A Closer Look at the 2021 Honda Civic Type-R Turbo
The Type-R package adds stamina to Honda’s popular Civic.
Car
The Honda Civic has a worldwide reputation as a reliable economy car. Its base 2.0 liter 158 hp engine combined with a low $20K tab makes it a good value. So when onlookers see this Civic Type R, with its price tag reaching the $40K mark, it certainly gets one's attention! A look at the outside styling attracts more curiosity as well. Let's begin with that hood scoop and wide air dam under the front body structure for stability at high speed. Obviously, this car is more than your neighbors Civic down the street.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
Exhaust
The trident exhaust suggests there is something special under the hood, as does the rip-roaring sound that emits from these pipes as the car whizzes by at 7,000 rpm.
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Wheels
20-inch racing wheels combined with four-piston Brembo brakes look sharp, and provide fantastic stopping ability.
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Rear View
Add a large rear spoiler on the trunk lid, combined with all the other visual effects, and this Honda gets plenty of attention on the street for good reason.
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Engine
Under the hood is a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged engine cranking a potent 306 horsepower, at a screaming 7,000 rpm. It's Honda engineering at its best, with the super-smooth operation, all the way to redline. For those who care, fuel economy is listed at 22 mpg in the city, and 28 on highway which is what we observed in the real-world. In mixed commuting, 23 was the rule, and that includes lots of spirited driving!
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Shifter
Today, most performance cars have dumped manual transmissions in favor of automatics. The latter shift faster, allow the car to accelerate quicker and get better fuel economy thanks to computer wizardry. But hold on here! The only shifter you will get in this Type R in a 6-speed manual, and what a smooth and slick setup this is. Combined with a light clutch, this entire system is a dream to operate, and makes shifting fun again, especially at redline. There is no way this car would be better with an automatic.
The shift knob is solid aluminum instead of cheap plastic and has been reduced in size for better grip. It looks and feels great. The only drawback is sitting out in the blazing sun can result is a hot shift knob that can put a nasty imprint on your hand. It might be a good idea to cover it up when parked in summer weather.
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Drive Mode
This simple switch gives a choice between COMFORT, NORMAL, or RACE mode of operation. It works as advertised.
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Seats - Front
The Type R is issued with a set of front racing seats. They are a bit awkward to get in and out of, but are very comfortable once the occupants are in place. And this car is such fun to drive, who wants to get out?
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Seats - Rear
The second-row seats make the Civic Type R a practical ride for hauling the family, or cargo. If driven gently, it's a nice city commuter.
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Headlights
The LED headlights performed excellently during night driving. This is important on a car that likes to be driving hard around corners on those desolate back roads. Hitting a deer at high speed is no fun.
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POV
Honda refuses to provide official 0-60 mph times, but ours easily edged under the 5 second mark. This car is quick. Handling on twisty mountain roads is scary, not because it handles poorly, but because it can corner as well as the driver's ability. It really sticks to the pavement and stops on a dime. But that is what we are paying for. If you are looking for a brisk street racer, this is the real thing and does so as soon as it is driven off the showroom floor. On long highway trips, the Type R is just as comfortable as the economy versions of the Civic. Aside from the exhaust humming, it is very quiet on the freeway. Overall, this is a fantastic ride.
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Price
Unlike other car brands that low ball customers with a cheap price, then tack on tons of extra options that drive the price through the roof, the Civic Type R has a flat sticker of $37,950. That is it. No gimmicks, no $$$ fee for tiny things like a cargo net, wheel locks, or cabin upgrade goodies. Just pay the set fee, add tax and license, and then drive off. Considering the Honda technology and fantastic performance, this price is a bargain. Since the dealers are usually sold out, many gear heads must agree.
Specifications and prices for the 2020 and 2021 Civic Type-R’s are identical. The only exception is starting in the 2021 model year; there will be a special edition that will be distinctive, with bright yellow pearl paint. It is said only 1,000 will be made. The suggested price will be $43,995.