New Civic Type R unleashed

Honda’s automobile business unit in the Philippines has launched the new Honda Civic Type R, refreshed with a new sporty exterior design and mechanical updates which aim to further improve the model’s already exhilarating driving performance.

The Civic Type R was first introduced in the Philippine Market in 2017. Having the highest distinction for performance for the Civic model line-up, the Civic Type R has been phenomenally sought after with the first one hundred (100) units made available for the Philippine market, booked within 48 hours upon the announcement of its availability.

The Civic Type R continues to be one of the most sought after and desired performance vehicles today, HCPI said in its launching statement,

This is 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.

Exterior

Outside, the New Civic Type R receives a refreshed sporty update while still boasting a comprehensive and improved aerodynamic package. The front and rear bumper get updated with new lower fog light surrounds. It features a new symmetrical design, smooth surfaces, and sleek styling blades which contributes to the New Civic Type R’s cleaner styling. The front and rear bumpers and side skirts continue to sport a carbon fiber effect front splitter, side underspoilers, and rear diffuser with a sporty red accent line, which runs around the entire vehicle contributing to its distinctive look.

At the rear, the Type R 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, and improves road-holding abilities, particularly through high-speed corners for better high-speed stability.

The New Civic Type R sports a new front grille design with a new thinner grille beam. It provides a 13 percent larger air intake area. 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.

Filling the enlarged wheel arches are 20-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels completing the New Civic Type R’s sporty exterior stance.

Interior

Inside, the New Civic Type R builds on the sporty, sleek and sophisticated interior space of the 10th generation Civic’s cabin. The New Civic Type R features a high center console complemented by the striking Type R spec bucket seats sporting a suede-effect red and black fabric trim. It gives the driver and passenger that sports car feel given its low seating position. Carbon center inlays and red accents can be found on the Type R’s dashboard extending towards the side door panels.

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 provide optimized steering wheel grip and improved gear shift feel and accuracy. 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 is found below the gear shift lever.

In front of the driver, the instrument display layout provides vivid clarity and highly intuitive user interface. A 7-inch full color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD Display makes up the central section of the instrument cluster and 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.

On top of the center console sits an updated 7-inch Touch Screen Display Audio System with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The control functions for the infotainment and climate control system have been updated with additional physical buttons and tactile knobs for optimum usability and functionality

Drivetrain

Under the hood, the New Civic Type R retains its 2.0-litre VTEC TURBO engine that produces a maximum power output of 310 PS at 6,500rpm, and peak torque of 400 Nm from 2,500rpm to 4,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission equipped with a rev match control system enabling the car to sustain maximum power during gearshifts.

To emphasize its soulful performance, the New Civic Type R now comes equipped with Active Sound Control (ASC), complementing the Type R’s triple exhaust system’s refined note. With the 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 enhancing the driving experience.

Suspension and brake systems have also been updated for more responsive and sharper handling. The Civic Type R’s Adaptive Damper System’s control software has been upgraded to allow faster road condition evaluation, resulting in improved damper reactions for better handling response and ride quality.

In terms of braking, upfront, the New Civic Type R comes equipped with Brembo four-piston calipers paired to a new two-piece floating 350mm front brake discs and new brake pads. The enhancements in the Type R’s braking system not only improves thermal efficiency but also reduces brake fade for increased capabilities during high-intensity driving for optimized on-track performance.

Honda SENSING

As part of Honda’s aim to provide collision-free and safe mobility, the 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, Honda SENSING 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).

Together with Honda SENSING, the New Civic Type R comes standard with an array of safety features such as 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.

All these and more features of the new Civic Type R are available at a suggested retail price of P3,210,000. As a special treat, HCPI is offering an introductory P100,000 discount for the New Civic Type R until September 30, 2021, HCPI said.