By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(November 28, 2020) Since 2017, Honda has been offering the highly desirable, high-performance Civic Type R (for “race”), with one of the most divisive styling packages on the market, for the relatively affordable price of about $38,000. That is, if you’re able to find a dealer that hasn’t added thousands of dollars in markup. If you can find one at sticker price, we suggest you run out and buy it.

Notwithstanding its illustrious “tuner car” bodywork styling, the Type R is a massively entertaining car to drive with 306-turbocharged horsepower and standard silky smooth, short throw six-speed manual transmission (the only gearbox available), delivering power to the front wheels. More about that in a minute, but first a few words about the outlandish styling.

The Civic Type R is strictly a four-door hatchback and one of the most over-styled cars we’ve ever tested. You can’t help but notice the Type R’s styling, mainly the polarizing rear end with its enormous rear spoiler wing that’s so big it took Honda five pieces to put it together. A rear spoiler wing isn’t unusual for track cars, where its purpose is to add downforce on the vehicle for improved handling. But even Ferrari doesn’t have one this big on its vehicles. Above the wing at the extension of the vehicle’s roof are four aero fins that have no discernible purpose I can determine. Below the spoiler wing is, well, another spoiler wing.

The lower rear valance has massive black honeycomb-like plastic air intake features, except they are completely non-functional so I’m thinking they are only there for styling. Even lower on the rear of the vehicle is yet another black plastic trim piece seemingly for ground effect only and, again, not functional, unlike the air scoop slot on the hood and air curtain and brake cooling vents up front. There are three exhaust pipes at the center of the rear. Honda says the center pipe is functional, a resonator that operates for additional snarl when the accelerator is punched, but it never gets overly annoying with exhaust notes or noisy highway behavior. It’s nowhere near as loud as the exterior styling.

The Type R is shod with sticky high-performance summer tires mounted on 20-inch black alloy wheels that deliver terrific track ability, yet agreeable road manners. The car has immense grip and sticks to the road like it’s on rails. That’s impressive, especially for a front-wheel drive only vehicle.

The Type R’s interior is a riot of red accents, including astonishingly comfortable red suede-effect high-back sport seats, red seat belts and red accent pieces about the instrument panel, door trim and steering wheel.



There’s a seven-inch user interface touch screen located center dash that features a volume knob for the audio system along with other physical buttons. And while the menus feel outdated compared to competitors and operate slowly, we liked the integrated navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and HD radio, including SiriusXM.

Key standard safety features include forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

There was some noticeable cost cutting, which we found disappointing and, in our opinion, unnecessary given its price, including manually adjustable seats, a manually operated day/night interior mirror; no blind-spot warning and isn’t offered, ditto for heated seats. We also didn’t like the metal gear shift knob — much too hot to handle in our Arizona desert heat. We kept a cloth over the knob for shifting comfort until it cooled.

Things we really liked were the rev matching down shifts, clutch take up that feels just right, steering weight is nice and hefty, on-center feel is locked down, and there are superb Brembo brakes up front with four red calipers — everything you’d want and expect in a car like this. You might expect a ride that’s punishing because of the low-profile tires and a stiffer performance suspension, but the ride is actually quite comfortable. That’s even in the most aggressive of three driver-selectable modes including Plus R. Pushed hard into curves and corners, the car delivers ample confidence and poise.

The Type R is an insanely delightful car to drive, with perfectly synchronized, precision clutch and gear shift action. We were also amazed with the throttle response, reaching 60 mph in just five seconds (it actually feels quicker) and imperceptible turbo lag usually associated with front-wheel drive cars.

For 2021, Honda is offering a Limited Edition Type R with only 600 designated for the U.S. The special Type R is painted Phoenix Yellow Pearl with a gloss-black roof panel, exterior mirrors, and hood scoop. Additionally, the Limited Edition is 38 pounds lighter and shod with stickier Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires.

Overall, the Honda Type R is a brilliantly packaged performance hatch that’s immensely entertaining to drive, regardless what we think about the looks of the vehicle. Sure, there are formidable competitors from other automakers, but for the money, this is the one to beat.

Essentials
Base Price: $37,495
Price as Tested: $38,845
Engine/Transmission: 2.0-Liter 306-hp turbocharged four-cylinder paired with a rev-matching 6-speed manual transmission.
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 – 28 – 25 mpg – City – Highway – Combined
Seating: 5

Where Built: Swindon, Wiltshire, England

Crash Test Results: The 2021 Honda Civic Type R has not been crash tested by either the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing.

Competes With:
Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai Veloster N
Subaru WRX STi
Volkswagen Golf R

Fab Features
Rev matching shifting
Track ready performance
Superb driving dynamics