Discover the power and style of the Honda Civic Type R

Honda South Africa has introduced the new-generation Civic Type R, refining every aspect from design, aerodynamics, components, and the powertrain. The most powerful series-production FWD hot hatch of the present time has recently established a new track record for a front-wheel-drive vehicle at the illustrious Nürburgring Nordschleife, completing a lap in a mere 7 minutes 44.881 seconds.

The New Honda Civic Type R has a bigger frame, yet it rests upon small 19-inch rims enveloped in broader Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Tyres. Both front and rear tracks have also widened, accompanied by enhanced brake cooling.

The hot hatch gains an extra 7 kW and 20 Nm from an upgraded 2.0-litre powerplant and a six-speed manual gearbox. The onboard data recorder no longer needs a smartphone application, as the driver can retrieve its lap recording and performance score via a 9.0-inch infotainment display.

The power comes from the old turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, but Honda has revamped the turbocharger and added a superior exhaust system to amplify power yield to 235 kW at 6500 rpm with 420 Nm at 2600 to 4000 rpm. Additional refinements include a larger radiator and enhanced brake cooling. Furthermore, Honda has increased the rpm at which the dynamic exhaust valve opens to intensify the engine’s output.

Although the exclusively front-wheel-drive hatchback isn't as visually radical as its predecessor, it still showcases a noticeable rear spoiler and other aerodynamic enhancements, along with 19-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S high-performance tires.

Honda claims a 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 5.5 seconds, a 272 km/h top speed, and a 8.4l/100km fuel economy rating.

Honda has dropped the driving stance even more, and front passengers are nestled in the snug, lightweight seats adorned with suede-esque upholstery, accompanied by corresponding door inserts and needlework on leather surfaces. The embellishments consist of an oval-shaped gear knob and stylish metallic pedals.

Motorists can transition between performance configurations effortlessly. The company affirms that there are predetermined options for the engine, handling, suspension, and powerhouse acoustics. Aside from the familiar Comfort, Sport, and +R drive configurations, each accompanied by distinctive visual designs for the digital gauge cluster, the Japanese automaker has introduced a fresh "Individual Mode" in the latest edition.

Moreover, the Honda LogR data recorder flaunts a chronometer to document lap durations, tyre-friction rounds that exhibit the utmost tyre potency the automobile can attain, three-dimensional vehicle motion depiction, and an evaluation feature that aids drivers in refining their abilities on the racetrack.

A few noteworthy customary facilities encompass a 9-inch touch display for infotainment, a 10.2-inch digital instrument screen, a 12-speaker Bose Audio system, wireless recharging, and Honda's Sensing security package.

The 2023 Honda Civic Type R emerges with a whopping starting price of R979,000. We only have 60 of these cars available in SA, and at the end of April, Honda SA confirmed that they already had 25 pre-orders. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

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Imagery was sourced from www.caranddriver.com