LOH's 2016 Civic Type-R, contains spoilers**

LOH's 2016 Civic Type-R, contains spoilers**

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LaurasOtherHalf

Original Poster:

21,429 posts

195 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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  • and vents, red bits, four exhaust pipes etc etc.
New thread time smile

Following on from my previous readers cars threads I was always going to start one for this, people seem to enjoy having a nosey but if I'm honest I like to write these things down as when I'm bored I like to read them back and relive the memories. I always seem to get up to a few adventures with the cars (after my air-cooled 911 days I refuse to wrap the cars up in cotton wool and leave them in the heated garage).

If you want to take a look at some of my older cars to get a feel for how I use them, then take a click on my MINI GP2 thread and my Porsche 911s

There wasn't even supposed to be a change of car for a while yet, or even if there was it certainly wasn't in mind to go and buy a civic. If you haven't read it, I explain a little in my MX5 diary especially towards the end of the thread but I'll go into more detail here.....

I'd actually taken a brief look at the Type-R a couple of months back, I know the lads who's sell at our local franchised dealer pretty well and called in mainly out of curiosity. I wasn't after a drive but I'm a car nut so why wouldn't you want to take a look? A bit like the Mazda, I've always appreciated Honda from afar, they just seem to put the right amount of effort into what I consider the right things-future technology, motorsport, F1 (badly!) etc etc

First impressions were of it's size and in a positive way-it's smaller than it looks in the mags and that's from someone who drives an MX5, I also thought it felt like a real premium product-nice interior, great build quality etc etc.

But that was before christmas I guess.....The weekend before last I was chilling with the family, I'd booked a trip over to the Nürburgring and Spa the following week and was getting some browny points before leaving the wife with a 12 week old baby and taking off on a jolly with the boys. However, as babies do she promptly decided to pass out and as I'd done my chores, I went into town for a bimble around and to look at the local specialist car dealership-there were a couple of Lotus' and 911s to try and convince myself of (now i need a family car natch).

How was I to know it shuts on Sunday?

Undeterred, I went up to Honda to take a look over the Type-R again and low and behold there was a Championship White car on the forecourt up for sale that we could take out. Knowing the sales team I was instructed to drive it however I liked and enjoy myself and I must admit, I really did driving I obviously have form with hot hatches and regardless of the varying cars I've owned and how much more power it had over the MX5 I was seriously impressed.

Let's be honest, the Type-R can be accused of having a bit of an image problem but I don't mind that one bit. I like the fact it does't blend in like a Golf R, or looks similar to it's lower powered siblings like the Focus RS, I might be chanced to go conservative on the body colour but I do (honestly) really like the look of them.

As it was a quiet afternoon my friend went over the pricing of the car after the test drive gave me a brochure and asked me what i thought. I don't think he thought I was serious but I said do some figures on the Mazda and let's see where it gets us to. Was I interested in the white second hand car? No in all honesty, but there was an unregistered new car in the Gunmetal Grey colour that IMHO looked about as good as was possible. If I was going to buy one, that would be it and as I'm sure we all know, if you're going to get a deal it always helps when there's one sitting unsold in the showroom getting the sales team twitchy hehe



Being busy at work, I said I'd leave it a day or so and speak the next day. One thing led to another and by the time we'd got to Monday evening I was seriously tempted. Dad had came over to give me a hand swapping the wheels over on the MX5 before we headed to the 'ring the following day and we had a chat. Just as we were trying to come up with a decision, the salesman texted very pleased with himself as the dealer principal had lent him his own Type-R for the week. Figuring you don't ask, you don't get I told him to get it over to show the wife.

(you can see where this is obviously heading)

Isofix tried out, plenty of room even with the rear facing supadupa baby seat the precious cargo requires, buggy fits in the boot. At around 9pm, I sent a text over; "let's do the deal, if the car can be on the road for 3pm tomorrow I'll take it-can't be any later as I'll miss the ferry!"

I had a few things to sort out at work but I managed to get to Honda for just after 8am, sign the documents and go through the hand over process to save time for later. Get to work, get what needed done done and then away to pick up the car;













Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Wednesday 4th May 14:16

coopedup

3,741 posts

138 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Great write up and lovely looking car beer

JuanGandini

1,466 posts

138 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Awesome work piling in so quickly on a new motor - usually takes me a few months of procrastination!

Looking forward to reading your thoughts on the Type R vs the old Mini GP...

Robins

102 posts

174 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Nice write up and it looks fantastic in grey!!

Deerfoot

4,897 posts

183 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Robins said:
Nice write up and it looks fantastic in grey!!
yes Best colour for the new CTR (IMHO).

