| Year
(of specifications) |
2001
- 2005 |
| Engine(s) |
2.0
litre, 4 cylinder |
| Transmission |
6
speed manual FWD |
| Max
speed |
146
mph |
| 0-60 |
6.4
seconds |
| Horsepower |
200
hp |
| weight |
- |
The 2001-2005 Civic Type R was a leap forward for Honda in the
battle to produce the fastest hatchback on the market. With
nearly 200 bhp from a race-bred 2.0 VTEC normally aspirated
16 valve engine only fighter pilots could ever call this Civic
slow. The pace of the little Honda along twisty B roads was
helped by its sharp and focused sports suspension making it
very agile. It's an exciting car to drive, and it can change
direction easily due to quick steering rack and a nimble chassis
set up. The brakes are good too, helping all but the over enthusiastic
from ending their journey parked in the hedgerow.
From inside the Civic Type R is a functional place for the driver
to be. The contoured bucket seats give good lateral support
and the short throw gear lever mounted on the dash couldn't
be in a better place for fast gear changes.
It needs to be revved hard to get the best out of it too, with
most of the power arriving between 5,500 rpm - 8,000 rpm. And
let's face it, with a car like this it's all about getting the
best out of it. Which means terrible fuel consumption - man
it likes a drink.
It's only when you get out at the petrol station that you're
reminded about how bad this car looks. Which is a shame because
everything else about the car is great. The way it drives, the
way it feels and you get the bombproof Honda reliability as
a bonus.
Words by Colin Fowler
Similar and related vehicles:
Honda Civic Type R (2010)
Honda Civic Type S (2010)
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