The 2017 Honda Civic Type R stands as Honda’s closest endeavor to creating a halo vehicle, and I think that’s perfectly acceptable. This front-wheel-drive coupe boasts an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces a remarkable 306 horsepower. This substantial power output not only enhances the Civic’s performance but also earned it the front-wheel-drive production lap record at the Nürburgring, clocking in at 7 minutes and 43 seconds.
A Honda Civic generating 306 horsepower? Count me in.
During my college years, I owned a Honda Civic among my cars. Unfortunately, due to a mixture of neglect and possibly poor rust-proofing, the passenger door began to deteriorate from within. One day, while driving through the Catskills with my girlfriend, it unexpectedly detached and tumbled over the guardrail, rolling down the mountain slope.
This particular Civic, a 1984 model, belonged to a golden era for Honda in America. During this time, the Civic and Accord (along with competitors like Toyota and Nissan) were steadily increasing their market share at the expense of the Big Three automakers, effectively capitalizing on Detroit’s inconsistent build quality. By the late 1980s, Japanese vehicles dominated reliability rankings.
Fast-forward a couple of decades. The Civic has had a strange journey, navigating through uninspired and forgettable design phases, yet it now emerges into a marketplace preoccupied with compact crossovers and accustomed to record-low fuel prices. Despite these challenges, Honda unveiled the Civic Type R—a halo model built on a resilient platform. One Honda executive even referred to the Type R as the “forbidden fruit” that enthusiasts, both within Honda and beyond, have eagerly awaited.
So, was the Honda Civic Type R worth the anticipation?
Absolutely.
First, let’s discuss its appearance. The design of the new Civic stirs strong opinions; it’s either appreciated or dismissed. Whereas Mazda tends to opt for minimalist, Italian-inspired aesthetics, the Civic, in line with many new Japanese vehicles, presents a striking look, featuring sharp lines akin to a fierce anime character. Some may find it unattractive, but its boldness is commendable.
The Civic Type R sedan is lower and wider than its predecessor, featuring a prominent hood scoop, pronounced splitter, vortex generators on top, and a diffuser at the rear. Additional intakes and cooling ducts enhance its design, while the sizable rear wing is equipped with its own winglets.
This meticulous design proves effective at high speeds and during sharp turns. I had the opportunity to take the car out on the ICAR Mirabel track in Quebec, which features a short straight and a few exhilarating high-speed curves.
I engaged the Sport driving mode (which sits between Comfort and Plus R). The six-speed manual transmission impressed me with its innovative rev-matching system, enabling fluid shifts with short throw lengths.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which will also be featured in the upcoming Accord, boasts an impressive horsepower-per-liter ratio, complete with dual timing control for both the intake and exhaust cams. The low inertia turbo produces 23.2 psi and comes with a sophisticated electric wastegate. Upon exiting corners at ICAR, the engine exhibits minimal lag when applying throttle, and entering turns shows negligible overshoot upon liftoff. This careful engineering makes the Type R a formidable contender in Sport and track modes.
How does this halo vehicle compare with its rivals? Defining the competition is essential. Priced at $34,000, the Type R is front-wheel drive. Honda positions it against models like the Subaru STI, VW Golf R, and Ford Focus RS—all of which are more expensive and feature all-wheel drive (although the Golf R utilizes a Haldex system). While this might seem like a daring marketing choice, Honda’s innovative dual-axis front suspension has significantly minimized torque understeer, a common issue for many front-wheel-drive cars. This finely tuned vehicle, paired with a stellar manual gearbox, excels in cornering and exiting, arguably surpassing even the impressive Ford Focus RS and, if I may be bold, the somewhat fatigued STI.
The Civic Type R boasts numerous features that contribute to its identity as a true halo car. It includes robust four-piston Brembo brakes at the front and a reinforced master cylinder that provides excellent braking response. The sport seats cradle you firmly, while the exhaust produces a strong note through dual center pipes, enhanced by a clever resonator that imparts an aggressive sound without artificiality (cough cough Jaguar F-Type cough), all while reminiscent of a Ferrari F40.
The Civic Type R may come at a price of $33,900 plus $875 for shipping, but for those seeking a low-volume halo vehicle ready to dominate the track, it deserves a spot on your list.
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