2018 Honda Civic Type R Price and Specs

The Civic Type R has always been one of the best hot hatchbacks on the market. Despite that, the car was never really available in the US for long periods of time. In contrast, the Japanese and European markets did receive the Type R Civic quite a few times now. In fact, both markets had a Type R model in the last couple of years which was received as the best front wheel drive car on the market. After Honda had seen how successful that model was they decided to carry on and release a 2018 Honda Civic Type R but this time around also available in more markets.

The US is one of these markets meaning that the current class leader is finally going to have some competition. The new car has already been revealed at the Geneva Auto Show, and there are some key differences between the US and the European models.

2018 Honda Civic Type R Price and Details

This time around the new 2018 Honda Civic Type R is based on Honda’s brand new modular front-wheel drive architecture. This was first seen on the new Civic, and it is a vast improvement over the one before it. The Type R will get things a bit further with a revised running gear and plenty of other upgrades. For starters, the new Type R has a lower center of gravity, it is stiffer than before and also slightly larger. The result should be a better overall vehicle to drive without having to compromise on comfort. So far Honda hasn’t announced how much the new Type R is going to cost. However, if we take a close look at its rivals and the older model, it is safe to assume it will be right around $35,000.

Design

Many complained the old model looked a bit too childish. Well, luckily enough Honda decided to stick with their rather over the top design. The new 2018 Honda Civic Type R stands out just as much as the older model, and that is fine. The car is meant as a hot-hatch, and there are a bit too many conservative-looking ones out there. Honda decided to stick with the four-door hatchback as the base for the Type R. However, the entire aerodynamic kit, the wheels, colors and even the badges are unique to it.

The over the top design is not there just for show. Honda can safely say they have the most aerodynamic car in its class which is no easy feat. Over the older model, the Type R now gets 20-inch rims, wider 245 section tires and considerably larger brakes than the regular model. All of these should allow the Type R to trump most of its rivals.

Inside the Cabin

Honda decided to continue with the red-theme inside the car as well. Here they installed bucket seats in the front with a rather interesting print that mimics racing seatbelts, a new steering wheel, that doesn’t feature a flat bottom, as well as a lot of carbon fiber accents and red stripping. The result is a bit childish, but this doesn’t change the fact the interior of the 2018 Honda Civic Type R might be perfect for those looking to have fun. Over the regular model, Honda managed to keep the passenger space unchanged, so it is just as good for a family as a regular Civic.

Under the Hood

There have been plenty of rumors about all wheel drive or a hybrid powertrain. Well, none of these have been true. Instead, the 2018 Honda Civic Type R features a 2 liter turbocharged inline four gas engine that is made in the US. This engine is actually the same as that found on the previous generation model. It is a direct injected unit featuring a rather large turbocharging. Even though it is not particularly efficient, the engine is one of the most capable for the displacement.

In the 2018 Type R, it manages to put down up to 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. All of this power is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual and a mechanical limited slip differential. Honda installed a trick suspension setup and even-length prop-shafts in order to limit torque steer to a minimum. Thanks to that and its stiffer chassis, the new Type R is the FWD record holder on the Nurburgring which is very impressive.