Honda Civic Type R: mind the underdog

In 1965 an American driver called Richie Ginther made history when he crossed the finish line at the Mexico Grand Prix, after leading the race from start to finish. The car he was driving was a white Honda RA272 with red markings and it was the first Japanese car to win a Formula One Grand Prix. “From this moment, Type R was born,” says Honda project leader and senior engineer Hisayuki Yagi. Since that day, 53 years ago, Honda’s red badge has been reserved for only its most athletic models such as, the iconic NSX Type R. But today, resting before me in the pit lane of a racetrack outside Bratislava, is Honda’s most recent project to bear the red badge, the 2015 Honda Civic Type R.

On first impressions I’m not sure what to make of it. The Type R’s oversized rear wing, blistered haunches, garish rims and race-spec diffuser make it an obscure choice for the discerning gentleman petrolhead. But be assured, there is method in the madness, and very good method indeed. The Type R’s aerodynamic appearance was developed deep inside Honda’s motorsport facility in Japan – a place where engineers from Honda’s F1 department ensured the Type R makes short work of corners on the track. And thankfully you can feel it working; the on-board electronic tomfoolery and aero aids work overtime to prevent several messy meetings with the armco. Despite its overstated appearance, every part serves a purpose and works towards the Type R’s Lamborghini Gallardo-beating (sub-7.51 minute) Nurburgring lap time.

Then comes the power, and lots of it. With my right foot planted down the straight, the Type R’s 2.0-litre VTEC petrol, twinned for the first time with a turbo, means the Type R will reach 62mph in 5.7 seconds, go on to a top speed of 167mph and produce over 300bhp. With the +R button pressed, the little Honda becomes stiffer, harder and a lot more focused – perfect for a nifty overtake or for some spontaneous driving entertainment.

Inside, the bucket seats save you slipping a disk through the corners on the track, but they also make for a comfortable ride around town or on a B-road blast. The interior finish is what you’d expect from a £30,000 car with some of the last generation Civic’s zaniness making a welcome comeback. For the gentlemen with a penchant for practicality, the one-touch flat folding seats in the back will happily swallow most sized dogs, but we’d advise against pointing that out to any lady friends you’re hoping to court, for obvious reasons.

Above all, the question is: does the Civic Type R have a place on a gentleman’s driveway? Most definitely; the brutish Type R is a practical track day bargain for those in the market for something small and naughty, while it’ll also put a smile on your face and leave the more expensive competition – and even a few supercars – with bruised egos. Honda’s latest Type R is a beast from the East, albeit one that’s made in Swindon, and a supercar adversary that shouldn’t be overlooked and certainly not underestimated.