The heart of the Civic Type R is its engine, whose vocals are pure touring car howl – hard-edged and intoxicating. As before, there’s the familiar VTEC step in power delivery, but Honda’s engineers have worked hard to make the highly tuned 2.0-litre four-cylinder more useable. True, you nerd to keep the engine spinning in the 5,400-8,000rpm band to get the best from it, but although the torque output is weak (193Nm at 5,600rpm), 90 per cent of that is available at 2,500rpm, so the mid-range is meaty. This means the Type R is far more tractable than before, so there’s no need for frantic gearshifts. But while the 2.0-litre’s characteristics have changed markedly, the power outputs haven’t, and we can’t help being slightly disappointed that the Honda has ‘only’ 198bhp. The lightweight hatch uses it well, though. More importantly, the Civic feels fast due to the stunning throttle response, snappy shift and short gearing. These factors should also make it a tiring car to drive, but although it pulls 3,400rpm at 70mph, the smooth engine doesn’t drone when cruising. Admittedly, the unyielding ride means you can never forget what type of car you’re in, but while the tuned suspension is very firm, it’s brilliant at taking the edge off sharp bumps. There are no sudden jolts and the super-stiff frame not only ensures taut handling, but helps keep noise at bay. And then there’s the handling – it’s sublime. The steering is perfectly weighed and, although it’s not the last word in feedback, the chassis is incredibly communicative. The honed controls all work in harmony, and no rival holds a line in corners as tenaciously or has such fabulous traction. The Civic is addictive
