- 2.0-litre petrol engine loves to rev
- Impressive dynamics on smooth roads
- Excellent steering and throttle response
- Engine lacks low-rev torque and is noisy at higher revs
- Suspension lacks compliance
- Limited rear visibility
- Performance not as easily accessible as Volkswagen Mk.5 Golf GTi
Overview
Released in June 2007, the Honda FN2 Civic Type R was a three-door hatchback. Manufactured in Swindon, England, the front-wheel drive Civic Type R was powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that was mated to a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission.
K20Z3 Engine: VTEC and VTC
The 2.0-litre K20Z3 engine had double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, roller rockers to reduce friction and Honda’s i-VTEC system which consisted of:
- Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) which could select from two camshaft profiles for low and high RPM operations – the latter engaged at 5800 rpm; and,
- Continuously variable timing of camshaft phasing on the intake camshaft (Variable Timing Control or VTC).
The K20Z3 engine had an 8000 rpm redline and, although peak torque was achieved at 5600 rpm, 90 per cent of peak torque was available from 2500 rpm. Furthermore, the engine required premium 95 RON unleaded petrol.
Dimensions and suspension
Like the FK2 Civic Si , the Type R was based on Honda’s European Civic hatchback platform. As such, the Civic Type R was 4285 mm long, 1785 mm wider, 1445 mm high and its wheelbase was 2635 mm long; kerb weight was 1345 kg. Furthermore, the Civic Type R had MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civic Type R | 2.0-litre petrol I4 | 6sp man. | 148 kW at 7800 rpm | 193 Nm at 5600 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Civic Type R included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Civic Type R had 300 mm diameter ventilated front brake discs and 260 mm solid rear discs.
Features: Civic Type R
Standard features for the Civic Type R included 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tyres, a four speaker sound system and CD player with WMA/MP3-compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Alcantara sports seats, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a chilled glovebox, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, 60/40 split and flat folding rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a height adjustable driver seat, tyre-pressure monitoring, a 12 volt power outlet, trip computer and an immobiliser.
With the rear seats in position, cargo capacity was 485 litres, though this increased to 1352 litres with the rear seats folded down.
March 2009: Civic Type R update
In March 2009, standard features were enhanced to include an upgraded sound system with auxiliary inputs and rear parking sensors.
Brochure
Related links
