Monday 23rd July 2018

Civic Type R facelift spied with more options

Japan's 320hp five-door will get a nip and a tuck; new wheels on a test car offer hope of a racier finish

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The FK8 generation Honda Civic Type R has barely been with us for a year but already an updated version has been caught out in public. Is this round 2 in the fast escalating fight with Renault Sport and Hyundai N for hot hatch glory? Are we to expect even more power from its 320hp turbocharged 2.0-litre motor?

Not exactly. History shows that the facelifted Civic Type R is normally just that, facelifted. So we're talking a nip and a tuck and some new lights and a new model year. More extreme versions with substantial alterations have typically not arrived until later in the production run, so we’re expecting this to be a fairly low key update.

Unless, of course, you are excited by the prospect of white wheels being offered for the first time in the FK8’s run. The red test car caught on camera looks all the more racy in a colour not offered with a Type R since the FK2 went out of production. The latest Type R is currently sold exclusively with black wheels, so this could be evidence of a second option to join the specs list.

A second mule (the white one) also wears a different rear wing that’s much smaller and more discreet than the FK8's iteration. A more compact version would likely hamper downforce – Honda claimed this was the only hot hatch to generate the stuff when it launched – but it’s not like the Type R lacks mechanical grip on its model-specific 245-section Continental SportContact 6s, and a redress of the car's 'flamboyant' styling would be welcomed in some corners.

Other than that, the only other updates expected include a volume knob on the dashboard and… you get the idea. But it’s true that even incremental changes are going to enhance the overall appeal of what is arguably the best hot hatch currently on sale.

We might not have to wait too long for a Honda to really turn the wick up, however, because word is that Renault Sport’s recently revealed Mégane Trophy will spawn a track-focused R variant, set to challenge for the Civic’s Nürburgring front-wheel drive title. When that happens, expect to see a less low key response from Honda’s Type R department.

 

[Notanotherturbo]

With the Atmo engine there wasn't much scope for a power increase without a great deal of cost and probable loss of driveability, but with the turbo lump it would be very quick and painless to remap, maybe tweak the intercooler size and add another 20-30bhp.

[Ultrafunkula]

Finally, a version without a coffee table nailed to it.

[Pericoloso]

Still ugly ,too "busy" at the rear.

[xjay1337]

It's still the ugliest car ever to have been made in the history of history.

[Mykdon70]

I've owned a number of Hondas - VTi's and Type R's - and it's not the rear wing that puts me off this one. The rear wheelarches and general bumper detailing are awful, and the car already looks front-heavy. Deleting the rear wing actually makes that even worse. Such a shame that Honda seem to have completely lost a purity of form that their cars once displayed.

[tomv1to]

I really like the Type R. I agree it's ugly but it's ugly in a charming way with buckets of character, it also seems to drive well from all of the reviews (not driven one myself, afraid that if I went for a test drive I'd fall in love and do something stupid.) It's also the most distinctive looking hatch on the market as opposed to the boring blobs most of the manufacturers are putting out. Don't get me wrong I'm sure the N, RS Mégane, Focus RS, Golf R are incredible cars but visually they're a bit 'safe.'

I can't afford one, but if I could I'd definitely look at getting one. Maybe in 3 or 4 years I might be able to look at a used one.

It would be quite nice to see how an Astra GTC VXR holds up against the current hot hatch elite. It's a bit older now but stylistically it's a decent looking car imo and they seem to be available for peanuts. The only downside is the dated interior.

[rossub]

xjay1337 said:

It's still the ugliest car ever to have been made in the history of history.

Yawn

[ELROR]

Agree looks are brash to say the least. I test drove one yesterday even though I had reservations about the image of a massive spoiler. Absolutely epic car, so much so that I have forgiven the looks completely - it actually looks OK in the metal, and certainly no worse than any other spoilered 4 doors (evos, subarus etc). Exciting, fun, fast, comfy and loaded with kit. Gear change is awesome, and the engine is a belter. Really feels like a proper grown up performance car to drive. Golf-R that I tested on same day wasn't even close on any level apart from dullness. Seriously considering it in metallic grey to reduce the brash factor.

[TooMany2cvs]

I love the way they camo the badges...

[bozzy.]

I bought an EP3 when I was 21 (in the year 2005) and I absolutely loved it! I’d have one now if I had room.

I’m not sure about this car however. Sure, it’s better in every measurable way. It’s faster, more practical, has more grip and better technology. I’d just feel a little bit embarrassed driving around in it! I know I shouldn’t give a toss what others think, however I don’t think I could feel anything other than a plonker pulling up in that!

[Oz83]

The red with white wheels reminds me of an Evo 5/6, in particular the rear arch extensions.

[redroadster]

Well its not trying to look like a golf thats about all i can say oh dear

[Vocht]

I for one love the look of these. I agree in images it's not the best but in person they look really great. Awesome levels of performance and Honda reliability, they're brilliant!

[woody33]

Three rear centre exhausts of seemingly completely random sizes. Was there a discussion in a boardroom where they concluded this was a good idea ? Was it the same group of clowns that passed the new Disco number plate position ?

[RWDan]

Mykdon70 said:

I've owned a number of Hondas - VTi's and Type R's - and it's not the rear wing that puts me off this one. The rear wheelarches and general bumper detailing are awful, and the car already looks front-heavy. Deleting the rear wing actually makes that even worse. Such a shame that Honda seem to have completely lost a purity of form that their cars once displayed.

I do agree, it actually looks worse without the wing!
Regards to purity, I don't get it, what would you describe as a "pure" drivers car?
I think it's more focused about the drive than looks?

[sidesauce]

xjay1337 said:

It's still the ugliest car ever to have been made in the history of history.

Oh, I don't know...

[Escort Si-130]

I think you forgot about the Fiat Multipla, Smart Car, Toyota IQ

xjay1337 said:

It's still the ugliest car ever to have been made in the history of history.

[David87]

In white with those white wheels it’ll look rather aggressive, if not pretty. Gets my vote.

[TheDrBrian]

How does it still work with the vinyl covering all the vents on the front?

[hyphen]

xjay1337 said:

It's still the ugliest car ever to have been made in the history of history.

Always amazes me that Honda don't offer two choices, the standard chavvy boy racer styled version and a toned down version. Bet they would sell a bucket load of the latter. But they don't, and so everyone chooses the Golf GTI or another golf variant.