Civic Type R hunts Golf and XR5

Honda's new Civic Type R announced last week marks several firsts. Not only is it the first three-door Civic for two generations, but as the first Civic Type R to be launched in Australia, it the hottest Civic ever sold here. It is also the first Civic model to be imported from the UK.

And while it is the first Civic to sell for $39,990 -- almost double that of the entry level sedan -- it is potentially the best value Civic ever sold in Australia at only $5000 more than the VTi-R hatchback of 1995.

Despite a two month wait in the UK and several European markets waiting their turn for supplies, Honda Australia has jumped the queue to secure 100 units a month to present a hero pump primer for the mainstream Civic three and five-door hatch range it hopes to have on sale some time in 2008.

Local Honda executives maintain there is little chance of increasing supplies under current production pressures until Honda's UK facility has completed an expansion program. This is up to 12 months away.

Honda's Swindon facility is the only source of this special hot hatch Civic. And even when the plant's production capacity is boosted, supplies of the special Japanese-built Type R engine will still be limited. 

When the Type R's closest rivals -- including the VW Golf GTI and the Ford Focus XR5 Turbo -- generated local waiting lists of up to six months in their first year, it is possible that even waiting to read this news item may cost valuable time if you want delivery this side of spring. There are also close parallels with the first local Renault Clio Sport launch which virtually sold out on release. The Civic Type R (more here) is as much a landmark model, under tight supply worldwide.

First impressions on Australian roads suggest that the Type R has more than the measure of rival hot hatches. Despite the Type R's firm suspension tuning, ride harshness over Australian roads is not as bad as feared from overseas reports.

In fact, it is more liveable as an everyday driver than most of its kind, with its linear, non-turbo throttle response while feedback and driver involvement are more like a 1970s model before emissions and safety requirements took their toll. To describe it as one of 2007's most exciting and accessible new releases, is not overstating the impact it should have on the local market.

It manages to combine the minimalist character and style of the first Honda CRX sold locally with the uncompromised sports pedigree of the Integra Type R and almost the same practicality and everyday driveability of the Honda Jazz. 

The key to the new model is the 2.0-litre twin-cam i-VTEC engine which comes with a close-ratio six-speed manual only. It delivers 148kW at 7800rpm and 193Nm at 5600 rpm, and in true VTEC style, takes on the howl of a racing engine after 5400rpm then redlines at 8000rpm. Recent improvements include a forged chrome moly flywheel, balancer shaft and drive by wire throttle control.

Honda claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.6 seconds, a standing 400m of 14.8 seconds, a top speed of 235km/h and a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.3 litres/100km on a diet of 95 RON premium unleaded.

Although these power and torque figures are lower than most of its turbocharged rivals, kerb weight is up to 100kg less at 1345 kg. When much of this weight is removed from the front wheels, Honda is highlighting its Type R philosophy which states that the new model must be "pure, balanced and offer a smooth power delivery".

These power figures are also slightly lower than the Japanese specification which runs a higher compression ratio with the availability of 100 RON fuel.

Honda Australia has presented the Type R in a single fully-equipped three door specification with only one option, metallic paint at $300. When the new model comes only in Milano Red, Alabaster Silver and Nighthawk Black, all with black Alcantara sports trim with red cloth inserts, even this option is limited.

Main features include 18 inch alloys, vehicle stability assist, dual front, side and curtain airbags, power folding and heated mirrors, drilled aluminium pedals, cruise control, dual zone climate control with passenger adjustment on the door armrest, front fog lights, rain sensing wipers, multi-function computer, dual exhausts, tilt and reach steering column adjustment, glovebox cooling and automatic headlights with dusk sensor.

The dash features a large centre tachometer with a digital speed display in the level above the main instrument cluster. The sports steering wheel presents a range of controls for cruise control and audio.

The compact new model is 4285mm long and 1785mm wide but the turning circle is larger than expected at 12.3 metres. Euro NCAP testing produced a four star performance for the Civic hatch on which the Type R is based.

Honda claims that the Type R body is even more rigid than the already stiff standard Civic hatch. The floor cross member just ahead of the central fuel tank is strengthened, the upper front suspension mounts are reinforced, and the lower cross member ahead of the engine bay is boosted in strength.

Suspension is re-tuned with a ride height lowered by 15mm, featuring mono-tube dampers all round. The rear track is increased by 20mm while the standard Civic hatch's torsion beam rear axle and central fuel tank location are retained for flat Honda Jazz-style luggage space, especially with the split-fold  rear seat fully folded.

Although the styling has the proportions of the much-loved original two seater Honda CRX sold in Australia, rear seat comfort is better than expected. Body detailing includes front and rear spoilers, side skirts and integrated exhaust outlets with unusual triangular tail pipes that match other detailing on the exterior including the front fog lights.

When pressed about how Honda is reconciling the landed price of the Type R, which attracts full duty because of its UK-sourcing compared to the duty-free pricing of the Thai-built Civic sedan, Honda acknowledged that its sub-$40,000 price for the Type R was more of a branding issue than a profit exercise.

For an exclusive Honda model with a special build engine from Japan and final assembly completed on a special production line, the Civic Type R already appears to have the "right stuff" to become an icon model.

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