Honda Civic Sort R evaluation – Automotive Weblog
4 min read
We put the most recent incarnation of Honda’s sizzling hatch by means of its paces – on the street and on monitor…
There are a handful of recent vehicles worthy of a real fanbase, and the Honda Civic Sort R is one among them.
With a pedigree stretching again to 1997, it’s turn into a legendary mannequin within the automotive world – and now it’s the flip of the sixth technology Civic Sort R (which relies on the eleventh technology Civic).
Generally known as the FL5 in Honda-speak, it takes over from the FK8 (2017-22).
I had excessive hopes for the brand new Civic Sort R after driving the spectacular household hatchback model of the now hybrid-only Civic, as a result of it dealt with very nicely.
I praised its agile drive, including, “it stays flat in tougher corners, there’s good grip and the steering is properly weighted, which all bodes nicely for the upcoming Sort R”.
Properly, I acquired my first style of the brand new Honda Civic Sort R at a moist Thruxton circuit, preceded by a diverse street route on and round a sodden Salisbury Plain.
The brand new Sort R can be a finely tuned evolution of the acclaimed outgoing mannequin, so a troublesome act to observe.
Already the monitor report holder at Suzuka, Honda reckons the FL5 “is a becoming method to have a good time 30 years of the Sort R nameplate”.
Priced from £46,995, it’s one of the best trying Sort R but. Inheriting the usual Civic’s softer strains and good proportions. Let’s say it’s much less boy racer and all grown up.
Positive, there are many further aerodynamics in comparison with its wise sibling, however even the appreciable rear wing appears restrained in comparison with earlier generations.
In contrast to the common Civic, there’s no electrical help. As a substitute, there’s a extra powerful-than-before 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
It’s acquired 325bhp to supply up – barely greater than the 316bhp you bought within the outdated automotive – in addition to 420Nm of torque.
Barely swifter than its predecessor, it will probably dash to 60mph in a time of 5.2 seconds and go on to a prime velocity of 170mph. When it comes to economic system, that’s 34.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 186g/km.
Inside, it’s had a much-needed replace. Not solely has the general high quality improved, however there’s additionally a brand new infotainment system (lifted straight from the usual Civic).
Add pink Alcantara-trimmed sports activities seats up entrance, pink carpets, a brushed steel gear knob and a ‘serial plate’ with the automotive’s construct quantity on the dashboard, and you understand you’re driving one thing particular.
There are three drive modes (Consolation, Sport and +R) and so they alter the automotive’s engine, steering and suspension really feel.
There’s additionally a brand new ‘Particular person’ drive setting, the place the steering, adaptive dampers, rev match system and engine response can all be adjusted individually.
Consolation is simply effective for lengthy journeys and cruising motorways. Sport sharpens issues up properly, whereas issues get hardcore whenever you interact the +R mode.
Right here, the motive force’s show switches to a brand new structure, extra acquainted to racing drivers. There’s a linear rev graphic flanked by a digital velocity readout and 12 separate gadgets of car info, starting from coolant temperature to steering angle and a G-meter.
The concept is to permit drivers to view their inputs and the way the automobile reacted. Finally, it will probably aid you see the place enhancements will be made and go sooner on monitor.
For comparability, I drove the outgoing FK8 on monitor earlier than the brand new FL5. Total, the FL5 is extra subtle, forgiving and responsive. I had a few moments (corrected because of my razor-sharp reflexes!) within the FK8 on a few corners at soggy Thruxton, however no such drama within the FL5.
I undoubtedly felt extra assured within the FL5, which ties in with the most important beneficial properties over the outdated Sort R, particularly the improved chassis rigidity and dealing with efficiency because of tweaks to the steering and suspension.
Unnecessary, to say, the brand new Honda Civic Sort R is extremely quick – and never simply in a straight line. Its capacity to nook at velocity is phenomenal for a front-wheel drive automotive, whereas the traction on supply is nothing in need of astonishing.
The brakes deserve reward too. Not solely do the Brembos (along with wider 19-inch Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres) work beautifully, however Honda has made adjustments to the entrance wheel arches to help cooling.
Tweaks have additionally been made to the exhaust system (there are actually three pipes!), so the soundtrack is best than ever. Naturally, it’s at its loudest within the +R setting, however some can also discover a lengthy journey in Sport mode tiresome, so greatest to stay to Consolation, which is less complicated on the ears and gives a extra compliant journey.
Remaining phrase to the graceful and exact six-speed guide gearbox.
And as if all that isn’t ok, then the Civic Sort R is a sensible each day driver too. There’s ample house up entrance and solely the tallest of rear seat passengers have cause to complain (the penalty for that swooping roofline). You additionally get the identical 410 litres of baggage capability as the usual Civic, increasing to a helpful 1,212 litres with the again seats flipped.
So, the brand new Civic Sort R is tough to fault. Maybe the one fly within the ointment is its premium value and the truth that it is going to be supplied in very restricted numbers within the UK – and we’re speaking a whole bunch, not 1000’s.
Verdict: The Honda Civic Sort R has matured into sizzling hatch royalty. Remarkably good to drive, it’s an superior mix of efficiency, driving engagement, know-how and practicality.
