2018 Honda Civic Type R pricing and features

HONDA’S fifth-gen Civic Type R hot hatch will cost from $50,990 when it arrives in Australia this October as a single, highly equipped model.

Australian Civic Type Rs receive a slightly detuned version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC engine, which will produce 228kW and 400Nm on 95RON petrol and be suitable for our hot weather conditions. European and Japanese Civic Type Rs put out 235kW on 98RON fuel.

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The gearbox is limited to a six-speed manual in all markets. The Civic Type R is front-wheel drive and holds a record for being the fastest front-driver to lap the Nurburgring racetrack. Some of the Type R’s competitors are all-wheel drive, such as the Ford Focus RS and Volkswagen Golf R, though the Civic is lighter than both of those cars and has a competitive power-to-weight ratio.

Standard equipment for locally delivered Civic Type R models includes adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels with Continental SportContact 6 tyres, and active safety systems and driver assistance features such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), radar cruise control and lane departure warning.

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An exterior aero package, sports seats, rear-view camera, parking sensors, smart entry with push-button start and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto are all standard as well.

The Type R has model-specific upgrades to reduce torque steer and improve cornering including its own spring, damper and bushing settings, as well as a ‘Dual-Axis’ front axle with aluminium arms and steering components. It also has multi-link rear suspension, adaptive variable electric power steering and a limited-slip differential.

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Comfort, Sport and R+ driving modes allow the drive to switch between different settings for steering and throttle response, transmission rev-matching, stability control and adaptive damping.

“Honda Civic Type R strikes a fine balance between extreme performance and everyday usability,” the brand claims.

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Further differences to other 10th-gen Civics include a four-seat configuration, with no middle seat in the rear. Boot space is 414 litres. Fuel economy for Aussie models is listed at 8.8L/100km.

Five paint options are available including the Championship White hero colour, plus Rally Red, Crystal Black, Sonic Grey and Brilliant Sporty Blue.

At least 200 firm orders are currently held by Honda dealers in Australia, with more than 5000 expressions of interest on top of that. Those at the top of the list will start receiving their Civic Type Rs in October. Buyers placing an order now should expect to face a wait.