Honda Civic Type R – The Honda Civic Type R stands as a formidable high-performance, front-wheel-drive (FWD) hatchback, renowned globally for its exceptional track capabilities and exhilarating driving experience. This performance-oriented variant of the iconic Civic is designed to deliver a thrilling ride with its powerful turbocharged engine, advanced suspension system, and aerodynamic bodywork. It is the perfect choice for enthusiastic drivers in India who seek the excitement of a sports car within a compact and practical package.
The current model (FL5), launched in 2023, continues to uphold the rich legacy of its predecessors, incorporating significant enhancements in performance, a refined design, and cutting-edge technology.
Let’s delve into the features and detailed specifications of this high-performance hatchback.
Honda Civic Type R Specifications
Engine & Performance: The heart of the Civic Type R is a potent 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged engine. This powerplant churns out an impressive 315 hp (235 kW) of power and a robust 420 Nm of torque. Power is exclusively sent to the front wheels via a precise 6-speed manual transmission, which is famously equipped with an auto-matching rev-control system that seamlessly blips the throttle during downshifts, making for incredibly smooth gear changes. To ensure superior traction and cornering performance, especially with its FWD configuration, it utilizes a sophisticated limited-slip differential (LSD).
Suspension & Handling: The Type R is engineered for exceptional handling with its advanced suspension system. This includes a unique dual-axis front suspension designed to significantly reduce torque steer, ensuring better control under hard acceleration. It also features adaptive dampers that automatically adjust damping force according to various driving conditions, providing an optimal balance between comfort and sportiness. For formidable stopping power, the car is fitted with large Brembo disc brakes. Drivers can tailor the car’s dynamics through multiple driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and the track-focused +R mode, which alters engine response, suspension stiffness, and steering feel. An Individual mode is also available, allowing drivers to customize settings to their personal preference.
Exterior Design: The design of the Civic Type R is a clear testament to aerodynamic efficiency and downforce. It features an aggressive front splitter, sculpted side skirts, a functional rear diffuser, and a prominent large rear wing. This wing is not just for show; it is crucial for increasing downforce and significantly improving high-speed stability. The car rides on lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, shod with high-performance tires, further emphasizing its sporty credentials.
Interior & Features: The cabin is meticulously crafted to be sports-oriented, featuring high-backed sports seats that provide excellent support during spirited driving, a leather-wrapped steering wheel for a tactile grip, aluminum pedals for a sporty feel, and striking red accents throughout the interior. Technologically, it includes a 10.2-inch fully digital instrument cluster that displays key driving information and a responsive 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other premium features include a high-quality sound system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a Type R-specific data logging system, which allows drivers to monitor and analyze their performance data on the track, enhancing their driving skills.
Safety Features: The Civic Type R comes equipped with the comprehensive Honda Sensing suite of safety features, which includes advanced driver-assistance systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Automatic Emergency Braking, and Road Departure Mitigation, all designed to enhance safety and provide peace of mind.
Honda Civic Type R Price (Ex-showroom, India)
The Honda Civic Type R is positioned as a niche, high-performance vehicle in the Indian market. Its price in India starts from approximately ₹75 Lakh (ex-showroom). It is important to note that the Civic Type R is brought into India as a completely built-up unit (CBU), meaning it is directly imported, typically from Japan. It is available in a range of iconic and vibrant colors, which may include Championship White, Rallye Red, Racing Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sonic Grey Pearl.