The 5 best things about the Civic Type R
By Wade Thiel
Honda has managed to build one of the best hot hatches of all time in the Civic Type R.
The Honda Civic Type R hot hatch was always forbidden fruit for people living in North America. Honda never imported the car here, but that all changed for the 2017 model year. The company decided to stop depriving its North American fans of the Type R’s blessed existence, and although you’ll likely pay a lot of money for one, it is possible to get one. The Civic Type R is a fantastic hot hatch, and to prove it to you here are five of the best things about the car.
Number 1: Outrageous exterior is actually functional
Some people love the Civic Type R’s styling, and others think it looks totally ridiculous. Wherever you stand on the car’s styling, you have to admit it’s interesting to look at. Think all those creases, scoops, vents, the spoiler, and the massive rear wing are just for show? Think again.
While some people will call BS on Honda’s claims, the company contends that the exterior changes to the Civic Type R are all functional additions to the car. With a rear wing that big, we’d expect the Civic Type R makes a ton of downforce. Honda claims the rear wing alone makes 66 pounds of downforce at 124 mph.
Apparently, these design elements create downforce and help the car move through the air correctly, meaning you’ll put the most power possible down to the road. Speaking of engines, the Honda Civic Type R has a fantastic one.