Launch
Back in 2017, Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. launched the Honda Civic Type R. Now in its fifth-generation, this high-performance hatchback is based on the 10th-generation Honda Civic. Of note, this was the first time that a Type R model was introduced locally.
Exterior
As a high-performance vehicle, the Philippine-spec Honda Civic Type R features an angular and aggressive exterior design. Besides that, it also comes equipped with features that aids in its performance.
The aforementioned functional exterior pieces includes an additional vent on top of the red Type R badge, a rear wing, enlarged wheel arches, as well as a carbon-fiber rear diffuser. The lower-front bumper also has ducts, which channels air into the car's large Brembo brake discs. From the side, the Type R is fitted with more prominent-looking side skirts. The Type R also rides on a set of 20-inch wheels.
For illumination, the Honda-produced performance model is equipped with LED headlamps, LED taillights, as well as front fog lamps.
Unlike the sedan body-style of the regular Philippine-spec Civic, the Civic Type R comes with a fastback style rear end. As with the rest of the car, the rear also features several black-colored pieces. And lastly, the Japanese-made sports car also has three tailpipes.
Interior
Inside, the Civic Type R for the Philippines is dominated by red-colored features and trim pieces. The suede front bucket seats themselves are mostly red in color, and they also bear Type R badging. The same goes for the leather-wrapped steering wheel, as well as the dashboard itself. Below the shifter is a metal plate, which shows the car's production number.
The Type R provides the driver a digital gauge cluster, a manually adjustable driver's seat, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, as well as an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. To keep all of its occupants comfortable, the Honda model also comes with automatic air-conditioning and ambient lighting.
Technology & Safety Features
Dominating the Philippine-spec Civic Type R's dashboard is a 7-inch infotainment system. This system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities. Additional connectivity options include HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth. The touchscreen also doubles as a telemetry screen. Delivering sound to the Type R's occupants is an eight-piece speaker system.
The Civic Type R also provides a lot of tech and features for the driver. There's a cruise control function, a push to start button with keyless entry, a backup camera, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors, and multiple drive modes. Of note, the digital gauge cluster is Type R specific. It features red gauges, and numerous display modes.
For safety, the Honda-made sports car comes standard with hill-start assist, three airbags, speed-sensing door locks, ISOFIX child seat tethers, stability control, and an alarm with an engine immobilizer.
Platform & Chassis
The Honda Civic Type R is a front-engine, front-wheel-car vehicle. It has four doors, and it can seat up to five adults. Unlike the regular Philippine-spec Civic, the Civic Type R is a hatchback.
For suspensions, the said model uses a Dual-axis strut type suspension for the front, and a multi-link suspension for the rear. Both the front and rear suspension is supported by a adaptive damper system. Braking is then handled by disc-brakes. Of note are the front brakes, which are cross-drilled Brembo disc brakes. Steering for the Civic Type R is managed by a electric powered rack-and-pinion system.
Size-wise, the Civic Type R has a length of 4,577mm, a width of 1,877mm, and a height of 1,434mm. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,700mm, and a ground clearance of 132mm.
Engine & Drivetrain
Propelling the Philippine-spec Honda Civic Type R is a turbocharged 2.0-liter K20C1 DOHC VTEC. At most, this inline-4 engine can churn out 306 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The said transmission also comes with a rev-matching function.