How much rear space do the front seat backs use up? I know you mentioned you could get a baby seat in the back but could you say fit a 6 foot bloke behind a 6 foot driver?

LaurasOtherHalf

Original Poster:

21,429 posts

195 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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The MINI GP thing is quite interesting as when I test drove it it was the first car i thought it reminded me of-I think it's the lairy nature of the car in the way it drives. My problem with the MINI however wasn't simply in the way it drove-it drove really well if you like that sort of thing (torque steering, camber hunting and very quick!), it was just not special enough and for a limited edition track inspired machine i just didn't get why that was?

Maybe it's the MINI brand and what it stands for? Maybe they haven't quite got the hang of doing the special thing as well as other manufactures, I haven't thought about it too much (and I explain in the thread on the car why MINI pissed me off so much with the car) but Honda do this sort of thing very well. Buying a car in a couple of days didn't leave too much time for research but the fact that Honda really push their sporting prowess really does it for me (I was the kid who got his picture taken in Aryton Senna's McLaren V12 at the very same dealership I bought the car from).

Looking around on the net I found lots of info from the press launch of the car, including some pictures. Ok, they're not of my particular car but I felt they showed me exactly what I was looking for in the car;

A bit of lean on track seems to get the stance sitting where you'd want it, losing the under wheeled look the car can have in some photos (which shouldn't happen with 19" wheels!)




Shift lights, everyone likes shift lights don't they?


The original bone of contention, the spoiler that isn't the spoiler on the concept car. I still have no idea why they showed the concept with the devil horn spoiler if it wasn't going to go into production, it certainly raised expectations to where they couldn't be matched. Does it look bad though? Let's just say you can't see it from the drivers seat!


Four exhaust tailpipes bad. Functioning Diffuser good smile I'm quite happy to have the tailpipes for the simple fact it pisses people off!


Sticky rubber and aero vents I do like however. The tyres are only 35 profile which may cause issues but they heat up remarkably quickly and get a real tack to them and the front arches are directly influenced by the BTCC/WTC cars. Proper smile

There's also a nice little micro-site for the car on Honda's website;
http://www.honda.co.uk/cars/new/civic-type-r-2015/...

And plenty of official YouTube videos including the ring record attempt;
https://youtu.be/a9G7N0_M9Rc

Honda's Official Press Release said:
A HOT-HATCH ICON REBORN: ALL-NEW HONDA CIVIC TYPE R ENGINEERED TO BE A ‘RACE CAR FOR THE ROAD’
Production version of Civic Type R revealed at 2015 Geneva Motor Show
Characterful, high-revving all-new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine offers greater power, torque and response than any previous Honda production car engine
Function dictates form – eye-catching styling enhancements optimise airflow to aid performance and stability
Advanced new suspension systems, unique to the Type R, ensure rewarding handling characteristics and maximise power transfer
New +R mode increases the response of chassis and engine for enhanced driving thrills
Under development the Civic Type R has achieved a top speed of 270 km/h
After a five year wait, 2015 sees the arrival of the world's most keenly anticipated hot hatch, the Honda Civic Type R. Billed as a ‘race car for the road', the all-new Civic Type R will set new standards in the high-performance front-wheel drive hatchback segment.

Type R vehicles have garnered a cult following around the world and the new model more than lives up to the high expectations. A world-first application of Honda's new 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine, aggressive function-led styling, and pioneering new chassis technologies combine to deliver one of the most immersive and rewarding driving experiences available in any sector.

The new 2015 Civic Type R will be powered by the most extreme and high-performing engine in the 22-year history of the red ‘H' badge, signalling the start of a new performance era for the Honda brand.

All-new turbocharged 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO engine
At the heart of the Civic Type R is an all-new, direct-injected turbocharged 2.0 litre VTEC TURBO petrol engine, which delivers power, torque and performance figures unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch segment. Peak power output is 310 PS* at 6,500 rpm, and peak torque is 400 Nm* at 2,500 rpm – both higher than for any previous Honda Type R model.

Red-lining at 7,000 rpm, the engine – part of Honda's next-generation Earth Dreams Technology series – features an advanced new turbocharger with VTEC technology that boosts low-end torque and delivers sustained acceleration.

The Civic Type R's blistering performance is unmatched in the front-wheel drive hot hatch segment: the 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint is covered in just 5.7 seconds* – making it the fastest accelerating performance front-wheel drive hatchback – and top speed, where permitted, is a class-leading 270 km/h (167 mph)*.

The new engine is mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, safeguarding an intimate, rewarding connection with the drivetrain, and power is directed through the front wheels.

