2018 Honda Civic Type R priced at $50,990, targets Ford Focus RS

HONDA is squaring up for a stoush with Ford after announcing a $50,990 list price for its new Civic Type R, making it a dollar-for-dollar match with the Focus RS in Australia.

Australian and US market Civic Type Rs will produce peak outputs of 228kW and 400Nm from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC engine detuned for hotter climates and 95RON petrol.

European and Japanese market Civic Type Rs get a slightly higher power rating of 235kW on 98RON fuel. A six-speed manual gearbox with rev-match function is the only transmission available in all regions.

Ford Focus RS models in Oz use a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that sends 257kW and 440Nm to an all-wheel-drive system through a six-speed manual exclusively. The Civic Type R powers its front wheels only.

Head-to-head, the heavier Focus RS (1524kg) has only a slim power-to-weight advantage of 169kW per tonne versus the Type R’s 164kW per tonne, calculated using its confirmed 1393kg kerb weight in Australia.

More than 200 firm orders for the front-wheel-drive Nurburgring record holder are held by Honda dealers in Oz, with its Championship White hero colour the most popular choice.

“Many of these are enthusiast 'early adopters' who've been waiting for this car; some would also be existing customers who already drive a Honda Type R model,” said Honda spokesman Neil McDonald.

Just one variant of the Civic Type R is to be sold in Australia at launch. Key features include adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, 20-inch alloy wheels and active safety functions including AEB and radar cruise control.

Type R-specific spring, damper and bushing settings and a ‘Dual-Axis’ front suspension with aluminium arms and steering components set the Type R apart from regular 10th-gen Civics. Honda says the changes reduce torque steer and improve cornering at the limit.

Multi-link rear suspension, adaptive, variable dual-pinion electric power steering and a helical limited-slip differential also feature on the Type R.

Three driving modes are available (Comfort, Sport and +R) each with its own calibration for steering and throttle response, transmission rev-matching, stability control and adaptive damping.

Civic Type R’s distinctive third exhaust pipe is designed to reduce cabin noise when cruising at sustained revs on highways. During high engine load exhaust gases flow through all three pipes, but at mid-load conditions the smaller middle pipe draws air in to cut ‘booming’ and improve occupant comfort.

Honda says the Civic Type R’s suede-effect sports seats are the lightest Type R seats it has ever produced. Colour choices for exterior paint include Championship White, Rally Red, Crystal Black, Sonic Grey and Brilliant Sporty Blue.