Honda Civic Type R Hot Hatch 2017 review | Mat Watson Reviews

TL;DR

The 2017 Honda Civic Type R is a bold, fast, and practical hot hatch.

Transcript

Honda is a builder of sensible cars, and the Civic is probably one of its most sensible cars ever. In fact, even the name Civic is pretty blooming sensible. But this is the Civic Type R, and [Applause] it's I mean, just look at it. This is one crazy car. Those scoops, these vents, this diffuser, and of course, that wing. Yeah, the Honda Civic Type ... Read More

Key Insights

• The Honda Civic Type R is a striking hot hatch with bold design elements like scoops, vents, and a large wing, making it stand out from other models.
• Under the hood, the Civic Type R features a 2.0-liter turbo engine delivering 306 horsepower, achieving 0-62 mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph.
• The new turbo engine, while different from previous non-turbo models, offers a significant performance boost, although some purists may miss the high-revving nature of older engines.
• The car's exhaust note is somewhat underwhelming, with the turbo's whooshing and whistling being more prominent than a traditional exhaust growl.
• Inside, the Type R offers a more special feel compared to a standard Civic, with features like bucket seats, an aluminum gear selector, and red accents, while maintaining practicality with four doors and a large boot.
• Despite being front-wheel drive, the Civic Type R performs exceptionally well on dry surfaces, thanks to its clever suspension geometry and limited slip differential.
• The car's infotainment system and satnav are criticized for being difficult to use, contrasting with the overall positive driving experience.
• Priced around £30,000, the Civic Type R competes with all-wheel-drive rivals, yet remains a thrilling and practical option for performance car enthusiasts.

Questions & Answers

Q: What makes the Honda Civic Type R stand out in terms of design?

The Honda Civic Type R stands out with its bold and unapologetic design, featuring prominent scoops, vents, a large rear wing, and aggressive styling. These elements contribute to its distinctive appearance, setting it apart from more conventional models and highlighting its identity as a high-performance hot hatch.

Q: How does the new turbo engine compare to previous Type R engines?

The new turbo engine in the Civic Type R offers a significant performance boost with 306 horsepower, although it lacks the high-revving nature of previous non-turbo engines. Despite this, it still revs high and provides substantial mid-range power, making it superior in performance compared to older models, despite some purists preferring the older engine's characteristics.

Q: What are the interior features of the Civic Type R?

The Civic Type R's interior includes sporty elements such as bucket seats, an aluminum gear selector, and red accents, creating a more special atmosphere compared to a standard Civic. Despite these enhancements, it retains practicality with four doors and a spacious boot, making it suitable for everyday use as well as performance driving.

Q: How does the Civic Type R perform in terms of handling?

The Civic Type R offers exceptional handling, particularly on dry roads, thanks to its clever front suspension geometry and limited slip differential. These features allow it to effectively put down its power despite being front-wheel drive, providing a thrilling driving experience that rivals all-wheel-drive competitors.

Q: What are the drawbacks of the Civic Type R's infotainment system?

The infotainment system and satnav in the Civic Type R are criticized for being difficult to use and not user-friendly. This contrasts with the otherwise positive driving experience and the car's sporty interior, highlighting an area where improvements could enhance the overall ownership experience.

Q: Is the Civic Type R comfortable for everyday use?

While the Civic Type R has firm suspension, it offers a certain level of sophistication that rounds off sharper bumps, making it more comfortable than expected for everyday use. However, activating the plus R mode significantly stiffens the ride, making it suitable only for smooth racetracks rather than regular roads.

Q: How does the Civic Type R's price compare to its rivals?

With a price around £30,000, the Civic Type R is competitively priced against its all-wheel-drive rivals like the Ford Focus RS and Volkswagen Golf R. Despite being front-wheel drive, it offers a thrilling performance and practicality, making it a compelling choice for those seeking a high-performance vehicle without the higher cost of all-wheel-drive models.

Q: What is the overall impression of the Civic Type R?

The overall impression of the Civic Type R is highly positive, with its bold design, thrilling performance, and practical features making it a standout hot hatch. Despite minor drawbacks like the infotainment system, its competitive pricing and exceptional handling make it a desirable option for performance enthusiasts seeking a fun and functional car.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The 2017 Honda Civic Type R is a bold and unapologetic hot hatch, sporting a 2.0-liter turbo engine with 306 horsepower. It offers a thrilling driving experience, particularly on dry roads, thanks to its clever suspension and limited slip differential, despite being front-wheel drive.

• Inside, the Type R features sporty elements like bucket seats and red accents, enhancing its appeal over a standard Civic while still providing practicality with four doors and a large boot. However, the infotainment system and satnav are noted as areas needing improvement.

• With a price tag of around £30,000, the Civic Type R competes with more expensive all-wheel-drive rivals. Its performance, practicality, and unique design make it a compelling choice for those seeking a fun and functional performance car.