We put the most recent incarnation of Honda’s sizzling hatch via its paces – on the street and on observe…
There are a handful of recent automobiles worthy of a real fanbase, and the Honda Civic Sort R is one in all them.
With a pedigree stretching again to 1997, it’s turn into a legendary mannequin within the automotive world – and now it’s the flip of the sixth technology Civic Sort R (which relies on the eleventh technology Civic).
Generally known as the FL5 in Honda-speak, it takes over from the FK8 (2017-22).
I had excessive hopes for the brand new Civic Sort R after driving the spectacular household hatchback model of the now hybrid-only Civic, as a result of it dealt with very effectively.
I praised its agile drive, including, “it stays flat in more difficult corners, there’s good grip and the steering is properly weighted, which all bodes effectively for the upcoming Sort R”.
Effectively, I obtained my first style of the brand new Honda Civic Sort R at a moist Thruxton circuit, preceded by a diversified street route on and round a sodden Salisbury Plain.
The brand new Sort R is known as a finely tuned evolution of the acclaimed outgoing mannequin, so a troublesome act to comply with.
Already the observe report holder at Suzuka, Honda reckons the FL5 “is a becoming approach to rejoice 30 years of the Sort R nameplate”.
Priced from £46,995, it’s the perfect wanting Sort R but. Inheriting the usual Civic’s softer strains and good proportions. Let’s say it’s much less boy racer and all grown up.
Certain, there are many further aerodynamics in comparison with its wise sibling, however even the appreciable rear wing appears restrained in comparison with earlier generations.
Not like the common Civic, there’s no electrical help. As a substitute, there’s a extra powerful-than-before 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
It’s obtained 325bhp to supply up – barely greater than the 316bhp you bought within the outdated automotive – in addition to 420Nm of torque.
Barely swifter than its predecessor, it could possibly dash to 60mph in a time of 5.2 seconds and go on to a high velocity of 170mph. By way of financial system, that’s 34.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 186g/km.
Inside, it’s had a much-needed replace. Not solely has the general high quality improved, however there’s additionally a brand new infotainment system (lifted straight from the usual Civic).
Add crimson Alcantara-trimmed sports activities seats up entrance, crimson carpets, a brushed steel gear knob and a ‘serial plate’ with the automotive’s construct quantity on the dashboard, and you’re driving one thing particular.
There are three drive modes (Consolation, Sport and +R) and so they alter the automotive’s engine, steering and suspension really feel.
There’s additionally a brand new ‘Particular person’ drive setting, the place the steering, adaptive dampers, rev match system and engine response can all be adjusted individually.
Consolation is simply wonderful for lengthy journeys and cruising motorways. Sport sharpens issues up properly, whereas issues get hardcore if you have interaction the +R mode.
Right here, the motive force’s show switches to a brand new format, extra acquainted to racing drivers. There’s a linear rev graphic flanked by a digital velocity readout and 12 separate objects of auto data, starting from coolant temperature to steering angle and a G-meter.
The thought is to permit drivers to view their inputs and the way the automobile reacted. In the end, it could possibly enable you to see the place enhancements may be made and go sooner on observe.
For comparability, I drove the outgoing FK8 on observe earlier than the brand new FL5. Total, the FL5 is extra subtle, forgiving and responsive. I had a few moments (corrected because of my razor-sharp reflexes!) within the FK8 on a few corners at soggy Thruxton, however no such drama within the FL5.
I positively felt extra assured within the FL5, which ties in with the most important features over the outdated Sort R, particularly the improved chassis rigidity and dealing with efficiency on account of tweaks to the steering and suspension.
Pointless, to say, the brand new Honda Civic Sort R is extremely quick – and never simply in a straight line. Its capacity to nook at velocity is phenomenal for a front-wheel drive automotive, whereas the traction on provide is nothing wanting astonishing.
The brakes deserve reward too. Not solely do the Brembos (along with wider 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres) work fantastically, however Honda has made adjustments to the entrance wheel arches to assist cooling.
Tweaks have additionally been made to the exhaust system (there are actually three pipes!), so the soundtrack is healthier than ever. Naturally, it’s at its loudest within the +R setting, however some can also discover a lengthy journey in Sport mode tiresome, so finest to stay to Consolation, which is simpler on the ears and affords a extra compliant experience.
Closing phrase to the graceful and exact six-speed handbook gearbox.
And as if all that isn’t ok, then the Civic Sort R is a sensible each day driver too. There’s ample house up entrance and solely the tallest of rear seat passengers have purpose to complain (the penalty for that swooping roofline). You additionally get the identical 410 litres of bags capability as the usual Civic, increasing to a helpful 1,212 litres with the again seats flipped.
So, the brand new Civic Sort R is tough to fault. Maybe the one fly within the ointment is its premium worth and the truth that will probably be provided in very restricted numbers within the UK – and we’re speaking a whole lot, not 1000’s.
Verdict: The Honda Civic Sort R has matured into sizzling hatch royalty. Remarkably good to drive, it’s an superior mix of efficiency, driving engagement, know-how and practicality.
Honda UK