Honda Civic Type R (FK8) Review

Honda Civic Type R (FK8)
Photo by Alexandre PrevotCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

[INTRODUCTION | The Honda Civic Type R FK8 Overview]
The Honda Civic Type R FK8, introduced in 2017, is the ultimate expression of Honda’s engineering prowess. Designed as a track-ready performance car that can handle daily driving, the FK8 blends aggressive styling, advanced aerodynamics, and a powerful turbocharged engine. Known for its sharp handling and engaging driving experience, the FK8 Type R has set benchmarks in the hot hatch category, earning widespread acclaim from enthusiasts and critics alike.

[VEHICLE OVERVIEW | Key Features of the Honda Civic Type R FK8]
Performance-Focused Design: Aggressive aerodynamics and a powerful drivetrain make it a standout in the hot hatch segment.
Daily Practicality: Despite its performance credentials, the FK8 offers a spacious interior and a comfortable ride for everyday use.
Racing Pedigree: Developed with Honda’s motorsport expertise, it’s a car built for track enthusiasts and spirited drivers alike.

[EXTERIOR DESIGN | Aggressive and Functional]
Signature Styling:

  • Bold front fascia with large air intakes, aggressive LED headlights, and a functional hood scoop.
  • Wide fenders, a prominent rear wing, and a triple-exhaust outlet emphasize its track-focused design.
    Aerodynamic Excellence: Every design element, including the front splitter, rear diffuser, and vortex generators, contributes to downforce and stability at high speeds.
    Customization Options: Available in various vibrant colors, including the iconic Championship White, to suit individual tastes.

[ENGINE, TRANSMISSION & PERFORMANCE | Power and Precision]
Powertrain:

  • A 2.0-liter turbocharged VTEC engine produces 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
  • Front-wheel drive with a helical limited-slip differential ensures optimal power delivery and cornering grip.
    Transmission:
  • A 6-speed manual transmission with rev-matching ensures precise gear changes and maximum driver engagement.
    Driving Dynamics:
  • Adaptive dampers, a lightweight chassis, and Brembo brakes deliver exceptional handling and stopping power.
  • Selectable drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, and +R, tailor the car’s behavior to different driving scenarios.

[INTERIOR, COMFORT & CARGO | Sporty and Practical]
Cabin Design:

  • Red-accented sports seats with high bolsters provide excellent support during spirited driving.
  • A leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and carbon-fiber trim emphasize the sporty ambiance.
    Space and Versatility:
  • Despite its sporty nature, the FK8 offers seating for five and 25.7 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable with rear seat folding.
    Comfort Features: Dual-zone climate control and high-quality materials ensure a premium experience during daily commutes.

[INFOTAINMENT & CONNECTIVITY | Advanced Features]
Touchscreen Display:

  • A 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
    Performance Metrics:
  • Features a performance monitor that displays real-time data, including g-forces, lap times, and turbo pressure.
    Premium Audio: An available 12-speaker sound system delivers an immersive audio experience.

[SAFETY & DRIVER-ASSISTANCE FEATURES | Confidence at High Speeds]
Active Safety Systems:

  • Standard features include stability control, traction control, and advanced airbag systems.
    Driver Assistance:
  • Honda Sensing Suite (available on later models) includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking.
    Innovative Technology: Multi-angle rearview camera and parking sensors enhance urban usability.

[WARRANTY & MAINTENANCE | Honda Reliability and Support]
Warranty Coverage: A 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty provide peace of mind.
Maintenance: Known for its reliability, the Civic Type R requires minimal maintenance compared to many performance cars, making it a practical choice for enthusiasts.

[SUMMARY & CALL TO ACTION | Why Choose the Honda Civic Type R FK8?]
The Honda Civic Type R FK8 is the ultimate hot hatch, offering track-ready performance, everyday practicality, and Honda’s legendary reliability. Its aggressive design, sharp handling, and turbocharged power make it a thrill to drive, whether on the road or the racetrack.

Discover More: Visit your nearest Honda dealership to test drive the Civic Type R FK8 and experience why it’s a benchmark in its class.

