Type R Road Test

[thespacecowboy]

I'll tell you tomorrow!

afaik, they are not quite as "magic" as they should be.

[ADENGUNNER]

great review

[Munro]

I first read this test before ordering my car, and it certainly influenced my decision to buy at that time.

Re reading it after 5000 miles of driving the type R , I still think it is a very good assessment of the car.

I noticed a couple of surprises on the re read:

• Tendency for engine to hold revs between gear changes due to the computer setting / fly by wire throttle - I hadn't noticed this until now , but know what you mean.
• Gear change is better in the Diesel - wow the diesel must be good.
• No comments about the very firm ride - Was the test route on smooth roads ? or am I just getting on a bit !

For those thinking about a Type R, make sure you read this review (and ignore Clarksons "I dont like it so its rubbish" review).

[Stephen B]

Accurate reviews or not, if you haven't made your mind up after a 20 min drive on a B road then you may as well buy a VAG-mobile

It was a no brainer for me, and its not as though I wasn't familiar with a VTEC either

Anyone else get the kangaroo effect when driving off too quickly on a cold morning ?, feels like the drive by wire goes way over-sensitive.

[uncler]

Anyone else get the kangaroo effect when driving off too quickly on a cold morning ?, feels like the drive by wire goes way over-sensitive.

Yeah, I do! It feels like the throttle is 'sticky' almost... Quite weird. Goes away once warmed up though!

[hlxbravo]

Yep ,me too, only mildly though.

[Shoulin]

I have owned my Type R GT for just over 5 weeks now, rattling 3000 miles (which I have enjoyed).
I wanted to write a little review. So in the attempt to remain positive I will start with the negatives, and finish on a positive.

Negatives / Cons

The Mirroes do not fold automatically when locking the car.
This is not a major issue, but a friends Peugeot 407 has this feature, and my previous 307 rapier also had this feature as standard.

The Windows can not be controlled by the remote/keyfob.
Again this is not a major issue, but my girlfriends Fait Stilo on a 52 plate, basic active model, has this feature, so did my 307.

When you leave the car you should be able to remove the key, and press the key fob to lock the car, windows raise/drop, and mirrors fold. When u forget to put the windows up or press the wing mirror button, you have to replace the key! If FIAT and PEUGEOT can do it then Honda take note.

Space Saver/ Spare Wheel
Why o why do we have to pay for a spare wheel. If Honda build the well for the wheel, why do we have to puchase it. It seems a little harsh after you fork out £19,380. Yes I know we have breakdown cover, and the foam cans, but sometimes you can beat a spare wheel, who knows when you could need it, even if its not for yourself.

Ariel in the Rear Window
Maybe its me or the Valleys and Mountains in Wales that ruin my radio signal, but boy its a bad reception, I even loose RADIO 1. Most of the stations consist of crackling. SUrley the point of an ariel is to pick up signal?

Memory Seat Posistion
As Mr Clarkson righlty pointed out that when you slide the driver or passengers seat forward to access the backseats, the front seats do not remember the posistion the were previously set at. Which is a pain as I am 6ft 2, and the default setting seems to be for people a little smaller who sit bolt upright. I must remember to move the seat back before I get in. I afew more Bumped heads should remind me.

Are You Sure This Is The Key???
When I picked up my TYPE R GT I was so excited and was very proud that I had saved more than 10k to pay for the car. My previous cars have been mostly Peugeots, all new, but none on this level of expense. I had a 206cc 1.6 which I replaced the engine to the GTI 180, which had cost me 14k. With this car I had a lovely flick hey with the Peugot logo in shiny silver. My Girlfriends Fiat Stilo had a flick key, and yet the TYPE R GT had a key fresh out of the TOY BOX! I feel the key isnt in keeping with the status of the type r or even Honda as a prestigious brand.
OK Honda aint BMW OR MERCS, but they are certainly better than Ford, Peugeot, renualt citreon, seat etc.. In my opinion anyway.

Armrest
My Armrest seems a little unstuffed to be of any comfort.

NON HONDA SPECIFIC
This is not really a problem with the civic or honda, but a slight dig at car manufactures as a whole.
Why do we have to get in the wheel arches, and remove batteries and battery holders to be able to change a light bulb.
WIth more cars on the road than ever before (according to national satistics) why do so many people have to take their cars back to the dealer or garage for a light bulb replacment. My Girl Friend is a car lover, but has no clue on how to change a bulb, much like a few of my friends, and when they attempt to begin the process of removing a bulb they are all staggered that they may need more than a screwdriver to do the job, and that they have to remove more parts than they are repacing.
Surley this should be an easy job like it used to be a few years ago. What happened?


AND NOW THE PROS

Exterior

It looks like it fell from heaven! well at least past the clouds or galaxy even.
Fresh out of the mothership the civic has taken a step into the future and put curves to rest and introduced a Triangle. The civics are head turners and have made the rest of the market look dated.

Interior
Wow! I love the red on black, not to loud either. The bucket seats are very comfortable. The Ratchet is much better than a wheel to adjust the seat , espically when u have company.
Also the material on the seats seems to keep the car so warm??

The clocks and dash are staright out of future and the headroom ample.
I love the way the back seats drop down, rather than being lifted up. Also the back is very spacious with room under the seats for some luggage.

Ride
I feel That Mr Clrakson slightly exaggerated about the ride. Yes it is a little hard, but the is lowered on low rpofile tyres, so its not going to be smooth.
But as long as it doesnt hurt who cares?

Engine.
Well well, This is the selling point of the type r. The note is just fantastic, and the whole natually aspirated vtec is truly awesome.
If you want to push this car, the vtec will say "not guts to do that again", and you have to obey.

But if your running low on petrol funds, simply keep the car under the vtec and see a serious improvment in the fuel consumption.
A friend bout a focus st2 the say day as my type r. We have yet to test these out against each other, but with is turbo kicking in every time he even wiggles his toe, his petrol funds are looking low! and this tyres are becoming bald fast, as the focus just has to much torque for my liking.

Conclusion
I love this car, and its is by far the bets car I have owned, and I think I will be a HONDA man for sometime now.
My 40mile journey to work on windy dual carriage way is simply a joy after a 12 hour shift, and I can not wait until I go to work just for the drive!

The type r is just a pure joy, and I am thrilled to have one. Well done Honda, I'm smitten.

[HappyMan]

fantastic review and very thorough, thanks for that!

Even though I don't have the R I have to say my 1.8ex is the best car I have owned too!

Really glad to hear that you are enjoying your car and you are very happy - long may it continue

[Dimplyred]

Great review. Pleased to hear you are enjoying the CTR.

Like you, I really love how you can drive it around like a normal car, but when you feel like some fun you can enter the vtec zone.

[Rich 11]

well said Shoulin !!!!

[Brodick]

Good Review Shoulin

With regards to your comments about some of the toys

I think you will find that fiat and peugeot need to offer these extra toys to try and make their cars more appealing cause the rest of the car is crap compared to the Honda

[R-2]

Thanks for the excellent review Shoulin. Pleased to hear you are loving the car so much. I think i would agree with all the points you mention there.

You have done as many miles in 5 weeks as i did in 5 months! However i still feel the same pleasure when i get in my car now as i did on that first day