Function dictates form
The styling changes that are unique to the Civic Type R give the car an aggressive, purposeful stance, yet almost all have a functional purpose. The sleek and aerodynamically-efficient design reflects a car developed to perform at speed. The focus on aerodynamics has ensured high-speed stability and high levels of downforce.

To achieve this aim, the Civic Type R was subject to exhaustive aerodynamic analysis, testing and development. The development team tirelessly pursued its objectives through computer-based CFD modelling and wind tunnel testing at Honda's dedicated automotive motorsports facility in Sakura, Japan; home of Honda's Formula One engine development.

This development work was validated through extensive prototype testing both on the road and on track, including at the Suzuka Formula One circuit, the Nürburgring Nordschleife and at the company's Takasu test facility.

A new, almost completely flat underside aids airflow under the vehicle and combines with a rear diffuser to optimise downforce – effectively ‘sucking' the car onto the road.

The rear wing has been reimagined from the Type R Concept. The structure of the airfoil – its angle, height and shape as well as its vertical end plates – have been carefully engineered to optimise downforce without causing a significant increase in drag at higher speeds. This helps improve road-holding abilities, particularly through high-speed corners.

A wide front splitter and deep side skirts also manage airflow and reduce lift, while the front bumper has been shaped specifically to inhibit air turbulence around the front wheels, enhancing high-speed stability and reducing lift forces.

Heat management was another major focus for the design team, influencing several prominent external design modifications. Enlarged upper and lower grilles in the front bumper allow greater volume of cooling air into the engine bay. The airflow is channelled to outlet vents above the wheels on the front quarter panels and vents at the trailing edges of the widened front wheel arches to provide greater cooling and ventilation for the high-output engine.

New lightweight, high rigidity 19-inch alloy wheels, unique to the Type R, complement the visual changes. They fill the enlarged wheel arches with 235/35R19 tyres that were developed specially for the Type R.

To help the driver manage the Type R's prodigious power, the car is equipped with a high performance Brembo brake package, developed specifically for the car. At the front, four-piston calipers apply braking force to 350 mm drilled discs.

The Type R is available in five distinctive colours that give the purposeful new styling added visual impact. As well as Championship White – shared with successive generations of iconic Type R vehicles – buyers can choose from Crystal Black (pearlescent), Polished Metal (metallic), Brilliant Sporty Blue (metallic) and Milano Red.

A cabin with a sporting ambience
A range of aesthetic and functional upgrades within the cabin reinforce the Type R's sporting character. As with previous Type R models, the gear lever knob is made from machined aluminium alloy. High-backed sports seats, trimmed in suede-effect black fabric with red double stitching, provide driver and front-seat passenger with ample lateral support during harder cornering.

Matching red double stitching also appears on the black leather-clad steering wheel and black gear-lever gaiter. The roof-lining is trimmed in black fabric, augmenting the focused ambience.

New suspension technologies for a rewarding, more agile drive
A number of innovative new suspension systems, unique to the Type R, have been introduced to produce rewarding handling characteristics and to maximise power transfer to the road.

A new four-point Adaptive Damper System, developed specifically for the Type R, enables continuous independent control of each wheel to deliver exceptional road holding performance, limit wheel-load transfer during sharp acceleration and deceleration, and to maintain a stable, flat ride. It also means that the ride is more comfortable and supple in everyday driving and cruising.

An advanced Dual Axis Strut Front Suspension system helps to reduce torque steer by 50 per cent compared to the standard Civic's suspension set up, enhancing high speed stability, on-the-limit cornering and steering feel. At the rear, Type R's H-shaped torsion beam suspension is constructed with a bespoke ‘crushed pipe' which improves rear roll rigidity by 180 per cent, further enhancing stability in high-speed corners.

These systems are complemented by Dual Pinion Electric Power Steering, which helps to deliver rapid yet linear steering response and abundant feel.

New ‘+R' mode increases responses for enhanced driving thrills
The new Civic Type R will mark the debut of the new ‘+R' button that increases the response of various chassis and drivetrain systems. The result is an even more intense driving experience, ideal for the track and sure to be appreciated by the genuine sports-driving enthusiast.

When +R mode is activated, engine responsiveness is heightened, with torque-mapping changed to a more aggressive and performance-focused setting. Steering receives reduced power assistance and is therefore more responsive to driver inputs, and basic damping force from the new four-point Adaptive Damper System is increased by 30 per cent. This means the behaviour of the car is firmer and more agile for high-performance handling.

All-new GT Pack offers further enhancements
Customers will have the option to specify their new Civic Type R with an all-new GT Pack.