Vehicle Overview

SpecificationDetails
ManufacturerHonda Motor Co., Ltd.
Production Years2017–2021
ClassCompact Hot Hatch
PlatformHonda Compact Global Platform
Drive OptionsFront-Wheel Drive (FWD)
AssemblySwindon, United Kingdom

Engine, Transmission & Performance

The FK8 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 engine:

EngineDisplacementPowerTorqueTransmission0–60 mphTop Speed
2.0L VTEC Turbo1,996 cc320 PS (316 hp) @ 6,500 rpm400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 2,500–4,500 rpm6-speed manual with rev-match control~5.8 seconds272 km/h (169 mph)

Performance figures are approximate and can vary based on specific conditions.


Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption varies based on driving conditions:

Driving ConditionFuel Consumption
Urban~9.8 L/100 km
Extra Urban~6.5 L/100 km
Combined~7.7 L/100 km

Actual fuel consumption may vary based on driving style, vehicle load, and road conditions.


Exterior Dimensions

SpecificationDetails
Wheelbase2,700 mm
Length4,557 mm
Width1,877 mm
Height1,434 mm
Ground Clearance~120 mm

Interior Dimensions

SpecificationDetails
Seating Capacity4
Front Head Room~998 mm
Front Leg Room~1,074 mm
Rear Head Room~950 mm
Rear Leg Room~950 mm
Cargo Volume420 liters

Cargo Area Dimensions

SpecificationDetails
Cargo Volume (Seats Up)420 liters
Cargo Volume (Seats Down)~786 liters

Steering

SpecificationDetails
Steering TypeDual-Pinion Variable-Ratio Electric Power Steering
Turning Circle~11.7 meters

Suspension

SpecificationDetails
Front SuspensionMacPherson Strut with Dual-Axis Setup
Rear SuspensionMulti-Link

Brakes

SpecificationDetails
Front Brakes350 mm Ventilated Discs with Brembo 4-Piston Calipers
Rear Brakes305 mm Solid Discs

Wheels and Tires

SpecificationDetails
Wheel Sizes20-inch Alloy Wheels
Tire Sizes245/30 ZR20

Weight Information

SpecificationDetails
Curb Weight~1,380 kg

Mechanical

SpecificationDetails
Engine2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (K20C1)
Power Output306 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque400 Nm (295 lb-ft) @ 2,500–4,500 rpm
Transmission6-Speed Manual with Rev-Match Control
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive (FWD)
SuspensionDual-Axis Strut (Front), Multi-Link (Rear)
SteeringDual-Pinion Variable-Ratio Electric Power Steering
Fuel Tank46 liters
Braking SystemBrembo Ventilated Disc Brakes (Front), Solid Disc (Rear)

Exterior

SpecificationDetails
Wheels20″ Lightweight Alloy Wheels
Tires245/30ZR20 Continental SportContact 6 Tires
PaintChampionship White (Signature), Rallye Red, Sonic Gray Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, and Aegean Blue Metallic
Body KitAggressive Aerodynamic Kit with Carbon Fiber Accents
LightsFull LED Headlights, LED Taillights, LED Daytime Running Lights
MirrorsPower-Adjustable, Heated, Body-Colored
GlassUV-Resistant Glass
Trunk AccessHatchback Liftgate
GrilleGloss Black with Red Honda Badge

Entertainment

SpecificationDetails
RadioAM/FM, HD Radio, SiriusXM (Higher Trims)
Speakers8-Speaker Audio System
ConnectivityBluetooth, USB
Screen7-inch Touchscreen with HondaLink Infotainment
Apple CarPlay/Android AutoStandard
NavigationOptional on Higher Trims

Interior

SpecificationDetails
SeatsLightweight Racing Seats with Red Accents
Seating Capacity4 (2 Front, 2 Rear Bucket-Style Seats)
Steering WheelLeather-Wrapped with Red Stitching
Air ConditioningDual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Instrument ClusterFully Digital Display with Performance Gauges
Key FeaturesPush Button Start, Aluminum Shift Knob, Ambient Lighting
Interior TrimCarbon Fiber-Effect Panels with Red Highlights
Storage420 liters of Rear Cargo Space

Safety

SpecificationDetails
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)Standard
ABS and Traction ControlStandard
AirbagsFront, Side, Curtain
Collision MitigationHonda Sensing with Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning
Driver Assistance SystemsRoad Departure Mitigation, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Sign Recognition

Warranty

CoverageDetails
Basic3 Years / 36,000 Miles
Powertrain5 Years / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion5 Years / Unlimited Miles
Roadside Assistance3 Years / 36,000 Miles