2018 Honda Civic Type R Performance Review

The 306 horsepower Japanese rocket finally makes it to North America. We spent some time with the 2018 Honda Civic Type R and broke down the Japanese sports car's engine, driving impressions, specs, and more.

Launched in summer 2017, this fifth-generation Honda Civic Type R (for Racing) is the first to be sold in North America. Its arrival enables US and Canadian buyers to share an experience that European and Asian drivers have enjoyed for two decades – and gives compact performance rivals like the Focus RS and Subaru WRX STI something new to think about.

The 2017 and 2018 Civic Type R’s are essentially identical. Here’s more on the 2017 Type R’s power, interior, and styling specs.

Under the Hood: A 306 Horsepower Civic Sedan

  • Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged
  • Power: 306 horsepower
  • Torque: 295 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • Suspension: Dual-axis front struts, multi-link rear. Adaptive damping
  • Brakes: Four-wheel disc with Brembo 4-piston front calipers. Electric parking brake
  • Steering: Electric power-assist rack-and-pinion
2017 Honda Civic Type R 2.0L engine
2017 Civic Type R’s 2.0L turbocharged engine. Photo: Honda

Special engines have been at the heart of previous Type Rs, and this is no exception. A younger, rowdier cousin of the 2.0L DI turbo motor seen in the Accord, the Type R’s 306-horsepower powerplant gets bespoke internals, additional cooling, and a high-flow exhaust system. Clever use of the i-VTEC variable valve timing, lift, and duration technology helps to spool the turbo up quickly, and a peak torque of 295 lb-ft is available from 2,500-4,500rpm.

2018 honda civic type r rear black
The Type R Civic is as quick as you’ll ever need, both in a straight line and through the twisty stuff: a 0-60mph time of below 6 seconds certainly feels achievable and the quoted maximum is 169mph, but it’s the availability of all that torque from so low down that really lets you keep up the momentum. Photo: Graham Heeps

All Type Rs are built at Honda’s Swindon, UK assembly plant but the engines are made in the Anna, Ohio factory and shipped to the UK for installation. A 6-speed manual transmission and helical limited-slip differential are the only drivetrain options for this driver-focused car.

2018 Honda Civic Type R Driving Impressions

The Type R’s out-there styling – reminiscent of a current World Rally car or top-level touring car racer – tells you everything you need to know about how it drives. It’s as quick as you’ll ever need, both in a straight line and through the twisty stuff: a 0-60mph time of below 6 seconds certainly feels achievable. The quoted maximum is 169mph, but it’s the availability of all that torque from so low down that lets you keep up the momentum.

2017 Honda Civic Type R cross section of engine and components
2017 Civic Type R. Graphic: Honda
2017 Honda Civic Type R cross section of engine and components
2017 Civic Type R. Graphic: Honda

A dual-axis strut front suspension does a good job of suppressing torque steer without resorting to the AWD drivetrains used by rivals. There’s no appreciable turbo lag, and the gearshift is quick and precise, with an automatic throttle blip on the downshift that adds to the fun on winding canyon roads.

As the motor spins effortlessly up to the 7,000rpm redline, there’s a distinctly metallic, mechanical soundtrack reminiscent of earlier, more manic VTEC units.

Of the three driving modes, the default Sport setting offers a nice compromise of steering weight, ride comfort, and throttle response. Opting for +R provides heavier steering and more aggressive damping best suited to track use, while Comfort frees everything up and dulls the throttle a little.

Honda engineers have engaged in a little sound management to add to the visceral experience. Still, the engine note never sounds artificial and avoids the buzziness of some small-capacity turbos. Instead, as the motor spins effortlessly up to the 7,000rpm redline, there’s a distinctly metallic, mechanical soundtrack reminiscent of earlier, more manic VTEC units.

2017 Honda Civic Type R in red parked on racetrack front view
2017 Honda Civic Type R. Photo: Honda

What others are saying:

  • Although it’s ready for a track day right out of the box, it’s not too extreme. It’s a little bigger, a little heavier than the ultralight Type Rs of the nineties. It has more creature comforts and more space for passengers and cargo. It’s a practical four-door hatchback. Although it still looks like something a teenager would dream of. – Matt Bubbers, GlobeDrive
  • This car LOVES being at the limit, which isn’t easy to do on public roads. There were a few wide sweepers on my way to work, and I doubled up, hitting a few turnarounds to take them again and again. It feels so controllable, even as the front tires are slipping outward. You can just modulate the throttle in millimeter increments, feeling the front end push out, then tuck back in. – Jake Lingeman, AutoWeek
2017 Honda Civic Type R Nürburgring
The new Civic Type R can achieve improved cornering speed due to a wider track and tire, a longer wheelbase, a new multi-link suspension in the rear, and optimized aerodynamics that improves stability. Photo: Honda

2018 Honda Civic Type R Specs, Price, and Images

2018 Honda Civic Type R Price: In the US, Honda’s sports coupe starts at US$34,700 MSRP; Canadians will pay more at C$41,090 MSRP.

2018 Honda Civic Type R
Engine2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
Horsepower306 horsepower
Torque295 lb-ft of torque
Transmission6-speed manual
DrivetrainFront-wheel drive (FWD)
0-60 mph AccelerationApproximately 5.0 seconds
Top SpeedApproximately 170 mph
Fuel TypePremium unleaded gasoline
Fuel Economy (City/Highway)– Approximately 22 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
City / highway: 10.7 km / 8.4 km
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Author:
Graham Heeps
Graham Heepshttps://www.grahamheeps.com/
Based in Calgary, AB, Graham’s outlets include Autocar, TractionLife.com, Canada Drives and several CAA magazines. A lifelong motorsports fan, he’s a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and speaks German. Graham also collects Matchbox cars and contributes to the leading toy-car blog, LamleyGroup.com.