I hadn’t experienced a stick-shift driver’s car in awhile, so it was truly refreshing to put the 2024 Honda Civic Type R hot hatch through its paces,
Under its new vented aluminum hood is an even more powerful version of Honda’s award-winning 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine. A larger grille opening, bigger radiator and a new large-diameter fan improve engine cooling, ensuring sustained, optimal performance during extreme driving. To further strengthen the driver’s connection with the car, the active exhaust valve opens at higher rpm to heighten and enhance the sound of the engine.
Type R’s smooth and precise six-speed manual transmission is further improved for an even more intimate and rewarding connection with the driver. A lighter flywheel and a revised rev-match system ensures perfectly paired rev-matching when shifting down through the gears, helping maintain stability on corner entry.
Drivers can seamlessly switch between four pre-set performance settings, selecting different modes for the engine, steering, suspension and engine sound. In addition to Comfort, Sport and R+ Mode, a new ‘Individual Model’ mode enables customization of the driving experience.
The four-door hatch seats four adults with rear passengers marginally leg challenged. The EPA rates the Type R at 28 miles per gallon down the highway, and combined city/highway at 24. My tester came with a vibrant “Boost Blue” coat of enamel and 19-inch alloy wheels.
“Type R is very important for Honda as the pinnacle of our factory performance and an irreplaceable brand that enables enthusiasts to experience Honda’s racing spirit, and seek the ultimate in speed and driving pleasure,” said Hideki Kakinuma, global Civic Type R development leader. “The all-new Civic Type R will continue that legacy, leveraging Honda’s racetrack-proven engineering to deliver extreme performance and passion—both on the road and on the racetrack.”
I found myself looking for crooked roads, so Chuckanut Drive came to mind. Coupled with a sunny day, the Civic R Type did not disappoint, slicing and dicing each and every curve on the way to Fairhaven in Bellingham.
Designed to support intense driving experiences, the cockpit of the new Type R enhances the exhilaration of driving with emotive, performance-focused details and features, including Type R’s iconic red seats, carpet and trim, a redesigned aluminum shift knob, and a serialized Type R plate on the dash.
The driver sits lower than before in a new, lighter, body-stabilizing sport seat, yet with greater visibility courtesy of thinner pillars, relocated side mirror, and a lower hood. New lightweight, heavily bolstered front sports seats with suede-effect upholstery offer both exceptional support and comfort during long drives.
Technology has been smartly integrated into the Civic Type R’s new cabin with a focus on the driver, including a new nine-inch color touchscreen – the largest touchscreen ever in a Type R – with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Add a Bose premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging, and I was ready to fly.
Completing the Civic R Type’s air-tight package is Honda Sensing, with state-of-the-art technology to provide complete confidence behind the wheel. The safety suite is highlighted by adaptive cruise control, collision mitigation braking system, lane-keeping assist system, blind spot information system, and road departure mitigation.
In short, if you’re looking for a ball of fun but don’t want to fork out European prices, the Honda Civic R Type will tickle your itch, and then some.
Base Price: $45,890
Price As Driven: $45,890
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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