After previewing it at the Malaysian GP in Sepang last month, the all-new Honda Civic Type R (FK8R) officially races into Malaysia. Revealed at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017, the hot hatch is the current “Champion of Champions” at Nurburgring Circuit, after setting a blazing new lap time record of 7:43.80 min in April 2017.
The global model, built at Honda’s factory in the UK, is the most advanced and fastest car Honda has ever made. The Type R is Honda’s iconic racing and sports model, and it has enjoyed cult-like status for the past 25 years, since the very first model in 1992.
The all-new Civic Type R is powered by a 2.0L VTEC turbocharged lump that outputs 306bhp/310PS with a maximum torque of 400Nm. All this power is put to the ground with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission.
While it rips the track with menacing fashion, the Civic Type R is also designed to be “sensible” on the road, when you want it to. It comes with a 3-Way Driving Mode: Comfort, Sport and +R to adapt to different driving environments.
Want a race car? You got it. Need a daily commuter? You can have that too.
The 3-Way Driving Mode controls the Adaptive Damper System (ADS), Drive-by-Wire throttle (DBW), Eletronic Power Steering (EPS), Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), traction and brake system. Disappointingly, it uses an electronic handbrake, which means… no handbrake turns.
I know what you’re thinking, that’s a lot of electronics. One word answer: inevitable.
Looks fast when standing still
In terms of exterior looks, the new Civic Type R is chiselled, masculine, purposeful and perhaps a tad over-indulgent. It’s distinctive, I’ll give you that. Gone is the subtlety of the EK series, or even the Integra DC2, or DC5 (my all-time favourite), with the new design language injected since the FD2.
The FK8R is anything but subtle. It’s racy, over-the-top, and will appeal to well-off racer boys for sure. It’s of course based on the FK8 Civic, which in itself is already chiselled and masculine in stock form. The high rigidity body frame is a perfect foundation for the iconic red H badge.
From the menacing front valance, with aero in tow, to the busy rear end with three tip exhausts and gigantic wing, you know the Civic Type R means business.
Moving inside, the cabin is laden with a carbon deco panel and lightweight red bucket front seats. The D Spoke leather steering with titanium silver trim has reassuring grip and girth, and all ready for your input.
It’s important to note that every single Civic Type-R will have its own special serial number plate positioned on the centre console. Exclusivity? Hell yes.
The illumination light and meter design changes based on the selected 3-Way Driving Mode. There are three distinct looks as well as throttle response and brake input indicators. Additionally, there’s a turbo boost meter, REV indicator, G-meter display and lap time.
Racing is dangerous (likewise on the road). And thus, safety is certainly a priority with the new Civic Type R. The car boasts Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control, Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Dynamic Guidelines.
There’s also ISO Fix and a total of six airbags included.
Just so you know, the all-new Civic Type R is a CBU import model from Honda’s plant in Swindon, United Kingdom. The powerful 306bhp powerplant, on the other hand, is produced in Anna, Ohio, home to Honda of America Manufacturing Inc).
Pricing and availability
The speedster is offered in iconic Championship White colour and is priced at a sizzling MYR320,000 (excluding insurance). Warranty is five years with unlimited mileage at 10,000km service intervals, at any of the 20 authorised Honda Sport Dealers nationwide.
Honda said that it has so far received 60 bookings for the hot hatch, which exceeds its target of 30 units per month.
If you’re interested to own this icon, head over to any of Honda’s 20 Sport Dealers and place a booking.
You can also check out the all-new Civic Type R at the Malaysia Autoshow 2017 in Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) and stand a chance for a taxi ride in the new car.
For more information, visit www.honda.com.my or call Honda’s Toll Free number at 1-800-88-2020.
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