Once in a blue moon, a car comes along that is so good; it changes your preconceived perceptions and notions, and subsequently exceeds all your expectations.
It happened on 31 January, the day of a rare heavenly phenomenon, chosen by Honda to launch the latest fifth-generation incarnation of its revered Type R.
Not only did this coincide with the rising of a blue moon (a second full moon in a calendar month), it was also a supermoon (when it is unusually close to Earth, appearing to be bigger and brighter) and a blood moon (a moment during an eclipse when the moon appears red).
The last supermoon total eclipse occurred in September 2015 – some months before the previous Type R arrived in South Africa, and the last super blue moon total eclipse was in December 1982 – the year the Ballade, precursor to the Civic, was introduced locally.
Speaking of the preceding Civic Type R; well, actually the previous two versions: In my view Honda lost the plot with the third-generation model (the last naturally-aspirated Type R), as the European version, based on the FN2 chassis and saddled with a torsion beam rear suspension, was slower and less powerful than its Japanese counterpart, using the extended FD2 platform.
FIVE-YEAR HIATUS
It also failed to meet the Euro V emission standards in 2010, leaving a five-year gap in the Type R timeline while contenders from Ford, Renault, Peugeot, and Volkswagen had the hot hatch market all to themselves.
This hole was plugged only late in the lifecycle of the fourth-generation Civic, and we only received this FK2 based Type R in early 2016 – just seven months prior to the latest Civic model being introduced here.
While it improved on its spaceship styled forerunner and received turbo power, the be-winged wonder was still flawed, with less than ideal handling traits. Therefore, a stiffer, lighter chassis on a longer platform was developed for the latest model.
Given this background, understand my misgivings and doubts when I travelled to KwaZulu-Natal to meet the latest Type R.
Based on the tenth-generation Civic, the new Type R is 165 mm longer, 36 mm lower and wider than its predecessor, and has a more aggressive appearance, owing to a host of aerodynamic additions, including a splitter, ducts, slats, flared arches, a diffuser and strakes.
At the rear, the centrally-located, triple-exhaust tailpipe array reaffirms its sporty intent, and love it or hate it – that in-your-face rear wing that characterises all Type R’s is now even more prominent than before…
It may be bigger, yet is it lighter, with radically angled endplates. A quartet of vortex generators located on the roofline’s trailing edge aids downforce and the latest model’s overall drag coefficient is improved by 3%, compared to the previous model.
The interior, while still sporty, is much more subdued than its loud, peculiar exterior. Red accents, carbon fibre finishes, high-backed front sports seats, a thick-rimmed multifunction steering wheel, the iconic aluminium gear lever knob and alloy sport pedals pay homage to the Type R legacy.
The cabin trim is of premium quality, and the TFT-LCD Driver Information Interface (DII) has a selectable info display that incorporates a gearshift indicator, turbo boost pressure gauge, G-force meter, and lap time recorder.
A full-colour touch-screen display gives intuitive access to the eight-speaker audio system, integrated satellite navigation, and dual-zone climate control system – and for those interested, the 414-litre luggage compartment has a novel, side-opening and removable tonneau cover.
AHA MOMENTS
The Dezzi Raceway close to Port Shepstone is a tight and twisty circuit – ideal to test any car’s dynamic performance, handling capabilities, agility, and balance. The new Type R retains the direct injection 2,0-litre VTEC turbo engine, but it has been enhanced to now deliver 228 kW at 6,500 r/min and a torque peak of 400 Nm, maintained between 2,500 and 4,500 r/min.
Pressing the red starter button, it smartly burbled into life while with every firm blip of the throttle, the third, smaller exhaust pipe generated a slightly more aggressive engine note.
According to Honda, it is now 2 dB louder than the previous model, but to me, it still sounded quite subdued, even in “+R” driving mode at full taps down the straight. However, besides having a 10 % better flow rate, the triple exhausts create negative pressure at certain engine speeds to reduce drone.
Accelerating out of the pit lane with “R+” mode engaged, it was immediately clear this Civic, with a specific power output of 114 kW/litre and power-to-weight ratio of 168 kW/tonne, means business.
Engine response was immediate, thanks to a single-mass flywheel reducing clutch inertia, and the rev-match control system for the slick-shifting six-speed manual ’box worked a charm.
With a wider track, a front suspension with unique dual-axis set-up and revised geometry, torque steer out of the corners was easily manageable, and the multi-link rear setup enhanced high-speed stability and solidity under braking.
A helical limited-slip diff greatly enhances traction in the corners, and the drive-by-wire throttle made modulation and accurate loud pedal actuation a breeze. Indeed, with its wider track, improved damping, and razor-sharp steering, the Type was exhilarating to drive.
And with its Agile Handling Assist (AHA) system, which subtly brakes the inner wheels when turning, for better response and stability in corners, and the stopping power of its ventilated, cross-drilled Brembo brakes, it gave you the confidence to push the limits of adhesion.
LAST WORD
After experiencing the new Type R on track, it is easy to understand why it holds the current lap record for front-wheel drive cars at the daunting Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
It is also compliant on the road in “Comfort” mode. Yes, its ride quality is still hard, but not as unforgiving as that of its predecessor. It is an impressive sports car, and in many ways reminds me of the original Civic Type R (and its Integra cousin) with its screaming VTEC motor.
In my view, it is now the best hot hatch available locally, but that huge wing and other aero devices will not be to everyone’s taste. Still, it has restored my faith in the Type R nomenclature and alleviated me of all my initial doubts.
So, will we have to wait until the next blue moon total lunar eclipse for another car like this? Well, as it is scheduled for December 31, 2028, it will probably by then be a full electric Type R…
