Sunday 15th July 2018

Honda Civic Type R (FK2): Spotted

While the new CTR grabs all the headlines, the previous-generation model has been quietly depreciating...

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It's no secret we're pretty big fans of the latest Honda Civic Type R, or FK8, here at PH. And so, it seems, is half the world - our sister titles have raved about it in equal measure, as has the majority of the motoring press; meanwhile, owners who've just taken delivery seem to be, by and large, deeply pleased with their purchases.

In the meantime, nobody's been talking much about the FK2 Type R. Obviously. I mean, why would you? Well, perhaps because, while we've all had our eyes on the new car, it's been gently sitting in the background, depreciating all the time. As proven by this rather lovely-looking example, for sale in the classifieds at just £17,999.

This is, after all, still a car worth raving about. Lest we forget, the 310hp powerplant is shared with the FK8 - albeit with a slight power hike in the later model. Still, it's enough to see the FK2 to 62mph in a very respectable 5.7 seconds. But there's more to life than just figures, and the way the FK2 hoovers up tarmac is quite sensational; the muscle that 2.0-litre turbo offers is phenomenal, yet it combines with a habit of urging you on to the red line - perhaps not with quite the manic revviness of Type Rs of old, but there's enough there to detect the familial link.

And one could hardly describe the FK2 as looking dated. Not when the FK8 is just as mad to look it. In fact, to some eyes, the more cohesive underlying shape of the previous-generation Civic means the FK2 is actually the prettier of the two cars.

So, same model, same engine (almost), same bonkers styling - but almost half the price. Where's the catch? Erm... well, it's hard to find one, really. True, the FK2 is ultimately less itch-scratchingly engaging than its successor. And more compromised, too, with a less forgiving ride and that hyperactive interior. But it'll still put almost as vast a smile across your chops. Yes, yes, the older car's chassis doesn't quite have the incisive brilliance of the newer one, but it still delivers a fantastically responsive turn-in, sensational traction and terrific brakes, and with that engine at its heart the FK2 is still a truly brilliant hot hatch.

The example we've found comes with a Honda service plan until 2020, and evidence of a former owner who's cared about it. The mileage isn't unreasonable, either. All sounds rather rosy, doesn't it? And while it isn't long until its first MOT is due, you'd have to be hideously unlucky for it to fail on anything serious. Granted, the stripe might not be to your taste, but that's easily removable.

Proof positive that, with the FK8 still well out of reach for many of us, its predecessor is starting to shape up as a savvy alternative. It's almost as entertaining, much better value, and looks just as good, if not better. Perhaps we should all be paying the FK2 a little more attention, then.

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SPECIFICATION - HONDA CIVIC TYPE R (FK2)

Engine: 1,996cc 4-cyl turbo
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Power (hp): 310@6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 295@2,500-4,500rpm
MPG: 38.7
CO2: 170g/km
First registered: 2015
Recorded mileage: 33,000
Price new: £32,960
Yours for: £17,999

See the original advert here.

 

[Stamford78]

have been considering chopping my Ep3 in for one of these. I'm not the most decisive of people, and worry I would regret making the swap.
Of course these are quicker, but the Ep3 is a very capable car once set up right, and absolutely manic.
Anyone on here made the swap?

[Ved]

I tried one last year and compared to my old EP3 it felt very dull. I know that sounds silly for the performance but the test drive did nothing for me at all. Nice enough though but not special.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Thanks PH, I’ve been trying to ignore just how much of a bath I’ve taken on mine

I’m not sure if I’ve ended up in some sort of hot hatch perfect storm but I’m seriously considering keeping mine long term-it just does absolutely everything I could wish it to do-track days, back road blasts, commuting, decent economy, cavernous interior, converts into a van for work stuff-it’s ace!

I’m seriously considering just keeping it 5 years as I’ve got the service plan and I can extend the warranty to 5 years for £840-it sounds so simple.

My only concern is what it’s going to be worth come final payment time next spring, I think it’s something like £17k which by the look of things might be more than it’s worth, which obviously means flinging the keys back at Honda and walking away.

It would be a shame not to have it though, decisions decisions...

[Stamford78]

Ved said:

I tried one last year and compared to my old EP3 it felt very dull. I know that sounds silly for the performance but the test drive did nothing for me at all. Nice enough though but not special.

Thanks for the feedback. 👍

[FK2R]

I love my FK2 which I have owned for 17 months now. Quite a rare car too and never seen another whilst driving out and about. I did trade in my old EP3 for it which I owned for 11 years previously. As much as I loved the EP3 this is a much better car in every way.

[FN2TypeR]

I love these; they're ace to drive and they look pretty bonkers. I wish that I had bought one when they were new, my current PCP'd car goes back next year and I'll certainly be having a look for a good example/low mileage one of these, preferably in grey.

LoH; your FK2 looks fantastic and your ownership thread on it was great.

[Commander2874]

Great looking cars and great Honda reliability. I test drove one (currently an fn2 owner) and thought it drove really well with nice use of power but thought it was too much at 26k at the time. I will probably be looking at one when they hit the £12k mark in a few years time as i'm still enjoying my fn2.

