If there’s one thing to say about the latest Honda Civic Type R, it’s that it is divisive. The styling of Honda’s performance hatchback range has always been on the wild side, but the latest iteration is the most bold and brash yet.
If you can see past the vast spoiler, bonnet scoop and seemingly random cuts and slashes in the bodywork, you’ll find an absolute cracker of a hot hatchback. In fact, you’ll find the most powerful front-wheel drive hot hatch currently on sale.
But power and crazy styling don’t necessarily make a class leader. Luckily, the Civic Type R has a few more tricks up its sleeve than that.
1. It’s fast
The Civic Type R posted a Nurburgring record just before it went on sale, lapping the famous race track in just 7:43.8. That was seven seconds quicker than the previous model, and a record for a front-wheel drive car around the Nurburgring.
Honda says the car was as close to stock as possible – it used road tyres, and the only weight stripped from the car was to allow for the roll cage. The company also claims the roll cage didn’t contribute any stiffness either.
The Civic Type R will go from 0-60 in just over five-and-a-half seconds and onto a top speed of 169mph.
2. It’s not absurdly powerful
Sure, 316bhp is plenty of grunt by most standards, but the Civic Type R is by no means the most powerful kid on the block. The Audi RS3 is indecently powerful, with 395bhp, while the Mercedes-AMG A 45 serves up 376bhp.
More tellingly, the Civic Type R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is only 10bhp up on its predecessors.
Instead of chasing massive power, Honda has chosen wisely, and gone for a power output that can still be safely deployed on public roads – and enjoyed with a six-speed manual gearbox.
3. The mad looks aren’t just for show
First, start at the rear. You can’t miss the triple exhaust pipe system – with a small central pipe flanked by larger units. The central pipe is there to reduce boominess at motorway speeds.
Round the front, that bonnet scoop is essential for engine cooling, while underneath is a host of flat floor parts, which reduce lift.
The result of all the crazy bodywork is a car that generates genuine downforce at speed. The Civic Type R is the only car in its class to do this, says Honda, and it’s a boon for high-speed track work.
4. It’s usable every day
Previous Civic Type Rs have a reputation for being rather lairy. With uncompromisingly firm rides, twitchy steering and lots of tyre roar, even the most recent model was a trial on a long trip.
Not so with the new car, though. Fully independent and adjustable suspension means that, while you can tighten everything up for a firm, track-biased ride, it’s also remarkably comfortable on longer trips.
Combined with fabulous sports seats, space for five adults and a massive boot, the Civic Type R could really be a daily driver. It will even do 30mpg easily.
5. It’s British-built
That’s right – the new Civic Type R is built alongside other Honda models in the brand’s plant at Swindon. It’s produced alongside other massive volume-sellers like the CR-V and the standard Civic.
Honda’s had a plant in Swindon since 1992 and has already committed to remaining there post-Brexit, investing a massive £200m at the plant.
“We’ve gone through some tough times, during which we have consistently demonstrated our resilience. The workforce is hugely committed and we have shown great flexibility in adapting to situations,” said Jason Smith, Honda Swindon plant director.
6. It’s heading to the States
Our friends across the pond rejoiced when the news broke that Honda would offer the Type R in the USA. Until now, the North American market has been able to buy the Civic – but only in non-Type R saloon form.
The USA’s 25-year import law means it’s going to be a while before previous generations of Type R can be bought into the country, so the latest model really is a big deal. Consequently, it’s been massively popular, with some unscrupulous dealers selling cars for huge mark-ups.
Of course, US citizens only have to wait eight more years before they can begin importing the incredible EP3 generation Type R…