2017 Honda Civic Type R First Look

Honda revealed the production 2017 Civic Type R at the 2017 Geneva auto show, and it will be the first Type R model to arrive in North America when it goes on sale this spring. Available only as a hatchback, the 2017 Honda Civic Type R will be the hottest Civic you can buy. It features a 2.0-liter turbo-four with 306 hp and 295 lb-ft, and yes, it has Honda’s famed VTEC valve timing system. A six-speed manual will be the sole transmission available, and it will have automatic rev-matching for smoother downshifts.

The Civic Type R features a unique suspension setup with its own damper, spring, and bushing calibrations, a dual-axis front suspension with aluminum lower arms and steering knuckles, four-wheel adaptive suspension, a helical limited-slip front differential, and an adaptive electric power steering system with variable gear ratio. Stopping power is provided by Brembo brakes in all four corners with 13.8-inch cross-drilled rotors up front and 12.0-inch solid rotors in the back. All models will come standard with 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 245/30R summer performance tires.

Read our review of a last-gen Honda Civic Type R HERE.

Compared to the standard Civic hatchback, the Type R has a more rigid body with 38 percent better torsional rigidity and bending rigidity that’s been improved by 45 percent. The new Civic Type R is also 35 pounds lighter than Europe-only ninth-generation model, thanks to extensive use of high-strength steel and an aluminum hood. Three driving modes will be available: Comfort, Sport, and +R, all of which adjust steering, throttle response, transmission rev-matching, the adaptive dampers, and the stability control system.

When it arrives in the U.S., the 2017 Civic Type R will be available as a loaded variant similar to the range-topping Touring grade in more pedestrian Civics. Standard features include Honda’s current infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a 540-watt, 12-speaker premium audio system, LED headlights, sport seats with heavier bolstering, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift boot, and a Type R plate on the center console.

All Civic Type R’s will be built at Honda’s Swindon, U.K., facility, and the engines will be manufactured at Honda of America Mfg. in Anna, Ohio, before being shipped to the U.K. Pricing has not been announced, but expect the 2017 Civic Type R to start in the mid-$30,000 range, putting it right in the same ballpark as rivals such as the Volkswagen Golf R, Subaru WRX STI, and Ford Focus RS.

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