New Honda Civic Type R 2017 review ~ station of gear

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8 Jun, 2017 7:00am Jonathan Burn

What's the all-new Honda Civic Type R like to drive? We find out as we get behind the wheel of the 316bhp hot hatch in Japan

It usually takes a minute or two, maybe even a few miles, to get an indication if a new car is up to scratch. Which is handy, because that’s literally all the time we have behind the wheel of the new Honda Civic Type R. We’ve been handed the keys to the all-new hot hatchback at the brand’s R&D facility in Tochigi, Japan for a handful of taster laps in Honda’s most powerful Civic to date.

We’ll be taking the car for a thorough road test next week, so why not wait until then to report on it? Well, quite simply, we’re among the first in the world to give you an impression of what the latest Type R is like, which is reason in itself to put some words on paper.

The car is essentially all new from top to bottom. Everything apart from the engine and braking system has been replaced – and even those have been tweaked. The Type R is 35 per cent stiffer than before, so it’s quite a surprise, then, that the first impression you get from behind the wheel is of how compliant the ride is. Granted, the velvet smooth tarmac of Tochigi’s proving ground is rather flattering, but the Type R absorbed the bumpy section of access road with aplomb – a task that the previous model would’ve made a meal of.

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Of course a more thorough assessment of the Type R’s new found levels of comfort will be made in the coming days, but the new multi-link rear axle and adaptive dampers appear to have gone some way into addressing the last Type R’s biggest flaw.

• Best hot hatchbacks on sale

The seating position is also much improved. It’s considerably lower than before, giving you a sensation of sitting in the car rather being perched on it. The seats themselves remain a standout feature – supportive but comfortable.

The dash no longer looks like an afterthought and features a much slicker-looking infotainment system, although the graphics and screen resolution is still a little low rent compared to contemporary rivals. A new digital instrument cluster is no longer obstructed by the steering wheel (which itself is also new), while perceived quality has also taken a leap forward with improved fit and finish and softer plastics in the majority of the immediate contact points. Some scratchy plastics remain, particularly on the centre console, but on the whole it’s a big improvement – if still a little shy of Volkswagen Golf GTI standards.

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New Honda Civic Type R - Johnny Burn interior

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What’s also apparent is the Honda’s blistering but more refined power delivery. The 2.0-litre turbo has been tweaked to develop 316bhp (a 10bhp increase) but it feels more civilised in the way its power is put to the road. That’s thanks in part to a more responsive throttle and far less turbo lag, and although it’s still not the most tuneful engine, it has a raspier top end and there’s less resonance in the cabin from the exhaust.

The six-speed manual gearbox remains one of the most satisfying transmissions in the business, too. It’s slick, weighty and precise throw isn’t far off perfect. However, hardcore enthusiasts may be troubled to hear a new automatic rev-matching system has been added, and it cannot be turned off. It works incredibly well, however, making every change precise and accurate at high speed, while also adding refinement at lower speeds.

Like before, a mechanical limited-slip front differential means the Type R serves up huge amounts of grip through sweeping high-speed bends – you can feel the front end biting into the tarmac through the steering. Body control remains rock solid, while the brakes serve up mighty stopping power.

More time behind the wheel and more miles on the road are needed before we draw any concrete conclusions on the new Type R, but it feels like Honda could have a really accomplished piece of kit on its hands.

Even from this brief encounter it’s evident Honda has something special on its hands with the latest Civic Type R. The biggest criticisms of the old car – including the firm ride, poor refinement and questionable quality – appear to have been addressed in this new version. In a matter of days our more comprehensive review will dig a little deeper, and until then we’ll have to hold fire on the full five-star verdict. But the initial signs are very, very positive indeed.

Model: Honda Civic Type R
Price: £30,995
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power/torque: 316bhp/400Nm
Transmission: Front-wheel drive, six-speed manual gearbox

0-62mph: N/A
Top speed: N/A
Economy/CO2: N/A
On sale: August

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