Model tested: 2024 Honda Civic Type R Hatchback
Engine: 2-liter I-4 turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 315
Torque: 310 lb.-ft.
EPA ratings: 22/city, 28/highway, 24/combined
Base price: $44,795
As tested: $45,890
Overview: Most people associate the Honda Civic with a sensible compact sedan that’s been winning praise since its 1973 stateside introduction. The Civic lineup has expanded considerably to the exhilarating 2024 Civic Type, R which is essentially a four-door go-kart. The Civic Type R has a turbocharged I-4 that produces 315-horsepower with a prodigious 310 lb.-ft. of torque. The result is a compact hatchback that can embarrass most muscle cars.
Walkaround: The 2024 Honda Civic Type R styling favors the “hot hatch” look with scoops, splitters, flares, low-profile tires, red brake calipers and an oversize wing. That appendage is more of a showoff (“hey, look at me, officer”) piece than anything necessary for speeds even close to legal. If the Type R were ours, we’d stash the wing until the next time we needed extra downforce on an actual racetrack.
Interior: The Civic R interior has a split personality — high performance in front, bland in back. The bold-red, cloth front seats have deep bolsters for a secure fit on twisty roads. The bottom bolsters are more “slide over” than “slide across” but once you’re in, the fit is great. The thick steering wheel has ample adjustments and the precision six-speed shifter is positioned just right. The rear seat is black and flat and only accommodates two people. The rear seats fold to provide versatile storage under the hatchback.
Behind the wheel: Exterior flair is meaningless if the driving experience doesn’t match the hype. The Civic Type R substance exceeds appearances. Simply put, the Honda Civic Type R is a grin-filled blast to drive. The precision shifter and clutch are a joy to use. An innovative strut front suspension does an excellent job of suppressing torque steer that can be present in powerful front-wheel-drive cars. The exhaust note gets more aggressive as revs increase but it’s not too raucous. There are comfort, sport, and plus-R drive modes to match your mood and driving conditions. Brembo brakes are great.
Bottom line: The 2024 Honda Civic Type R is heavy on performance and sporty driving but it’s also strong on practicality with its four-passenger capacity and flexible cargo space. Engineering features are superb, and comfort and quality are great. The ride is on the firm side, as expected, but not uncomfortable. Fuel economy is respectable. The Honda Civic Type R driving experience and performance draw you in but its practicality proves that fun and family friendliness aren’t mutually exclusive.
Comments