A REPUTATION for highly-strung, adrenaline-inducing atmo engines has been a core part of the Type R legend for decades, but the march of technological progress has seen a fundamental shift for Honda’s hero hatchback.

WHAT IS IT?

It’s the hot hatch of the moment – the hardcore, superfluously styled, yet surprisingly civilised Honda Civic Type R. This is the fifth-gen Civic to cop the Type R treatment, but only the second to grace Aussie roads.

WHY WE’RE DRIVING IT

Beyond the eye-wincingly expensive NSX, this is the most talked about Honda in years. But is the hype real? This is our first chance to test the Type R on local soil and to see if its manic front-drive layout is capable of delivering thrills to rival the Ford Focus RS and Volkswagen Golf R, which, despite costing similar money, send their power to all four wheels.

MAIN RIVALS

Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen Golf R, Renault Megane RS, Hyundai i30 N

THE WHEELS VERDICT

An exciting, rewarding and comfortable all-rounder that occupies a middle ground between the hardcore (read uncompromising) Focus RS and the polished and accomplished (yet aloof) Golf R.

Plus: Driver engagement; front-axle bite; shift quality; seat and ride comfort

Minus:Not much in the way of throttle adjustability; no individual mode; polarising styling; infotainment useability

IT WAS the kind of road to make you wince. A piece of tarmac so gnarled, broken and littered with potholes and raised, snaking fissures that your body tenses instinctively as it prepares for an inevitable onslaught of tortured suspension, bouncing alloys and rack rattle.

The fact Honda’s mad-looking Civic Type R practically shouts its hardcore, performance-focused intent and rolls on the largest wheels in its class, wrapped in the lowest profile rubber, only intensifies the sense of anticipation as it rockets onto the road at 110km/h.

Don’t misread this dose of sophistication as a sign that Honda has dialed back on excitement, however. Ignoring the temptation to fit rear driveshafts means the 1380kg Type R is lighter than its rivals, and with a 228kW/400Nm turbocharged VTEC four-pot providing the propulsion, it feels properly brisk. At the strip, Wheels managed a 5.8sec sprint to 100km/h and a 13.9sec quarter at 172km/h.

There’s little in the way of lift-off oversteer; the rear axle preferring to follow the nose faithfully than wag about. Nor is it as chuckable, or as flamboyantly adjustable as a Focus RS, but drive it quickly and the Honda will still squeeze your adrenaline gland just as hard.

Sadly, things are less cohesive inside the Type R. While a spacious cabin, enormous 420L boot and comfortable and supportive bucket seats are clear highlights, clumsy ergonomics, an over-styled interior design and an unintuitive infotainment system are glaring weaknesses.

Specifications

Model: Honda Civic Type R Engine: 1996cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo Max power: 228kW @ 6500rpm Max torque: 400Nm @ 2500-4500rpm Transmission: six-speed manual Weight: 1393kg 0-100km/h: 5.8sec (tested) Economy: 8.8L/100km Price: $50,990 On sale: Now