What's all this then?
We saw a concept of the new Honda Civic Type R last year and to be honest, aside from the white paint, not much seems to have changed for production. We do have come juicy details though...
Pray tell
The engine has more power for a start. It's the same 2.0-litre turbo from the outgoing Civic Type R, but it now comes with 320hp and 400Nm of torque. Honda doesn't quote a 0-62mph time yet, but we suspect it will be quick-ish...
That power goes to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox (the only transmission option for now) and the suspension has been strengthened, stiffened and lowered. Body stiffness is up by 38 per cent thanks to using clever bonding adhesive at key points in the structure, too.
The driving mode selector is carried over with its Sport and +R modes, but there's a new Comfort setting too, for everyday use. Honda also says that the chunky body kit has excellent aerodynamic performance, and that the Type R has the best lift-to-drag ratio in its class.
When can I get one?
Production will start at Honda's Swindon factory in the summer, and the new Civic Type R will make a little bit of history by becoming the first Honda Type R model to be sold in the USA. Now THAT might make America great again...
Neil Briscoe - 7 Mar 2017
