2021 Honda Civic Type R
Overview
The automotive market has its popular segments (think crossovers and pickups), but it also has its niches. One of these smaller classes with a fierce fan base is the “hot hatch” – eye-catching hatchbacks that are engineered for higher performance. Honda’s entrant is the 306-horsepower Civic Type R, and it’s back for the 2021 model year with a few changes. Gone are the coupe edition and the Si variant, but a Limited Edition Civic Type R has been introduced, although just 600 units were produced. The ’21 Civic Type R stands out not just for its potent engine but also for its sporty adaptive suspension, limited-slip front differential, and oversized brakes. Inside, its comfortable, spacious, and well-outfitted with sought-after features and technology.
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Powertrain Specs
As mentioned, the 2021 Honda Civic Type R delivers 306 horses under its hood, courtesy of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. In true sports-car style, the sole transmission offered is a six-speed manual. This front-wheel-drive performer is rated by the EPA to achieve 22 miles per gallon around town and 28 mpg on the highway. The ’21 Civic Type R’s aerodynamic design – complete with a wing spoiler, rear diffuser, a hood scoop, side vents, and vortex generators – enhances both fuel economy and stability.
Standard Equipment
Because the Special Edition is a limited run of just 600 cars, most 2021 Civic Type R buyers will get the Touring version. Some highlights of its performance-specific features are road-gripping all-season tires on 20-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, large Brembo brakes, sport pedals, an aluminum shift knob, selectable drive modes (Comfort, Sport, and +R), and the aforementioned aerodynamic body design. The cabin is comfortable and relatively quiet, with active noise control, high-bolstered simulated suede and fabric sport seats (red and black with red contrast stitching), dual-zone temperature control, and a faux suede-wrapped steering wheel. A 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback helps when there’s cargo to accommodate.
All 600 units of the Limited Edition run have an exclusive Phoenix Yellow exterior, a gloss-black roof and exterior mirrors, and high-performance Michelin Sport Cup 2 tires on BBS-forged alloy wheels. Honda has also left the noise-deadening insulation out of this version, resulting in a lower curb weight, and the steering and suspension have been revised for the track.
Technology and Safety
The 2021 Civic Type R has been built with Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure to protect occupants in the case of a collision. It also comes standard with Honda Sensing, a package of driver-assist technologies consisting of automatic high beams, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, a collision mitigation braking system, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Through the Driver Information Interface, you can view data such as lap time and G-force.
The infotainment system offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, SMS text messaging assistant, navigation, and a 12-speaker sound system with SiriusXM satellite radio and high-definition radio. It’s all controlled using a 7-inch touchscreen.