My impressions on the JDM Civic Type-R

[Mr. M]

I was woken up by my dad early in the morning quite eagerly, and with a bit of annoyance I asked him what was the matter.

'My friend brought his Type-R down today. You wanna have a go?" He said with a grin on his face.

I looked out the window and a pristine silver Type-R is parked on the road. What am I waiting for?

"Yeah okay, let's go!"

So in my sleeping attire I met my dad's friend, whom passed me the keys.

At first, I was a little hesitant, being a new driver and all, trying out a 225bhp sports car isn't exactly a good idea.

"Dad, think I'll just get a ride from him, don't think I have the confidence to drive yet."

"Nevermind son, just try. It's probably your only chance."

I agreed, so off we went to the car.

I tried starting the car, but realised later that there was a red start button next to the key. Silly me. I fired up this beast and a burble of an exhaust note exhaled, then settled down into a huff and buff idle. The seats immediately appealed to me; they offered excellent support and the alcantara felt luxurious. The interior's not too shabby either, the trim all feel well fitted to the car's price, which is SGD106k without any mods. I adjusted the seat and then the mirrors. Instantly I feel this car so easy to drive... The blind spots are easy to see, the mirrors large and visible, and the seating position just perfect. I slotted it into 1st gear and off we went.

After a few seconds, the car died. I blamed my new driver status for it happening. He then asked how long I had my license already.

"2 days."

"!!!" He was understandably quite shocked, to trust a 19 year old with his precious sports car. But of course, I had to gain his trust, so I drove as responsibly as I could.

And then the car died again. It being a narrow road, and an uphill one at that, balancing the clutch while giving way to traffic isn't easy. Plus, with all the parked cars, it's stressful. After all, I only got my license 2 days before.

After clearing the narrow street, we proceeded to the main road. Ah, much better now. Clutch feel is sublime, as is the gearbox which is a cinch to use. Kinda reminds me of how it feels in the Miata; a joy to use and makes you fall in love with a manual car all over again. One to two, Two to three, Three to four... All so easy, and so natural.

Once traffic was clear, I whacked it on a straight. Or so I thought I did. At 4krpm, I changed gear and he said in a rather matter-of-factly tone: "just whack it to the redline. It's where the power is."

And so I did. My God, such fluidity in the delivery. Once in the 'VTEC zone', the car simply flies and slight torque steer pervades into the steering wheel. Changing into second, the car revs happily all the way to its redline. I can't help but smile because I'm having so much fun. Even at lower revs, the car is sprightly and willing to move, unlike what some people believe that the power is "only" at the top. Nearing the redline, the VTEC gauge flashes and adrenaline pumps up. It's unlike any machine, this.

After a few minutes at the wheel I realised that the car is also very comfortable. Apparently, he installed more comfortable shocks in place of the stock ones, and I agree, the ride is just perfect. Good for cancelling body roll, yet comfy enough for daily driving. I'm starting to like this car a lot.

Then, I switched to 6th along the highway for cruising, and realised how much the revs are even at the tallest gear. It was almost hitting 3krpm going at 100km/h, so this car doesn't really enjoy cruising at high speeds. The car wants and needs to be revved to feel its true character. It's no bad thing, but it does hurt fuel consumption. However, the owner claims he can get 10L/100km on average. Not bad at all.

The aftermarket entertainment system on the car was OK, though I feel not as beautifully crafted to match the interior as the one in the UK Type-R. Still, it's a worthy price to pay for the better driving experience.

What I like about this car, is that it has the best of the very popular Civic, but it has a racing heart that permeates throughout the car. I love it.

I'll need more time to decide whether this car handles the B-roads just as well (my test drive was mainly urban), but so far I'm quite sold.

PS. sorry, no pictures!

[Mr. M]

This is the one in case you guys were wondering.

[Bruce]

Great review James.

Though I'm haven't any experience with the Type-R, I do have experience with the S2000 and it sounds like the this generation has an engine which wacks away at the power like the S2K. As you said, it's quite unlike anything else. The way in which Honda blends power with revvs and elasticity is utterly captivating.

[martinbo]

I'd kill for a drive in the JDM Type-R. EVO described it as being one of the greatest front-wheel drive cars ever.

I've driven the locally available Type-R hatch and it's quite a nice drive: surprisingly the rear-end is more mobile than I was lead to believe and CTR actually puts its bum out in throttle lift-off oversteer quite readily. What did disappoint rather was a lack of feel and precision from the front-end.

I hear that this JDM CTR is a whole new kettle of fish altogether.

[Mr. M]

Originally Posted by Bruce

Great review James.

Though I'm haven't any experience with the Type-R, I do have experience with the S2000 and it sounds like the this generation has an engine which wacks away at the power like the S2K. As you said, it's quite unlike anything else. The way in which Honda blends power with revvs and elasticity is utterly captivating.

You had an S2000 before I remember? Was it your dad?

Originally Posted by martinbo

I'd kill for a drive in the JDM Type-R. EVO described it as being one of the greatest front-wheel drive cars ever.

I've driven the locally available Type-R hatch and it's quite a nice drive: surprisingly the rear-end is more mobile than I was lead to believe and CTR actually puts its bum out in throttle lift-off oversteer quite readily. What did disappoint rather was a lack of feel and precision from the front-end.

I hear that this JDM CTR is a whole new kettle of fish altogether.

Well I think you'll do even more for what I just drove: an Evo X.

[Bruce]

Originally Posted by Mr. M

You had an S2000 before I remember? Was it your dad?

Yup. My dad had one when we lived in the United States.

Amazing little car, to the say the least!