Externally, the GT Pack adds signature red highlights to the front and rear splitters for even greater eye-catching impact, but it's under the skin where the GT Pack's most significant upgrades will be found.

The driver will benefit from extra convenience features such as front and rear parking sensors, dusk sensing headlamps, rain sensing automatic wipers and electric fold door mirrors. Integrated Garmin satellite navigation (including five years of free map updates) is added to the Honda Connect infotainment system. Audiophiles will be attracted by the addition of a CD player and a premium eight-speaker, 320 watt stereo system upgrade.

All occupants will appreciate automatic dual zone climate control air conditioning, and sophistication in the cabin is also boosted by red ambient lighting.

The GT Pack also includes Honda's Advanced Driver Assist Systems. This comprehensive suite of sensor-based safety technologies includes Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition system, High-Beam Support System, Blind Spot Information and Cross Traffic Monitor.
Honda's City-Brake Active system will be fitted as standard on the Civic Type R.

The all-new Honda Civic Type R will go on sale across Europe from this summer. Full vehicle specifications will be announced in due course.

  • Honda internal figures

AH33

2,066 posts

134 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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LaurasOtherHalf said:
Four exhaust tailpipes bad. Functioning Diffuser good. I'm quite happy to have the tailpipes for the simple fact it pisses people off!
Correct. This is the best reason to stick with 4.

They do look good though. Everyone else is wrong.

Killer2005

19,594 posts

227 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Robins said:
Nice write up and it looks fantastic in grey!!
There's a grey CTR at my local dealership, it looks amazing in grey. Championship white also works but I'd go grey.

Lovely car Op thumbup

Leins

9,412 posts

147 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Love it, congrats!

SirSamuelBuca

1,353 posts

156 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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if i wanted a hot hatch i would want something like looked the part i.e this does. I love the way it looks. Wtf has ford done lol

Usget

5,426 posts

210 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Which dealer is this, and did you get a £2k finance contribution (like it says in the picture)? Most dealer websites only seem to offer that against the cooking models...

LaurasOtherHalf

Original Poster:

21,429 posts

195 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
quotequote all
Deerfoot said:
Robins said:
Nice write up and it looks fantastic in grey!!
yes Best colour for the new CTR (IMHO).

How much rear space do the front seat backs use up? I know you mentioned you could get a baby seat in the back but could you say fit a 6 foot bloke behind a 6 foot driver?
Thanks for all the positive words, I'm sure it won't last but it's nice to have a marmite car in that at least it evokes some reaction in folks-rare these days!

As for rear seat legroom, I'd have to check but I can't imagine there would be too much of an issue. Me and the lad I go to the Nürburgring with are both around 5'9-10" and can easily sit in the front and back, 6' I couldn't imagine being much worse as i had plenty of headroom in the back.

Usget said:
Which dealer is this, and did you get a £2k finance contribution (like it says in the picture)? Most dealer websites only seem to offer that against the cooking models...
The dealer in question is Lloyd Honda Carlisle, I couldn't tell you what finance offers they have and as I am friends with the salesman in particular I don't feel I want to publicise any deal i got on an open forum. I will say there are deals to be made however and I feel I got fantastic value for money on the deal considering the MX5 went into the deal.

750turbo

6,164 posts

223 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Cracking write up LOH, I "think" that I am the only other owner of the new model on here so far.

I have a Black one, I just cannot keep it clean whatsoever.

It has raised more comments on 1 month of ownership, than my last cars added together! ust say it really has polarised opinions on here though!

LaurasOtherHalf

Original Poster:

21,429 posts

195 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
quotequote all
750turbo said:
Cracking write up LOH, I "think" that I am the only other owner of the new model on here so far.

I have a Black one, I just cannot keep it clean whatsoever.

It has raised more comments on 1 month of ownership, than my last cars added together! ust say it really has polarised opinions on here though!
Any photos 750turbo? I'd love to see some, I did actually say the other colour I'd go for would be black as it would really remind me of the old R35 GTR but then I didn't have to clean that-I had my M3csl in Black and I could never keep the damned thing clean!

When I saw the "Polished Metal" as it's called in the showroom however I knew that was the one for me-it's got a lot of metal flake to it and looked great under the lights.

Is yours a GT? I imagine the black looks terrific with the red pinstripes smile

giblet

8,824 posts

176 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Congratulations, looks cracking in that colour.

I wasn't sure of the new Type R after seeing the pictures but in person it makes more sense. I saw one in brilliant blue at the Ginetta PHSS and it looked spot on. Funnily enough it was parked next to a MK7 Golf R and looked the polar opposite. I love how ridiculously lairy the styling is. Sadly I've only seen one other one since, maybe they are having trouble shifting them due to the looks and inevitable comparisons with the competition?

