Japan's new competition for the European compact sports elite will be in the dealer halls from summer. For 34.000 euros, buyers get the key for the Honda Civic Type R. The sports version of the five-door compact is powered by a 228 kW / 310 hp 2,0-liter turbo engine that sends its power to the front axle via a six-speed manual transmission.
The Civic Type R, which can reach speeds of up to 270 km / h, sets itself apart from its civilian brothers thanks to a large rear wing, a larger grille and 19-inch wheels. Inside there are sports seats in red and black suede look, a leather steering wheel and a black headlining.
The Civic Type R is also available in the new, 36.500 euro equipment variant "Type R GT". Then there are parking sensors on the front and rear, rain sensor, electrically folding exterior mirrors, the new Connect infotainment system and two-zone automatic climate control. In addition, a 320 watt audio system with eight speakers and CD player is standard. Driver assistance systems such as the collision warning system, lane departure warning system, traffic sign recognition and blind spot assistant are also included in the GT-Pack.
The "Type R" version of the Civic was first launched in 1997, and it only came to Germany in the second generation from 2001. The new edition now relies on a turbo engine for the first time; previously, naturally aspirated petrol engines with significantly less power were on board. Competitors of the new model include the Renault Mégan RS (27.950 euros), Ford Focus RS (price not yet known) and the VW Scirocco R (36.825 euros).
Author: Adele Moser / SP-X