Civic Type R is the ’Ring king again

FOR the second time in as many years, the latest Honda Civic Type R has set a new lap record for a front-wheel-drive car around Germany’s Nürburgring race track.

The new 316bhp model, based on the Mk10 Honda family hatch, posted a time of seven minutes 43.8 seconds, meaning it reclaims its crown from the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport S by over three seconds. And while the lap was set by a development car, Honda claims it’s representative of what is achievable with the production model.

The new car laps the Nürburgring over six seconds faster than its predecessor, thanks to not just its additional power and torque – totalling 400Nm – but also a wider track, lighter bodywork and improved aerodynamics. The Type R goes on sale later this year, priced from around £32,000.