Honda has taken the wraps off its new high-performance Civic Type R, with the sporty hatchback scheduled to arrive in Australia in early 2023.

Power will come from a 2-litre VTEC Turbo engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. That engine has, Honda says, been refined to increase performance and there’s also a revised, high-efficiency exhaust system.

Though figures reflecting that performance upgrade are not yet released they will, presumably, improve on the 228kW/400Nm of the new Type R’s predecessor.

Longer, lower and wider, the new Type R looks muscular yet sleek with advanced aerodynamics designed to achieve
well-balanced downforce as well as a reduction of drag.

Wheel arches flare out over lightweight 19-inch matte black alloy wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres and Brembo brakes, and a new more aggressive front bumper design features a honeycomb grille mesh.

Larger front fender grilles and a new side sill design behind the front wheels enhances airflow efficiency. Its more aggressive stance is accentuated by wider rear doors exclusive to Type R and a reshaped rear bumper that reveals its signature three round exhaust outlets and new rear diffuser.

A new rear spoiler design contributes to downforce and has been angled rearward to suppress air resistance. Supported by new aluminium die-cast mounts, the rear wing sits lower but wider than the previous model.

The new Type R’s interior is fitted with performance-focused details and features. There’s red seats, carpet and trim, and the suede-like upholstery with a high friction coefficient is designed to reduce body slippage in high-G driving situations.

A new +R driving mode meter display design allows the driver to obtain necessary information instantly, with a graphic engine rpm display, rev indicator lights, and gear position indicator placed at the top. A lower display can show vehicle information selected by the driver.

The Honda LogR data logger provides real-time information on the vehicle and vehicle behaviour resulting from the driver’s input. It combines performance data collected by in-car sensors with a smartphone app to help drivers monitor and record a variety of metrics in real-time.

Key features include a stopwatch to record lap times, tyre friction circles that displays the maximum tyre force the vehicle can achieve, 3D vehicle motion display, and a scoring function that helps drivers improve their skills on the track.

VIDEO: WORLD PREMIER, ALL NEW HONDA CIVIC TYPE R

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (August 2022) 

26 August 2022