LaurasOtherHalf

Original Poster:

21,429 posts

195 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
quotequote all
So as I said in the first post, the car was prepped and ready to pick up by 3pm the following day (Tuesday), perfect as we had to get to Hull to catch the brilliant overnight service to Rotterdam for a few days out at the 'ring and spa.


The car was registered on an age related plate as obviously things were moved quick to get the car on the road. The car actually failed the PDI as the wheel nuts had some surface rust on them, it was explained that Honda would not let that type of thing go (I guess when your regular customers are old gimmers you learn to get pedantic over details!) bless 'em.

There were no floor mats in stock either so they grabbed the ones out of the second hand car from the forecourt to save the interior-nice little touches eh?

A quick final go over things (as mentioned we did all the handover stuff such as connecting the car my phone first thing that morning) on the forecourt and it was goodbye Mazda-I genuinely will miss it! The handover was excellent but there really is so much tech on the car there is a bloomin' lot to learn but if I'm honest, after having decidedly low tech cars over the last few years I'm really looking forward to learning it all. Plenty of time to study the book on the way to Germany after all.

Straight back home as Ross who was coming on the trip with me was meeting me there, I put it in the garage as he'd been away working and like pretty much everyone else, had no idea I'd suddenly decided to change the car. As you can imagine, his face was a picture! He's only in his 20's and was very excited at getting the chance to drive such a powerful car.

Quick picture with the family to mark the occasion;


And we were on our way...........

To snow!


Edited by LaurasOtherHalf on Sunday 10th November 19:46

Patch888

701 posts

127 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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What a cracking writecup, really enjoyed that. Your civic looks superb and I like your private plate.

750turbo

6,164 posts

223 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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LaurasOtherHalf said:
Any photos 750turbo? I'd love to see some, I did actually say the other colour I'd go for would be black as it would really remind me of the old R35 GTR but then I didn't have to clean that-I had my M3csl in Black and I could never keep the damned thing clean!

When I saw the "Polished Metal" as it's called in the showroom however I knew that was the one for me-it's got a lot of metal flake to it and looked great under the lights.

Is yours a GT? I imagine the black looks terrific with the red pinstripes smile
No pics yet, weather has been grim up North, and been busy with work and home stuff.

It is a GT, ex demo, with 2300 miles, and service pack, £27,500. Price seems to be OK I think.

I was out putting my private plate on it an hour ago, and one of the young local lads stopped, and started asking me all about it (I stay in a small village in South Ayrshire), so I was happy to oblige, as I said, I have had more comments about this than any of my other cars (and bikes for that matter)

Not sure where we are with Oil Usage, I keep an eye in this like a hawk, not used a drop in 3,000 miles I have added, saying that, it is a good job as my local dealer is saying that the oil needs to be ordered directly from Castrol? (I could have got it from Cox's, online I suppose, but I like having a mooch around the Dealer to be honest)

Cheers

LaurasOtherHalf

Original Poster:

21,429 posts

195 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
quotequote all
750turbo said:
No pics yet, weather has been grim up North, and been busy with work and home stuff.

It is a GT, ex demo, with 2300 miles, and service pack, £27,500. Price seems to be OK I think.

I was out putting my private plate on it an hour ago, and one of the young local lads stopped, and started asking me all about it (I stay in a small village in South Ayrshire), so I was happy to oblige, as I said, I have had more comments about this than any of my other cars (and bikes for that matter)

Not sure where we are with Oil Usage, I keep an eye in this like a hawk, not used a drop in 3,000 miles I have added, saying that, it is a good job as my local dealer is saying that the oil needs to be ordered directly from Castrol? (I could have got it from Cox's, online I suppose, but I like having a mooch around the Dealer to be honest)

Cheers
I think the nearly new ones are superb buys, this was the one I test drove;
http://usedcars.lloydmotors.carlisle-honda.co.uk/s...

I was told by the sales team to watch the oil level very carefully too but over my whole trip it didn't use a drop, they told me it's only 0-20 in it and it will be changed to something else at first service. Not sure how correct that is rotate

You're not too much further up north than us so get some photos posted up wink black must be the rarest colour you reckon? I've certainly not seen one yet. Do you ever do any of the Sottish Borders runs?

VeegasRS6

367 posts

156 months

Wednesday 4th May 2016
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Great write up and lovely looking car OP.

Grey really suits the lairy looks and image, it sets of the car nicely.

Good job on the sell job to the other half, it normally takes me weeks! biggrin