12-08-2005
We couldn't resist it. All that technology, all those years of racing experience. We simply had to put it into a road car. The result? Soaring revs, kick-in-the-back acceleration and an engine note to set your scalp prickling. In other words, the Civic Type-R.
With the Type-R you don't just get good looks, you get aerodynamic perfection to match. From 17" alloys, full body kit, door-mounted indicators and upgraded projector-style headlamps, it's all fast and very slippery. Hear some wind noise from somewhere? Didn't think so, we added extra insulation to help keep it out.
Of course, our Formula 1 experience came in rather handy. A lightweight flywheel and 197 bhp means the 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine gets to 60mph in just 6.6 seconds. That's enough to leave all our competitors - including the turbocharged ones - standing. It also helped us win 2003 Best Hot Hatch awards from What Car? magazine and BBC Top Gear.
And what did we put with such a great engine? Underneath: a six-speed gearbox, race-tuned chassis, exhaust and braking systems - the kind of things that make you want to go driving for no reason. And inside: alcantara seats, a red-stitched Momo steering wheel and a limited-edition serial number.
But why all this attention to the inside? Isn't the Type-R all about what's under the bonnet? True, but driving position, steering, gearshift, instruments - they've all got to be as outstanding as the technology they're connected to. Fortunately for the Type-R, they are.
Text and photos courtesy of Honda
