First Drive Review
Following the unveiling of Honda's Civic Type R at the Tokyo auto show, we found ourselves at the wheel of an S2000, the company's nigh-legendary roadster, for comparison purposes before planting our butts in the Type R. Would you believe us if, after a couple of hot laps in each, we told you the Civic felt faster?
Start taking notes, because we told you so. Starting with a Civic sedan, the Type R gets a much-stiffened suspension, bigger wheels bursting with monster brakes, a few functional aero mods, and a higher-compression 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 221 horsepower and a screaming 8600-rpm redline.
Immediately noticeable on the Type R are the numerous body modifications. Between the front fascia, carved out to allow the 2.0-liter deeper breaths, and the rear diffuser hanging below the rear bumper, the Type R wears a unique hood, tweaked front fenders, new sill extensions, lightweight wheels, and a taller spoiler. Honda claims functional aerodynamic gains from the package, which is relatively tasteful until your eyes reach the spoiler. The interior is likewise decorated with Type R cues, with heavily bolstered seats, a leather-wrapped ovoid steering wheel, a short-throw shifter capped with a bare aluminum ball, metal pedals, and a racy starter button.
