Thursday 29th March 2007

Would the real Type R please stand up

Japanese-spec Type R is unveiled

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The new Civic Type R

This is the Civic Type R as the Japanese will know it. Unlike ‘our’ new Civic Type R hatchback – largely developed in Europe and built in the UK - it’s based on the saloon version of the current Civic available in Japan, the USA and also as the Civic Hybrid model in the UK. It goes on sale in Japan this Friday (30^th March).

Predictably, engine outputs are a little higher than its European cousin, with 222bhp being developed at 8,000rpm and 159lb ft of torque peaking at 6,100rpm (the euro Type R makes 198bhp at 7,800rpm and 142lb ft at 5,600rpm). Drive

Based on Civic Saloon

is fed through a close ratio six speed gearbox, and a limited slip differential is fitted as standard. To cope with the demands of track work, the front brake discs are 17 inches in diameter with four pot Brembo callipers and the car runs on 225/40 R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres. A Type R aero kit and trademark black and red bucket seats help lift the usually rather staid Civic saloon appearance.

Honda claims the body is 50% more rigid than the previous Japan-only Integra Type R, and

Very Type R

crucially, this saloon Type R retains the traditional Honda independent rear suspension abandoned for a torsion beam set up on the latest European Civic Type R.

The Euro Type R has massively split opinion in the UK motoring press.  Is this the car we really want?

You should see my rear axle...

[abarthchris]

Now that looks cool!

Thats how the type-r should be, I want one!

[danrc]

Is that not an updated version of the DC5? Looks amazing!!!

[fido]

222bhp, LSD, rear d-wishbones ... why would you want the VTi, sorry i meant the UK-spec type-R instead? Jeez, i bet the Honda UK marketing team are a real larf when they are out on the town. Not.

[richyboy]

I been saying this for ages, why don't they give us this one.

[waynepixel]

I must admit it look good.

[ndj]

Wow, that takes me back to my Accord Type-R days. Looks great! Wonder how much it will cost to import a new one to the UK? Could tempt me back to the Type-R club!

[j-j]

Had a good look at the standard version of this Civic on my travels in Japan. Looks much better in the metal. Now with the Type-R treatment and styling, it should really be the world wide Civic Type-R. I think we got lumped with the toy version of what the Civic Type-R should be...

Oh well, i guess the grey importers are going to have a field-day with this one...

[CocoPops]

Far nicer than the UK version, the shape suits the addons.

As for the power increases, bring em on!

Looks stunning in White as well.

[Mr Whippy]

432mm discs?

Dave

[Neil_H]

I think it looks great from the front and back - they just need to remove those back doors!

[Martin Keene]

Ohh... Come to Daddy...

[chrisbr68]

[neil g60]

LSD, more grunt. Also, fast 4 doors have a much greater "Q car" factor. Very nice!

[hussein]

How practical!

[Philbes]

Never considered a Type-R as it didin't suit my needs. A 5-door hatch would be best but I prefer that to the UK-supplied 3-door hatch and the mechanical spec. is also better.

[nick young]

As said - looks like an updated Integra DC5 - why would anyone buy the chav (IMHO!) UK one?

[jimbro1000]

[quote]Is this the car we really want?[/quote]

err - dumb question?

yes

would still prefer a 'teg though (still missing mine)

[pbirkett]

Think i prefer the look of the UK one actually. But the Japs always keep the best versions for themselves so no doubt this one is the better car.

If it had 2 doors it would have looked so much better.

[Carfiend]

Looks good, practical, sounds like its running DC5 engine and what not so yeah maybe a future replacement for the teg if I get all sensible and that... ha!

[gezkc]

I don't like the way Honda Europe has watered down the Type R brand over here.
Type R's have always been about low weight, raw thrills and manic engines, not refinement, luxuries and "GT versions".

It's refreshing to see the Japs haven't sold out at least!