SINCE its highly-anticipated introduction in 2017, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) finally brought in the updated Honda Civic Type R. With a new sporty exterior design and performance updates, it aims to improve the model’s already exhilarating driving performance.
Having the highest distinction for performance, particularly for the Civic model line-up, the Civic Type R has been in demand with the first one hundred (100) units made available for the Philippine market, booked within 48 hours upon the announcement of its availability. Today, the Civic Type R continues to be one of the most sought-after and desired performance vehicles. 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.
Improved aerodynamics
The exterior received sporty updates while still boasting a comprehensive and improved aerodynamic package. The New Civic Type R now sports a fresh front grille design with a new thinner grille beam. It provides a larger air intake area equivalent to 13 percent. 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.
Both the front and rear bumpers now have new lower fog light surrounds. It features a fresh symmetrical design, smooth surfaces, and sleek styling blades, contributing to the New Civic Type R’s cleaner styling. Along with the side skirts, the carbon fiber-finished front splitter, side under spoilers, and rear diffuser with a sporty red accent line, still runs around the entire vehicle providing a distinctive look.
Meanwhile, the spoiler works in conjunction with vortex generators found by the rear edge of the roofline. Diverting air flow across the tail and generating additional downforce on the rear axle, the wing contributes to overall negative lift. It improves road-holding abilities, mainly through high-speed corners for better high-speed stability. Of course, there are the enlarged wheel arches with 20-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels.
Enhanced feel behind the wheel
A new Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and a new teardrop style gear knob, similar to previous Type R models, have been introduced for the New Civic Type R. These updates aim to optimize steering wheel grip and improve gear shift feel and accuracy. Further, these subtle changes combined aim to enhance the driver’s feel once behind the wheel. On top of these new upgrades, the exclusive Type R serial number plate below the gear shift lever is still there.
Of course, these updates complement well the interior’s high center console, Type R spec bucket seats with suede-effect red and black fabric trim. Then, the carbon center inlays and red accents on the Type R’s dashboard extending towards the side door panels.
Providing vivid information and a highly intuitive user interface is the seven-inch full-color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD Display. It makes up the central section of the instrument cluster. It can display 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.
Moreover, the seven-inch Touch Screen Display Audio System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability also received an update. The control functions for the infotainment and climate control system are both new, with additional physical buttons and tactile knobs for optimum usability and functionality.
Same exhilarating powertrain and then some
Retained is the 2.0-liter VTEC TURBO engine generating an impressive 306 horsepower at 6,500rpm and a staggering 400 N-m of maximum torque from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. Transferring power to front wheels is a six-speed manual gearbox equipped with a rev match control system enabling the car to sustain full force during gearshifts.
To emphasize its soulful performance, the New Civic Type R now has an Active Sound Control (ASC), complementing the Type R’s triple exhaust system’s refined note. With 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 improving the driving experience.
As for the suspension system, it made further improvements in terms of responsiveness and confidence-inspired handling. Even the brake systems with Brembo four-piston calipers paired to a new two-piece floating 350mm front brake discs and new brake pads have received enhancements. Apart from braking improvements, the thermal efficiency also reduces brake fade for increased capabilities during high-intensity driving for optimized on-track performance.
Further, there is the improved Adaptive Damper System’s control software allows faster road condition evaluation, resulting in enhanced damper reactions for better handling response and ride quality.
Now with Honda SENSING
As part of Honda’s aim to provide collision-free and safe mobility, the New Civic Type R now comes equipped with Honda’s SENSING suite of driver-assistive functions. Through a monocular camera and wave millimeter radar simultaneously working to monitor and assess various road conditions in front of the vehicle, the function alerts the driver of potential hazards that may occur.
Honda’s suite of driver-assistive features provides an array of advanced safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), Road Departure Mitigation (RDM), and Lane Departure Warning (LDW).
Other standard safety features are Front Driver and Passenger Airbags, Side and Side Curtain Airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Multi-View Reverse Camera w/ Guidelines.
Image courtesy of Honda Philippines