New Civic Type R retains its hardcore edge

THE NEW HONDA Civic Type R hasn’t gone soft, despite its new US remit, larger size and new refined character facets. So says Honda’s Uk-based New Model Centre division manager, Phil Haydon, who has been driving a prototype version for extended periods.

“The new Comfort driving mode certainly makes the ride more civil and we’ve made significant improvements to refinement,” said Haydon, “but in R+ mode, the new car is even firmer-riding and more exciting than before. We have a more rigid body, wider axle tracks, wider tyres and a lower centre of gravity in play.”

He also called the new Type R a “greater engineering achievement” than its predecessor. He said: “It’s still our idea of the ultimate frontwheel-drive hot hatchback.”

The new Type R’s 10bhp rise has been widely reported, but a more aerodynamic body contributes just as tellingly to improvements in performance, said Haydon.

Haydon advised to expect “a marginal gain” on 0-62mph performance. Honda plans to attempt to set a new frontwheel-drive Nürburgring lap record later this spring.

New Civic Type R is “even more exciting than before” in R+ mode