Thursday 7th July 2016

Honda Civic Type R: PH Fleet

New tyres on, Matt takes the Civic... into a kerb. Argh!

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There was a horrible sense of inevitability about kerbing the Civic Type R. Honda had warned how vulnerable the rims were, colleagues had done similar and I appear to enjoy a reputation amongst friends for damaging wheels. Funny how they never remember the dozens of unblemished cars, isn't it?

Honda's Halifax dealership sorted tyres

As it happened, the rim-kerb collision would have damaged any wheel. Having moved too far across at a junction to be clear of a parked car, I still had too much lock applied having pulled away. Rather embarrassingly, I ended up driving into the kerb. Ridiculous, embarrassing, stupid - all of the above. I won't show you a pic, but suffice it to say it's quite bad. The tracking was still fine, and Honda has offered to replace it, but then I'm worried about repeating the offence. Let's see.

It's doubly frustrating because the Type R had fresh front tyres on following its Focus twin-test (and hadn't been completely ruined in the imminent Megane comparo either) and was back to its wild best. In fact wild is unfair, because that implies an unruliness; what's still so staggering (and endearing) about the Civic is its ability to put 310hp to the tarmac, to feel fast and locked down but incredibly exciting too. I know there's a lot to be said for four-wheel drive hot hatches in the UK, but with the recent advances in front axle technology I would attempt to stick with two driven wheels for as long as possible. Perhaps we should ask for a car back in December and see if the same verdict is reached...

I maintain that the car would benefit from more aggressive tyres though, to fully exploit the aero work, the performance and the fantastic brakes. The cost for the pair of Continental SportContact 6s was £440.92 including fitting and balance; a look on Black Circles shows that two Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s would be £465.24 fitted. Naturally we would want four done at the same time if possible, which would result in a bill of nearly £1,000. A big investment, but something I'm really keen to test if possible.

On a more practical note, the Type R has proved great bike transport for some Ride London training. I'm woefully unprepared, but the ability to get the bike in without removing a wheel has removed another possible excuse to ride! The seats fold flat very easily, the aperture is wide enough and - with my PH hat back on - you get more exhaust roar back through as well. Result!

PH Fleet at work at Le Mans Pit Stop

The Civic also served well as Le Mans transport, taking three of us and a load of merch down through France very comfortably with Radio Alan streaming perfectly. The small fuel tank is still frustrating on longer journeys, as are the old-hat graphics, but the Type R is far more cossetting on a big roadtrip than the looks may lead you to believe.

Next month? Well, with Ride London done (fingers crossed I survive), it will be good to use some great B-roads for early mornings on four wheels rather than two. We really need to sort that JDM comparison after the UK triple test also. And I'll be sure to stay a long way from any kerbs!

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FACT SHEET
Car: 2016 Honda Civic Type R GT
Run by: Matt
On fleet since: March 2016
Mileage: 5,670 (delivered on 625)
List price new: £32,960 (Type R GT at £32,295, plus £525 for Championship White paint and £140 for Elegance Floor Carpets
Last month at a glance: Don't forget it's still a practical Civic beneath the spoilers...

Previous reports:
Welcome the first ever Type R to the PH Fleet!
Type R does fast brilliantly, but slow isn't so bad either
Civic squares up to its hot hatch nemesis

Lead pic: Ben Lowden

[giveablondeabone]

I remember smacking my new EP3 Type R into a kerb years ago. The noise was sickening and I daren't look for ages!

Still, £60 should see it sorted Matt

[Marc H]

Not sure if there are other bike-riding new-model Civic people out there, but this is odd. Both Matt in this article - and a letter in last week’s Autocar - say that you can get a bike in the back without taking the front wheel off. Well I can’t…. I’ve got a standard-size Ridgeback hybrid bike and I can’t get it in either way…. with the rear seats flipped up, or flat in the back with them down – without taking the wheel off. It’s nowhere close, either. Am I missing a trick?

[mp3manager]

When I bought Gap insurance for my FK2, I also opted for wheel insurance. Hope to never need it but article is a reminder that these silly things can happen.

[Type R Tom]

That was one of the things I loved about the FN2, a bike with wheels on fits in the back.

[Thunder18]

I just kerbed my own wheel in the exact same way....frustrating is not the word......

[Alanok]

Marc H said:

Not sure if there are other bike-riding new-model Civic people out there, but this is odd. Both Matt in this article - and a letter in last week’s Autocar - say that you can get a bike in the back without taking the front wheel off. Well I can’t…. I’ve got a standard-size Ridgeback hybrid bike and I can’t get it in either way…. with the rear seats flipped up, or flat in the back with them down – without taking the wheel off. It’s nowhere close, either. Am I missing a trick?

Turn the front wheel 90 degrees so the handlebars are resting on the top tube, viola.

[mnx42]

I saw my first one of these on the road last week whilst driving to Aylesford..it was in Brilliant Sporty Blue Metallic and to my mind looked awesome. Yes a little shouty but then I like that kind of thing.

[chrispj]

I'm surprised no-one else has said, but £440 for a pair of SportContact6?! I imagine you were in a hurry but Black Circles suggests you were shaken down for £140 of that (or is tyre fitting really expensive in your area...?)

[MrBarry123]

chrispj said:

I'm surprised no-one else has said, but £440 for a pair of SportContact6?! I imagine you were in a hurry but Black Circles suggests you were shaken down for £140 of that (or is tyre fitting really expensive in your area...?)

My first thought also.

Unfortunately you've been completely mugged off by that tyre place PH!

[pmr01]

When o when is the imminent comparison with the Megan's coming? It's been a bit of a wait.

[Dale487]

Alloy + kerb = the worst noise in the world.

(& we've all done it)

[Jaaws]

The tyres on the FK2 type R are so stretched they give no protection at all. That plus the huge turning circle means granite will meet alloy sooner rather than later. I kerbed my FNS wheel within a week of getting the car, felt like crying

[Relax]

Those tyre prices are comical . Nothing like securing a good deal lol.