Honda Civic Type R joins the NSW Police Force

NSW Police has taken delivery of what appears to be its first road-bound manual car in years – a 228kW/400Nm Honda Civic Type R, no less.

The critically-acclaimed front-driven hot hatch has joined the NSW Police ranks for a 12 month posting, it has been confirmed. But rather than chasing down crooks or performing high-speed chases, the Civic Type R will be strictly limited to promotional duties.

“Honda Australia is delighted to partner with the NSW Police Force and take an active role in raising awareness of the Eyewatch program to help make our communities safer,” said Honda Australia director Stephen Collins.

The Civic Type R goes without official lights, sirens or a police radio, but is adorned with the requisite NSW Police livery. Its primary purpose is to break down barriers between police and the public as an engagement tool; a conversation starter of sorts.

The vehicle is supplied free of charge to the NSW Police by Honda Australia, meaning it bears no cost to tax payers. But, should a major issue arise, police will be able to intervene aboard the Type R if need be.

That is, if they know how to drive it. The Type R is only available in a manual transmission.

Outside of motorcycles and specialised off-road vehicles, such as the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series, the Type R is understood to be the first manual police car deployed in NSW for some time. Usually, operational vehicles are required to be automatic to comply with internal guidelines.

Along with stirring engine performance, the Type R has been lauded for its handling and visceral feel at the wheel, going within a whisker to win the 2018 Australia’s Best Driver’s Car award.

The Honda follows in the wheel tracks of other similarly-minded performance equipment to have been seconded to the NSW Police fleet, including the BMW i8, Porsche 911, McLaren 650S and HSV GTS.