform, Honda retains the basic front independent and rear torsion beam configuration for the Type R but boosted with upgraded components including specifically-developed adaptive dampers. The front MacPherson struts are enhanced by a Dual Axis Strut design that is claimed to reduce torque steer (important considering it has 306hp flowing through the front!) whilst also improving high-speed stability and steering feel. The rear torsion beam features a bespoke ‘crushed pipe’ that improves rear roll rigidity by 180 percent.
Helping the driver manage the Type R’s prodigious power, the car is equipped with a high performance Brembo brake package, developed specifically for the car and equipped with autonomous emergency braking as standard. At the front, four-piston calipers apply braking force to 350 mm drilled discs. The uprated brakes peek through a set of four 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels wrapped with 235/35 rubber. Dual Pinion Electric Power Steering complete the overall chassis setup.
Whilst we would expect a Civic Type R to start off with an uncompromising setting by default, Honda takes things further by offering the driver access to an even-harder edged set up accessible by pressing the “+R” button, upon which engine, steering, and damper responses are all perked up.
The all-new Honda Civic Type R will go on sale across Europe from this summer with pricing and full specs to be announced in due course. Customers will have the option of specifying their vehicles with a GT Pack. In addition to cosmetic upgrades, the pack incorporates amenities such as parking sensors, auto headlamps, Honda Connect infotainment with satellite navigation, and Honda’s Advanced Driver Assist Systems package consisting of Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, High-Beam Support System, Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Monitor.
Pictures: Official Honda release.
Keyword: Geneva 2015: Honda debuts all-new Civic Type R