FIRST DRIVE: 2017 Honda Civic Type R video review

The new, FK8-generation Honda Civic Type R is, as our man Danny Tan puts it, a paradigm shift. A big part of that comes from the adoption of turbocharging to bring it in line with much of the rest of the world, and certainly with Europe’s established automakers, though it isn’t the first Type R to do so; that will be the short-lived FK2 Civic Type R which preceded it.

An all-new platform gives the FK8 Type R a lighter frame with better torsional stiffness, for a sturdier foundation from which the chassis components can work. Up front, dual-axis MacPherson struts handle suspension duties, while at the back the FK2’s torsion beam is replaced by an independent multi-link configuration.

The improved chassis provides a stronger foundation for the 2.0 litre VTEC Turbo engine which produces 320 PS at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. It’s a development of the powerplant first used in the FK2 Type R, albeit with a 10 PS gain from a more free-flowing exhaust, in the quest for the quickest FWD Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time and hot hatch supremacy in the eyes of enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, check out our first drive review video above recorded in Dresden, Germany, and read the full review article for the FK8 Honda Civic Type R.

GALLERY: FK8 Honda Civic Type R

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • type r = type rice

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 11
    • Operation Manager on Aug 09, 2017 at 5:07 pm

      Can Honda Malaysia to *obsolete the Dark Red color, to replace with Rallye Red color R513?
      Honda worldwide is using Rallye Red color for Civic except sohai bolehland Honda choose the lousy dark red.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
      • Even the solid red of the Jazz looks better than the maroon colour.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • Deswai nosee Dark Red honda on the road, really sohai Dark color ~ so Duck !

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
    • Volvo 2.0 output

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • Ugliest sports car on the road. Honda must have hired the 3 blind mice to design this car.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 10
  • I’ll have this Type R for track days…while a more subtle GTi / Golf R for daily use….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 8
  • Honda Type R on Aug 09, 2017 at 4:05 pm

    Honda is the best!!!!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 12
    • Last time Honda don’t want to use turbo, Honda fans say Honda is the best. Now Honda use turbo the fans just ask. Why last time don’t want? Ohwai

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
    • Alonso does not agree….they make crap engines for F1 cars.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • Loosam on Aug 09, 2017 at 4:53 pm

    Isnt that sam loo..now he driving honda instead of toyota dy?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 1
  • musangKing-originalz on Aug 09, 2017 at 5:23 pm

    my elegant looking new TTS waiting to smokeeee one of these new type R when the traffic light turn green lolz….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 9
  • Mr Suka Syukur Selalu on Aug 09, 2017 at 6:35 pm

    3 words…

    Fake

    bumper

    vents

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 19 Thumb down 0
  • theNewKing on Aug 09, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    this car need ron98 to achieve the rated performance?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Harvind on Aug 09, 2017 at 9:01 pm

    Will it be release in Malaysia? How much is the price?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Semi-Value (Member) on Aug 09, 2017 at 9:30 pm

    why is sam loo promoting honda

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • What do you guys have in your pockets? Hands always hidden lol.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • RS quicker and best ride & handling in class

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • hhhhrhrhr on Aug 10, 2017 at 10:24 am

    y is it using stick though now mostly using automatic cvt or 7speed dual clutch

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • Kupang Boy on Aug 10, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    The CTR will be pushing the lower RM400k price tag when it reaches our shores.
    If the garage space only permits one car, I’ll have the BMW M2 please, thank you very much.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
 

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