Honda Civic Type R (2007 – 2012) Review

Honda Civic Type R (2007 – 2012) At A Glance

4/5

+Great steering and handling, futuristic looks. Still practical and spacious inside. Huge fun to drive.

-Engine needs to be worked hard. Firm ride and not enjoyable to drive in traffic. Poor fuel economy.

Insurance Group 34
On average it achieves 99% of the official MPG figure

Not many hot hatchbacks have been awaited as eagerly as this one. The old Civic Type-R had close to cult status. 35,000 were sold worldwide. And punters are passionate. You could make disparaging remarks about a chap's nearest and dearest, but criticise his Type-R and he'd eat your liver with a nice Chianti. Such deification led to deep anxiety that the new Type-R would somehow fail to live up to the old one.

No chance of that. Honda itself is an enthusiastic company, so listens to Honda enthusiasts. And there were, dare I mention, some criticisms of the old car Honda felt it needed to address.

Too raw was one. The power came in too late. The engine wasn't flexible enough. The steering didn't have enough feel. And the ride was between a rock and a hard place.

Then, of course, there's Honda's brave new bodyshape. No other car in the world looks remotely like it. But how would it take to the Type R treatment?

Honda Civic Type R 2007 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Honda Civic Type R (2007 – 2012)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

99%

Real MPG

23–38 mpg

MPGs submitted

146

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Honda Civic Type R - How can I make the ride more comfortable?

"In the light of our ever deteriorating roads, would it be possible to fit different suspension components (springs, dampers) to my Civic Type R to make its ride slightly more comfortable without sacrificing road holding and handling too much? I love the car's performance, build quality, reliability and practicality; I would just like it not to have such an unforgiving, harsh ride. I've put up with this for six years and would like to keep the car if possible. "
The easiest way is to change the wheels and tyres to the smallest wheel that will fit around the front brakes and the deepest profile tyres that give the same rolling circumference as the originals. You have to disclose the 'modification' to your insurer.
Answered by Honest John

Honda Civic Type R wing mirrors: Where can I get a cheap replacement?

"I've had my passenger-side wing mirror completely smashed off. Could you tell me are they all the same across the range or is mine because of the folding in business different. Also could you recommend where to get a new one from?"
Cheapest place for them is: http://www.wingmirrorman.co.uk/
Answered by Honest John

Replacing a SEAT Leon Cupra

"I am looking to replace my 2003 SEAT Leon Cupra, budget of around £8-9k I would like similar performance and similar practicality. Mpg isnt my primary concern, but something really thirsty like the 350Z or RX8 I would rule out. Image isn't everything but a nice interior would be a plus, as would anything that can rival the facelifted Mk1 Cupra's looks. "
Civic Type Rs are much lower geared. 21mph/1,000 v/s 25mph/1000 in the Leon 20VT. The Mk II Leon is the obvious option, but you know that. The money easily buys an MX5 2.0 Sport 6-speed. You might pick up an Abarth 500, which MUST be on 16" wheels, not 17". Chance of a Citroen DS3 1.6THP 150 Sport 6-speed for the money, but they are a bit coveted.
Answered by Honest John

Which hot hatch?

"I am thinking of buying a hot hatch, a Focus ST, Civic Type-R or Golf GTI. I have £8000 to spend and I am in my mid thirties. Which one would be the best all rounder?"
Only the Honda is belt cam. But the big disadvantage is that it is very low geared, so very wearing on the motorway. Been some timing belt failures of the Volvo T5 engine in the Focus ST. This age of Golf is also belt cam and a 2006 will need its belt replacing if that has not already been done. But best all round driver's car: the Focus ST.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Honda Civic Type R (2007 – 2012) cost?