July Car of the Month: Honda Civic Type R

by Joey Crosetti

posted on July 28, 2020

The ultimate Civic makes its way stateside

For many drivers, the Honda Civic represents dependable daily transportation. Sure, there’s the Si models which offer a mix of practicality and a sporty driving experience, but what about a Civic that sets compromise aside in the pursuit of the ultimate hot hatch crown? Long forbidden from our shores, Honda finally answered the call of stateside enthusiasts. That’s why Turo host Edmund’s 2018 Honda Civic Type R earns the title of our July car of the month.

2018 Honda Civic Type R

Honda diehards will know that the Type R badge means business, and the last time anybody saw that kind of performance in these 50 states was from the legendary Acura Integra Type R. So, with the release of the latest generation Civic Type R, there is a lot to be excited about.

Right away, there’s no denying the extreme styling of the Type R, especially compared to a normal Civic. The massive rear wing, the trifecta of exhaust tips, and the aggressive bodywork make it look more like a fighter jet than a road-going car. The Type R is more than just tough looks though, as it packs some serious punch under the hood. Since Edmund’s Type R features a Crystal Black Pearl exterior, its appearance is slightly stealthier. Keen eyes however will spot the red badges that hint at the car’s true potential.

Like many Type R cars, the Edmund’s Civic utilizes a rev happy inline 4-cylinder VTEC engine. However, thanks to the help of a turbocharger, the 2.0-liter pumps out a stout 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. What’s more impressive is how all that power gets funneled through the six-speed manual directly to the front wheels. Courtesy of a cleverly designed suspension, torque steer associated with high powered front-wheel drive cars is nonexistent in the Civic Type R. So not only can it put the power down, but the “CTR” saves some serious poundage over its competitors that have to haul around the weight of their extra differentials.  

Behind the wheel is where the action happens in the Type R. The driver and front passenger are treated to bolstered bucket seats draped in bright red fabric, making it obvious that this is no ordinary Civic. Keeping with the performance theme, red and carbon fiber accents line the interior, while a weighted shift knob allows for quick gear changes. The digital dash puts the tach front and center with a reminder that the Type R keeps the party going all the way to its 7,000 RPM redline. And since the Type R Civic is a five-door hatch, there’s even room for two more passengers to tag along for the fun.

When tackling your favorite stretches of blacktop, low profile 245mm tires wrapped over glossy black 20-inch wheels keep the Civic glued to the pavement. Looking equally stylish are the red Brembo brake calipers and hefty 350mm rotors up front. However, as good as the brakes look, they really shine in their ability to consistently bring the Civic to a halt. Best of all, once it’s time to dial things back to a cruising pace, the Type R’s ride quality is surprisingly civil, giving you all the more reason to take the Type R on a long distance drive.

Few cars deliver the driving thrills like Honda’s Civic Type R. The latest generation Type R packs all the rawness that made Type R cars of the past so popular with enthusiasts, all while utilizing the latest technologies to ensure it stays a cut above the rest. More importantly, the Civic Type R proves that you really can have it all in just one car. Sports car performance and the practicality of a hatchback are a tough combo to argue with. So next time you find yourself visiting Las Vegas, make your trip even more memorable with Edmund’s 2018 Honda Civic Type R.

Joey Crosetti

Joey is usually thinking about one thing: cars, cars, and did we mention cars? If he’s not talking about cars, chances are he’s tinkering under the hood of his old E30 BMW.

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