[Chestrockwell]

Tested one of these a year back and despite its bonkers performance and handling, the ride just ruled it out for me completely.

I didn’t mind the bumpy ride in my EP3 as it was a cheap car however when you’re looking at 20+ grand for a new car, it’s hard to commit to atleast 2 years worth of swearing or saying ouch every time you hit a pothole!

It was a 15 plate for 24,000 last year, 10k Miles, comparing it to this, it appears they hold their money quite well don’t they!

That being said, it was up for sale for quite a while.

[Galveston]

FK2R said:

I love my FK2 which I have owned for 17 months now. Quite a rare car too and never seen another whilst driving out and about. I did trade in my old EP3 for it which I owned for 11 years previously. As much as I loved the EP3 this is a much better car in every way.

Objectively better in every way, yes. But subjectively... not to me. As a driver's car I much preferred the EP3, it's slower, has less grip, but it's way more fun.

[rb_89]

Chestrockwell said:

Tested one of these a year back and despite its bonkers performance and handling, the ride just ruled it out for me completely.

I didn’t mind the bumpy ride in my EP3 as it was a cheap car however when you’re looking at 20+ grand for a new car, it’s hard to commit to atleast 2 years worth of swearing or saying ouch every time you hit a pothole!

It was a 15 plate for 24,000 last year, 10k Miles, comparing it to this, it appears they hold their money quite well don’t they!

That being said, it was up for sale for quite a while.

I've got one of these, I think the ride is pretty comfortable compared to a lot of performance cars I've driven / been in... Until you put it in +R mode that is! That mode will shatter your spine unless it's on a smooth piece of tarmac! A good B Road blast in +r mode, an absolutely wild drive though. Not sure how some people find it not involving!

[LaurasOtherHalf]

One of the tuners (tdi I think?) have a box that lets you select R+ mode and leave the hard suspension out of it.

The dampers in normal mode are fine imho, we’ll i mean they’re still bloody hard but for the performance I’m willing to take that as a compromise.

[Gameface]

FN2TypeR said:

LoH; your FK2 looks fantastic and your ownership thread on it was great.

Could you post a link to it. Thanks

[FN2TypeR]

Gameface said:

FN2TypeR said:

LoH; your FK2 looks fantastic and your ownership thread on it was great.

Could you post a link to it. Thanks

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1592441&mid=484450

[knebworth01]

I keep looking at these (and did when new) but the lack of a third seatbelt has always stopped me taking the plunge (3 kids!)
Has anyone ever seen one converted to three belts in the back using standard civic rear seats? Wonder if that is an easy job.

[Butter Face]

Drove a tweaked and modified one today, awesome car. Absolutely loved it.

[Frimley111R]

Ved said:

I tried one last year and compared to my old EP3 it felt very dull. I know that sounds silly for the performance but the test drive did nothing for me at all. Nice enough though but not special.

That affects many similar models. I have a Megane R26, subjectively its far more fun to drive than the 2 later models even thought they are technically much more advanced/better/faster. You're really not making a fair comparison with this CTR.

Also, many come alive at higher speeds so if you only had a standard test drive it won't feel too exciting.

[Ahbefive]

Frimley111R said:

Also, many come alive at higher speeds so if you only had a standard test drive it won't feel too exciting.

This is so true of so many cars. I hear day in day out on PH "I drove XYZ car and it was boring" generally by someone having driven a car for 10-15mins with a salesman sat next to them, driving through a busy town.

"I didn't get what all the fuss was about, it's just a boring hatchback". Well it's hardly going to feel like a Supercar is it?

[SidewaysSi]

Frimley111R said:

Ved said:

I tried one last year and compared to my old EP3 it felt very dull. I know that sounds silly for the performance but the test drive did nothing for me at all. Nice enough though but not special.

That affects many similar models. I have a Megane R26, subjectively its far more fun to drive than the 2 later models even thought they are technically much more advanced/better/faster. You're really not making a fair comparison with this CTR.

Also, many come alive at higher speeds so if you only had a standard test drive it won't feel too exciting.

True and the problem with modern cars. I like my cars to be alive all the time rather than only when pushed on a circuit which unfortunately is the way.

However the majority of people like to be insulated from driving so manufacturers pander to the popular vote.

[Frimley111R]

Ahbefive said:

Frimley111R said:

Also, many come alive at higher speeds so if you only had a standard test drive it won't feel too exciting.

This is so true of so many cars. I hear day in day out on PH "I drove XYZ car and it was boring" generally by someone having driven a car for 10-15mins with a salesman sat next to them, driving through a busy town.

"I didn't get what all the fuss was about, it's just a boring hatchback". Well it's hardly going to feel like a Supercar is it?

I test drove the Focus RS. Pointless as apart from briefly getting my foot down I had no idea what it was really like at normal(ish) road speeds.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

I was actively encouraged to push the limits of the Type-R on the (accompanied) test drive, we’re lucky we have some roads where you can actually do that though.

I bought the car within two days.