We recently tested the Acura Integra Type S, and we loved it. We were especially interested, since Acura took great pains to add refinement to the Civic Type R on which it is based. So, we were very excited to test the new Civic – itʻs on every enthusiastʻs radar as a great affordable driving car. But we wondered is it also refined, or a raw-edged, demanding weapon only for the brave of heart? Well, which is it? Letʻs find out!
Swole-up Civic
We love the look of the Type R. Like the Integra Type S, it looks like the already handsome Civic hatch got a gym membership and has been hitting the weights. Compared to the standard model it looks squatter, wider and more agressive.
Up front, the look is similar to the Si, but a more aggressive front bumper helps add to the impression of width, while the LED headlights are pure Civic, and give an angry look. One quick tip off this is the Type R (outside of the Type R badge in the grille) is the cooling vent in the top of the hood – subtle but mean!
The profile shows off the flared fenders that give a “been working my delts” freshly pumped-up look, while functional cooling vents behind the front wheels and a small side spoiler in front of the rear wheels add aero cred. The trained eye will also notice the R is a hatchback, while our Si was a sedan. All the better to carry extra wheels and tires to the track.
A perfect partner to that wide body, larger 19-inch alloy wheels look big and meaty, while the Type Rʻs suspension looks suitably low – not brought down to an unlivable height – just enough to do the job.
The rear view also features that hunkered-down look, with the same triple exhaust pipes we loved on the Integra. One big difference from the Acura is the rear spoiler. While the Integra had a tasteful lip spoiler, the Type R has a large raised spoiler that is loud and proud – and we love it! With the otherwise smooth and conservative design, a little in-your-face design raises the room temp – and Honda, unlike many others has managed to place it so it doesnʻt interfere with your rear view. Very well thought out!
True Driverʻs Cockpit
Inside, the cabin is Civic familiar – with some important upgrades.
And itʻs noticable as soon as you open the door – the interior is awash in bright red that really catches the eye, and gets the pulse pumping. Up front, that includes a set of sport seats thatʻs as good as anything weʻve found – including such high end models as BMWʻs M4.
The seats are superb, with plenty of bolstering, with nice cut-outs if you decide to put in a racing harness. Thereʻs just enough padding in the right places to make it a very comfy place to sit for hours – even without a lumbar adjustment!
Those in the back will find comfortable seats – in black, not red – and the seats fold down flat to make a huge hatch area. This is a track-ready beast thatʻs no sweat to use as a daily.
Other Civic goodness includes the large analog-look speedo and tachometer which is actually part of a 7-inch color instrument display, including a multifunction readout in the center. One upgrade over he Si – the 160-mph speedometer gets swapped out for a 200-mph one. With a top speed of 170 mph, we guess it needed that upgrade.
Another cool upgrade is the Type R Datalogger screen setting that includes a new built-in vehicle app to help drivers monitor and record a variety of performance parameters in real time on road, track and other closed courses. Very cool!
No upgrade was needed with the Civicʻs latest 9-inch touchscreen, and combined with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Autio and wireless smartphone charging, it works exceptionally well. We also loved the standard 12-speaker Bose audio system – hey itʻs a Civic, you know owners want to play some thumping tunes.
Itʻs all home to one of the most handsome Civic interiors ever, and we love the metal honeycomb panel that spans the width of the dash and also hides the vents. A Type R plate on the dash reminds you this is something special. It took us a long time to find anything we didnʻt love, but weʻre a little less enthused about the aluminum shift knob – itʻs a cool shape, and it reminds us of the Honda S2000 sports car, but if itʻs toasty out, it can get searing hot, and it probably does you no favors in the winter, either. (Hint – get the Integra knob)
Awesome Performance
Driving is what all the Type R is about, and it does not disappoint!
Hereʻs where we noticed some subtle and not so subtle differences between the Civic Type R and Integra Type S. While they are both running the same 2.0-liter, VTEC turbo 4-cylinder, the Civic rings in at 315 horsepower – 5 less than the Integra. (OK, the integra is more expensive). It seems that the difference really comes down to a less restrictive exhaust in the Acura, including a Sport+ mode that gives the Type S all the over-runs and crackle noises hi-po buyers seem to love these days. Surprisingly the Civic is the quieter, nicer-mannered version!
Which is not to see boring or slow. Itʻs actually quicker than the Integra, ripping of 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, and it pulls hard to the redline with a bit of a peakier feel than the Acura, that many might like. Honestly, youʻd probably have to drive them back-to-back to notice a difference.
Either way the Civic has loads of power and 310 lb.-ft of torque means no waiting for impressive oomph anywhere in the rpm range. This baby just goes! Helping get that power down is a helical limited-slip differential, and you would be hard pressed to know this is a front wheel drive car.
Another feature we loved was the automatic rev-matching in up and downshifts – letting you maximize the power, while staying butter smooth and impressing your friends. And the 6-speed manual is typical Honda, light, direct and a joy. Combined with a surprisingly light clutch, this is a stick that you can easily drive in everyday traffic and never get annoyed. Massive Brembo brakes have great stopping power as well, and like the clutch the pedal, is light and full of feel. This would be an easy car to drive on the track or at your favorite autocross.
Speaking of autocross, like the Integra, the handling is phenomenal. This is no doubt the best handling front drive car for sale – and really, itʻs one of the best handling sport sedans (or hot hatches) period! Like the shifting, the steering is typical Honda light, but with loads of feel and trememdous accuracy. (not to be confused with Acura-acy!) And the grip is just velcro-like, you throw it in a turn and it just grabs and grabs and grabs and slams you into the side of those great sport seats. Wide grins follow.
Having heard that the Integra was tuned for a softer ride, we were wondering if the Civic would be harsh or darty – but no worries, we found the suspension supple and comfortable, quite livable for the commute, and easy to ratchet up for the track. In fact, we think the Civicʻs excellent support from those sport seats mitigate any extra firmness in the suspension.
R You the R Type?
We think Honda makes an excellent case for its road rocket. The Type R comes one way, starting at $44,795. Add in $1,095 for Destination and we rang the bell at $45,890.
The natural competitor here is the sibling Integra Type S, comparably equipped at $52,995. Yes, the Acura has a slightly nicer interior and a few extra goodies, but thatʻs a big step up. Lovely car, though. We also think the Hyundai Elantra N is a strong competitor, a bit more raucous than refined, but at $34,465 ,an impressive value. And our off-the-wall option would be the GR Corolla at $39,659, A 300 horsepower, 3-cylinder, AWD rally rocket!
Pick a winner? The Civic Type R is a very special automobile. For those Honda faithful a Type R is worth coveting just for the rarity of any here. But itʻs more than that.
Fantastic performance, awesome looks and Honda day-to-day livability make the 2024 Honda Civic Type R one amazing driverʻs car that can do it all. Easily best in class!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.