In the alphabet, R comes before S. In the world of 3-door Civics, the other way round. The Honda civicType-R arrives later, but for now there is a taster in the shape of the Type-S, with the same new body-shape model clothing a slightly wider (by 20mm) rear track.
The engines are existing Civic fare, which means a 1.8-litres with 138 bhp , variable timing and lift for its single camshaft, or a hefty 2.2-litre turbo diesel with the same power but nearly twice the torque (251lb ft to the petrol’s 128).
Deeper sills and valances, 17 inch wheels and part-Alcantara trim with ----yes! – silver stitching set the tone, and there’s an optional GT pack containing lots of stuff you would not miss such as cruise control and automatic wipers and lights.
There are some suspension tweaks, too – the springs and anti-roll bars are stiffer, as are the dampers’ rebound settings, and the ride height is fractionally lower – and the steering is weightier as it moves off centre, the steering column is mounted more rigidly, the stability system allows more freedom, and the wider rear track is designed to make the Civic less twitchy.
Does it all work? I drove honda civic 1.8 i-VTEC Type-S and found a much improved car over the first new-shape honda Civics, with less thump from it rear suspension over ridges and a keener throttle response. The 1.8 liter is brisk rather than quick though, so we need to use all 6 gears freely & while the steering is credibly meaty and it’s short of true feel unless you are cornering hard.
Which is something the Honda civic Type-S does with glee-metered mobility from the tail to make every roundabout a dynamic treat. Now all the space age Honda Civic needs is some warp drive coming soon.
