Monday 18th June 2018

New Spa record for Civic Type R

The second of the FK8's Time Attack laps has been completed; watch the video here!

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Earlier this year we brought you news that Honda was set to return to several of the circuits at which it claimed front-wheel lap records back in 2016.

The aim was of course to improve upon the times set by the FK2 Type R at tracks including Spa, Silverstone and Estoril, and drum up a little positive attention for the current car in the process. This time around the drivers would include Tiago Monteiro, Esteban Guerrieri and some chap called Jenson something. But, whilst JB was in France this past weekend trying his hand at endurance racing, Honda has revealed that it was left to PH favourite Bertrand Baguette to return to his home land and have a crack at Spa.

As you can see from the below video, Mr Baguette certainly didn't hold back. Although, as is usually the case with a properly quick lap time - the Nordschleife excluded, obviously - everything looks remarkably calm and composed.

SPOILER ALERT - In the end the FK8 completed the lap in 2:53.7, beating the FK2's time of 2:56.9 by over three seconds and setting a new front-wheel drive production lap record in the process.

There doesn't seem to be any word yet on which combination of driver and track is next, although with Festival of Speed and the British Grand Prix approaching, a Button/ Silverstone lap could make sense. Regardless, it's nice to see the focus of the manufacturer lap record tit-for-tat move away from the Nurburgring for a second; now we just need to wait for someone else to try and go faster still...

 

[RaineyDays]

Love how bonkers these look. Not sure I’d be brave enough to buy one though

[thegreenhell]

It's easy to claim a record for something when nobody else is trying.

Bertrand Baguette is surely a made up name? It sounds like a French cartoon character.

[RacerMike]

Interestingly only around a second faster than a Focus RS on Supersports

https://youtu.be/So-Ps_lvi4g

Does really beg the reality of that Ring time given the RS does an 8:06...

[Ahbefive]

RacerMike said:

Interestingly only around a second faster than a Focus RS on Supersports

https://youtu.be/So-Ps_lvi4g

Does really beg the reality of that Ring time given the RS does an 8:06...

I have seen a review where the edition version of the RS with the from LSD beats the Civic o track. I also think Hondas 'Ring lap record is somewhat suspect.

[thunderpigeon]

My colleague has a friend (good start to any story, so take it as you wish) who has helped organise these events and to those who are suspicious of the lap times, you can be. If they don't beat the record, there are a set of slicks in the truck or a remap put on.

Not the biggest conspiracy ever, but still a little cheeky from Honda

[Loyly]

Honda have really nailed it with this Type R. In two successive models, they have claimed that spot at the top of the pile the Mégane RS used to enjoy. I wonder if that car will recapture the crown once they get a bit more widespread? One suspects they might not, since most of the competition has been rather quiet in the face of the Honda marketing effort.

[Driver101]

The Civic is by far the best driving hot hatch.

I just couldn't see me owning one.

[PorkRind]

Looks like something out of star wars.

[996GT3_Matt]

PorkRind said:

Looks like something out of star wars.

Ha, that made me chuckle!

I am sure it’s fabulous to drive, but it is a tad erm.. out there. It almost needs a ‘styling lite’ version, for prospective owners over 19 ages of age.

[Onehp]

996GT3_Matt said:

Ha, that made me chuckle!

I am sure it’s fabulous to drive, but it is a tad erm.. out there. It almost needs a ‘styling lite’ version, for prospective owners over 19 ages of age.

'Business edition' like Merc has with some AMG models. By oneself, looks like it's possible to remove that dining table from the rear hatch at least...

[wab172uk]

I don't mind the look of these cars, but I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to actually own one. Would shout mid life crisis.

If I was in my 20's, it would certainly be a car I'd consider buying.

Don't think those alloys would last long on our pot holed roads though

[Rawwr]

Aside from lap times - dubious or otherwise - the FK8 Type-R is an amazing machine and I believe it's the best FWD car I've ever driven and easily the best hot hatch of the last few years.

[Ultrafunkula]

I don't really see the point of track lap times, unless the car is bought to be tracked why is it important? Road tests are more relevant to most people and I'm sure the majority of reviews say the Focus RS is more fun on the road. That said, if the Civic looked less challenging it would be the first CTR I would be interested in buying for sure.

[Shiv_P]

Ultrafunkula said:

I don't really see the point of track lap times, unless the car is bought to be tracked why is it important? Road tests are more relevant to most people and I'm sure the majority of reviews say the Focus RS is more fun on the road. That said, if the Civic looked less challenging it would be the first CTR I would be interested in buying for sure.

I thought they said the CTR was more fun?

[Rawwr]

Ultrafunkula said:

I don't really see the point of track lap times, unless the car is bought to be tracked why is it important? Road tests are more relevant to most people and I'm sure the majority of reviews say the Focus RS is more fun on the road. That said, if the Civic looked less challenging it would be the first CTR I would be interested in buying for sure.

Other way around for me. The Focus RS was great but it felt like it was doing a lot of work to try and hide its weight. The Type-R just felt natural and balanced, which is why I think it felt better on the road.

[nickfrog]

Rawwr said:

Aside from lap times - dubious or otherwise - the FK8 Type-R is an amazing machine and I believe it's the best FWD car I've ever driven and easily the best hot hatch of the last few years.

It's up there indeed. Although the Megane is not far off in terms of entertainment and adjustability. I know it was close between it and the first turbo Civic, not sure what its name is.

[E36Dan]

Ultrafunkula said:

I don't really see the point of track lap times, unless the car is bought to be tracked why is it important? Road tests are more relevant to most people and I'm sure the majority of reviews say the Focus RS is more fun on the road. That said, if the Civic looked less challenging it would be the first CTR I would be interested in buying for sure.

You might not, but there are people out there who will track these cars, and these tests/achievements are important.

Honda have been doing it for years; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E-x9p45xPA

[rob.e]

RacerMike said:

Interestingly only around a second faster than a Focus RS on Supersports

https://youtu.be/So-Ps_lvi4g

Does really beg the reality of that Ring time given the RS does an 8:06...

Different driver on a different day.. comparing laptimes is a bit academic. They are both really fast cars.

TBH the fact that the R is close enough to the RS despite lower power and Fwd speaks volumes for it's chassis. If you also factor in that the R can be comfortable enough to be your daily driver unlike the RS then the achievement is even more telling.

Agree with the other posters on this thread though - the styling is a bit extreme, but i doubt the'll do a toned down version, its not what Type R is about IMO. If you want subtle you can always buy Golf R or Cupra.

We do really live in a great era for fast hatches

[C.A.R.]

I've pointed this out before, that even the 'cooking-spec' normal Civics look too abrasive IMO. The USA models are far more toned-down vs. our ridiculous body styling in the UK.

Twin-centre exit exhausts are also on the Sport trim, which looks a bit too mad for the 1.5 Turbo model (especially as people seem to get enraged about the Golf R having 4 exhaust tips...)

Vast swathes of plastic fake grilles everywhere do nothing for its' appearance IMO.

[culpz]

Driver101 said:

The Civic is by far the best driving hot hatch.

I just couldn't see me owning one.

For me, the Megane has pretty much always dominated that experience.

I could definitely see me owning one aswell.