New Honda Civic Type R in Gravesend Kent

Built to go faster than any front wheel drive hot hatch before it, the Civic Type R is intoxicatingly brilliant. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, kicking out 329PS and 420Nm of torque with customisable drive modes, but it’s the chassis that impresses most with a unique Dual Axis Strut with a dual wishbone suspension for finely tuned camber and caster. A mechanical limited-slip diff keeps you pinned to the road under acceleration, giving you reassuring control and feedback through the wheel. It’s playful, muscular, and brimming with character – a triumph for those who love the thrill of the drive.
As Honda’s halo hot hatch, standard kit is impressive. It includes LED headlights, a 10.2” digital driver’s display, a 9” touchscreen with navigation, Honda CONNECT with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, wireless phone charging, Honda SENSING driving aids including adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, heated front seats, smart entry and start, suede upholstery and Type R sports seats, ambient interior lighting, and 19” matte black alloy wheels with sticky 265/30/ZR19 Michelin tyres.

Design

Muscular, sleek, and built for the modern age, the New Civic Type R looks the part whichever way you look at it. Gloss black front and rear splitters, active aero, an enormous rear spoiler, and 19” alloys cement the sportiness.

Drive

Every drive element is optimised for performance, from the incredible sports seats to the configurable drive modes. The engine produces 420Nm of torque from only 2,200rpm, with peak power at 6,500rpm for flexible shove in very gear.

Practicality

The Civic Type R has five doors for easy access with smart entry, and a huge 410-litre boot for two large suitcases and a few carry bags. The boot capacity expands to 1,212-litres with the 60-40 split-folding rear seats down.

Living with it

Thanks to its perfectly damped suspension, the Type R glides over bumps even though it’s strung for speed. This is a relaxing car to cruise around in, and it’s a dream thanks to heated front seats, wireless charging, and Traffic Sign Recognition System.