![]() ![]() 2021 Honda Civic Type R at Lightning Lap 2022.The Type R set the bar even higher with its astonishing emergency-braking distance (70 mph to zero) of 142 feet, which equals that of the $200,000 Acura NSX supercar we tested. The Honda's immense grip was exhibited on our skidpad during our 2017 test, where it pulled 1.02 g's-an impressive feat for any car, let alone one with front-wheel drive. It's only slightly impolite on rough roads or over harsh bumps, where the 20-inch wheels and low-profile tires yield loud impacts. Although its suspension is stiffer than the sporty Honda Civic Si's, the R-rated version is still surprisingly comfortable. It sticks to the road like bionic Velcro, with steering telepathy that would embarrass Miss Cleo and a chassis seemingly tuned by a Formula 1 engineer. The Type R is that rare type of car with terrific track ability and amicable road manners. Sure, its innocuous note is appreciated on long trips, but we want more roar in a car that looks and drives like this one. Too bad the triple-pipe, center-exit exhaust isn't as loud as the exterior styling. The Honda's easy clutch action and precise shifter are as perfectly synchronized as a pair of figure skaters. A short-throw six-speed manual is also on hand and the only transmission choice. The eager engine always feels alive with a responsive throttle and imperceptible turbo lag. Its exclusive turbocharged four-cylinder makes 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Civic Type R looks like something the devil himself spat on the asphalt, and it goes like a bat out of hell, too. We also like the improvements promised by the Limited Edition. While everyone has an opinion about the Honda's styling, and the Veloster N's exhaust sounds significantly better, the Type R would be our preferred choice. But both sport compacts are currently the only front-drive hatchbacks that have similarly stellar performance. The Hyundai is down on power compared to the R, and its odd three-door configuration compromises its practicality. The Civic Type R's main competitor is the Hyundai Veloster N. Honda also says it has retuned steering and damper characteristics to work with the specific wheel-and-tire combination. Most importantly, the Limited Edition is intended to increase the Type R's performance by shedding 38 pounds and adopting stickier Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires. It'll feature a gloss-black roof panel, exterior mirrors, and hood scoop. This model will only come in Phoenix Yellow Pearl paint. What's New for 2021?įor 2021, Honda offers a Limited Edition Type R that lives up to its name, as only 1000 copies total will be built (600 of which are designated for U.S. Apart from a subdued exhaust note and noisy highway behavior, the 2021 Civic Type R ranks among the most entertaining cars to drive right now and an Editors' Choice winner. Its interior isn't the fanciest, and its red accents make the cabin look like a crime scene, but the reasonably-sized back seat and ample cargo area give it every-day practicality. Honda has managed to virtually eliminate the dreaded torque steer that plagues powerful front-drive cars and provide talkative steering, tremendous cornering grip, and a ride that's surprisingly smooth. With a 306-hp turbocharged four-cylinder and a six-speed manual transmission (the only gearbox available) feeding the front wheels, the Type R is not only the quickest Honda Civic, it's one of the quickest sport compacts. Despite its gloriously juvenile bodywork, the 2021 Honda Civic Type R is a hugely entertaining and entirely practical four-door hatchback. ![]()
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