In spite of the numerous different kinds of performance cars out there, the hot hatch is among the most accessible. Well, now it is—after enough American enthusiasts clamored for them that they’ve been arriving on our shores in droves. Yet the one that many were waiting for had yet to be unveiled: the 2017 Honda Civic Type R.
Based off the popular tenth generation sedan and hatchback with which it shares its bones and basic look, the Type R kicks off Honda’s entry into the North American hot hatch market. It does this by offering the top-line features of the Touring trims (such as heated seats, phone connectivity and LED headlamps) while offering a beastly front-wheel drive experience.
At the heart of the new Type R is an engine that must have been named with enthusiasts in mind: a 2.0-liter DOHC direct-injected turbocharged i-VTEC inline-four (let’s be real, no one is going to remember that unless you’re reaching fanboy levels of enthusiasm). Sporting a six-speed manual across the board, this mill makes 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with peak availability kicking in at 2,500 RPM.
If that sounds like something you can get behind, we have even better news! They’ll be arriving at showrooms like our Honda dealership in Nashville, TN shortly after its American debut at the New York Auto Show in April. Contact us to learn the exact time frame!
