Honda Civic Type R

(Courtesy: The Car Connection)

 

This, is the Honda Civic Type R.

The Type R has followed the Civic generations for a long time now, but is available out of the factory in the form of the 10th-Generation. This variant of the Civic is only available with a well-engineered and fun 6-speed manual transmission.

The Type R comes with a 306 HP, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine producing 295 LB-FT of torque. Although that really doesn't sound like much, the way Honda puts that power down in their FWD drivetrain is more than any power you need. The best way to think about the Type R, is the go-kart to go grocery shopping in. It's stupidly fun to drive, and equally as practical to use every day of the year. And lets not forget, this conventional sedan is not only practical, but one of the fastest sport compacts available in the market. If we had to directly compare the car to compare another, the Type R's main rival would be the Hyundai Veloster N (there is a post on the Veloster N, go check it out!). 

But what's the point of a fast FWD with all the terrible, time wasting torque steer? (For those readers who may not know what torque steer is, it's when a FWD is accelerating quickly, but due to the tires spinning out, the car is unable to steer). Well, the smart engineers at Honda have it figured out. How? I don't even know, but the Type R is wonderful under acceleration, and has very controllable little amount torque steer. On top of this, the car has a very responsive steering system, as well as extravagant cornering grip and a smooth ride.

Like other manufacturers, Honda is also offering a limited edition vehicle for 2021, which (very creatively) they call the '2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition'. The price is obviously going to be higher than the normal Type R, since only 1,000 will be made. Also, this edition will only be available in a vibrant, 'Phoenix Yellow Pearl' paint, as well as sharper steering, Michelin Cup 2 tires (which are much stickier than the current Type R wheels), is 38 pounds lighter and another visual change, gloss-black roof panels, exterior mirrors, and hood scoops.

(Courtesy: CNET)

• Honda Civic Type R Touring - $38,890
• Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition - $44,990

Like every other car in the world, the Type R indeed does have a few problems. First off, the design. Many people dislike the big "wang" and aggressive scoops and vents on the Civic, but let's be honest, it makes the Type R unique in the evolving car world of making cars more stealthier looking. Second, unlike the Hyundai Veloster N that has a beautiful exhaust note, the Type R isn't as appealing. Third and final, the Type R does get noisy at highway speeds, making it evident that you're driving a 4-cylinder. But, a plus of the car is definitely its mileage, which is 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

All in all, if there a was a car that I had to give the ultimate usability for on the track and the road that could be used with the family, it would definitely be, the Honda Civic Type R.