Skip advert
Advertisement

Should you buy a Honda Civic Type-R (EP3)?

The first UK-sanctioned Civic Type-R is now a used bargain - but is it worth the modest outlay?

There’s a new Honda Civic Type-R going on sale in 2015. There are many aspects of its spec sheet that stand out – a 167mph top speed or the fact it sends over three hundred horses through the front wheels – but the most attention-grabbing is the word ‘turbocharger’.

It’s the first Type-R Honda to use such a device, and as such is already causing consternation amongst die-hard fans. A proper Honda, they’ll say, has a high-revving naturally-aspirated engine.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Much like the EP3-generation Honda Civic Type-R. For less than a tenth the price of a brand new Civic-R, you can put Honda’s breadvan-like hot hatch on your driveway. But should you?

For more information, read our full Civic Type-R buying guide here.

Engine

Central to the Civic Type-R – any Type-R, one might argue – is its engine. In the Civic’s case the power unit is a 1998cc, four-cylinder i-VTEC petrol unit designated K20A2.

The official power output is 197bhp at 7400rpm and a modest 142lb ft of torque at a lofty 5900rpm. Neither sounds particularly potent by modern standards – it was just a few years before Renault offered a Clio with a similar output and it has less than half the torque of the all-new Civic-R.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

But it’s the manner in which this power is delivered that matters. The engine sounds almost bland at idle, but the revs flare quickly with every prod of the throttle. Honda’s VTEC system engages around 6000rpm, at which point the note hardens and thrust increases all the way to the 8050rpm limiter.

All the while, you slice through the gearbox ratios with a shift we called ‘sensational’ in evo 066 – slick and direct, its titanium knob is mounted just a hand-span away from the steering wheel.

The chassis

If there’s one area evo has criticised the Type-R for in the past, it’s the chassis. Not all aspects of it, but one in particular grates – the lack of steering feel. ‘Numb to the point of anaesthesia’ was how we rated it in evo 066, compounded by a stiff ride and in early cars, a potentially snappy cornering attitude exacerbated on wet roads.

There are some improvements you can make, however. One is a limited-slip differential to tame VTEC-induced torque steer. The other is to scan owners’ forums for recommended suspension setups – these cars are very popular and well-supported on the aftermarket as a result. And people are really passionate about their cars – so don't be afraid to ask for advice.

The performance

The bare figures illustrate the effectiveness of Honda’s powertrain. 0-62mph takes 6.6 seconds – just 0.9sec slower than the latest car despite having two thirds the power – and top speed is 146mph.

It requires plenty of driver effort to get there of course – swiftly-sliced gearchanges and maximum use of the revs – but the rewards are there for the taking.

Braking performance is strong too. Despite wearing 17in wheels that seem tiny by the standards of modern hatches (of course, the Civic is itself relatively compact and light by modern standards at 1204kg) but hide 300mm front and 260mm discs behind their spokes.

Find Honda Civic Type-Rs for sale on Classic & Performance Car

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2024 review – still a foil for the Audi RS3?
Mercedes-AMG A45 S front
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2024 review – still a foil for the Audi RS3?

Big hitting AMG A45 S hyper-hatch gets the mildest of facelifts but still packs a heavyweight punch 
1 Nov 2024
Audi RS3 2024 review – can it topple Mercedes-AMG’s A45 S?
Audi RS3 – front
Reviews

Audi RS3 2024 review – can it topple Mercedes-AMG’s A45 S?

With no power boost, the new Audi RS3 relies on a host of chassis and drivetrain upgrades to take on the AMG A45 S and Honda Civic Type R
27 Oct 2024
'Renault Sport set the bar for 21st-century hot hatchbacks'
Renaultsport Megane R26.R 24
Opinion

'Renault Sport set the bar for 21st-century hot hatchbacks'

Richard Meaden reflects on the golden age of Renault Sport hot hatches, and what the future might hold for Alpine EVs
27 Oct 2024
Mini Cooper S (F56, 2014 - 2024) review – the last manual Mini
Mini Cooper S 2022 – front tracking
In-depth reviews

Mini Cooper S (F56, 2014 - 2024) review – the last manual Mini

The F56 Mini Cooper S marked the end of an era for the Mini hatch, being the last to offer a manual transmission
24 Oct 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR86 Fast Fleet test – three months in the budget sports coupe
evo Fast Fleet Toyota GR86
Long term tests

Toyota GR86 Fast Fleet test – three months in the budget sports coupe

It shines in shorter tests, but what’s the GR86 like to live with day-in, day-out? We now have the answer
1 Nov 2024
Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2024 review – still a foil for the Audi RS3?
Mercedes-AMG A45 S front
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2024 review – still a foil for the Audi RS3?

Big hitting AMG A45 S hyper-hatch gets the mildest of facelifts but still packs a heavyweight punch 
1 Nov 2024
Circuito do Sol is Europe’s new racing track, inspired by the Nürburgring
Circuito do Sol
News

Circuito do Sol is Europe’s new racing track, inspired by the Nürburgring

Brand new circuit in Portugal offers corners inspired by the world’s best tracks, and villas and track cars for hire
4 Nov 2024