The veil has lifted on the 2018 Honda Civic Type R, giving us a clear look at what Honda’s ultimate hot hatch and former Nurburgring record holder has to offer.
Any rumours of an automatic via CVT or dual-clutch gearbox are for now quashed as the sole transmission on offer is a six-speed manual with the Civic Type R’s trademark alloy ball shifter. It channels 235kW and 400Nm from a 2.0-litre turbo VTEC engine, which is a mild increase of 7kW over its predecessor that manged a 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds.
The newest iteration also gets a 38 per cent increase in torsional rigidity, revised suspension to quell torque steer and strengthened suspension arms as part of the multi-link independent rear suspension setup.
Visually, the new Type R scores a more aggressive body kit than ever before, but it is also purposeful with Honda saying the medium between drag, lift and downforce is best in class, to increase the car’s road-holding credentials at high speed.
Inside, there are red highlights on the dash, steering wheel and ‘H’ badge and heavily bolstered sports seats.
The new Type R will compete with Golf R and Focus RS, and will arrive in Australian dealerships late this year. Prices haven’t been confirmed.
