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New Type R


rjgreen4
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  • 2 weeks later...

The whole Type-R ethos has been lost somewhere. Probably between the design stage and the need to cash in off the back off the EP3. There's even talk of a 'GT' version with luxuries such as cruise control, dual zone climate control, automatic lights and wipers and curtain airbags. Oxymoron or what?

Back to the drawing board Mr Honda. NONO3.GIF

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Racing Red - Can I suggest a trip to Messrs Dollond & Aitchison if you think that this looks better than a 147 GTA. grin.gif

I don't think I would go quite as far as minging but it aint a looker - too heavy handed, slightly odd proportions and somewhat max power. Yes I know the last one could never be called classy bt IMO this is a fair bit worse.

Possibly worse than that is as Arch says the dilution of the Type R spirit. Honda seem to have looked at the "lazy Porsche designers", thought "I'll have a bit of that" and promptly sat down for a coffee and cigar. Granted the last Civic wasn't quite what an R is about but it was ok. This one is basically the same car with a different body & interior (but worse rear suspension to pay for it). The game has moved on but Honda would seem to be slowly moving away from the racing/engineering ethos of the past - they now seem more interested in planes and robots. SAUER0421.GIF

As you can see from the info, it's the same engine but with VTEC switch over altered a bit. The killer points, apart from above, are slipped in at the last - shorter gearing to compensate for a slight weight increase. sportifs2.gif Any shorter and David Rappaport wouldn't feel insecure!

No sale for me (wouldn't be anyway as timescales are wrong and suspected some time ago that it wouldn't be a winner). I will just have to wait for the garage & s2000 here I come.

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"You may not sah! And I shall demand satisfaction! Pistols at dawn I say!"

I'm with you on the ethos part, I pulled the pics from UK MSN this morning and the piece referred to a possible GT version. Then there's the backwards step in the rear suspension, definitely some loss of focus over what exactly the Type-R badge should be. But as for the looks, have to disagree, three door shell, more agressive lower bodywork and a reasonably sized set of rims set the design off. Contrast it with the stocker for proof. The Alfa could have swayed me pre-facelift, it received a similar treatment in GTA form and that was really nice, but not anymore. Ilove the shape of the new CTR, particularly in that profile shot. Still, each to their own. coffee.gif

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Its a shame Honda seem to have gone "euro-arse" with there website, the new type "R", no auto-box in the FRV.

They dident bring an auto to go with the derv. option in the Accord or CRV.

No uprated Derv. option either.

No Vtec model of the Jazz supplied to the UK.

A company i have contributed to alot both in terms of my job and in terms of buying their cars they have managed to really get things awkward these last few years.

The acutal Civic has gone to a half family car now too.

Like alot of Jap. firms they will have the profit margins worked out so even if they sell less they will still make there money. It really is a shame though.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...

I would suggest a good kicking before the shooting. I'm sure it goes down a storm in the Tokyo 'burbs but in Blighty it just screams 'Saxo' It would appear that Honda are going through a particularly confused phase at the moment - they seem to be trying to hit many things in an effort to be a "mobility company" and it would seem that the cars are suffering.

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  • 1 month later...
  • 1 month later...

[ QUOTE ]

You mean this?

936946-CTR.jpg

936947-CTRProfile.jpg

I think it's the best looking hatch I've seen in a long time, Alfa 147 included.

Got the interior too.

936948-CTRInterior.jpg

It's a Honda I'd really consider owning, previously only the S2000 and the FireBlade occupied that club.

[/ QUOTE ]

Blimey, it really is as minging as i remember it from the motor show ! dung.gifFlush.gif

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  • 3 weeks later...

This month's EVO test it against the Focus ST, Megane R26, Leon FR, Astra VXR and Golf GTi.... 169144-ok.gif

"Dynamically the new Civic Type-R falls a long way short of the mark, its peculiar steering and inert balance scuppering any chance of it challenging the class leaders"...... crazy.gif

Exterior isn't too bad IMO, interior looks very cheap. frown.gif

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The general consensus amongst the majority, apart from CAR magazine (whose editorial standards are sinking into the abyss - the 'giant test' of the CTR and it's rivals was one of the worst pieces of automotive journalism I've read) and the people who have one on order (can't imagine there are that many), is that it definitely has something of the yellow citrus about it.

I haven't seen the Evo test as yet as I'm just about to head out for a copy but I can imagine it doesn't make particularly pleasant reading.

I think the Civic's problem is that it is managing to fall between every stool. For those of us who like a Honda, it ain't anywhere close to a Type R. It isn't nice enough (or fast enough) to compete with the S3/130/R32 crowd - can't imagine an Audi owner lusting after red bathmat carpet, nor is it enough of an all rounder to live with the ST/GTI/Leon. Plus, it doesn't have the handling or LSD to live with the Megane.

Even Jensen Button was struggling to say anything other than bland, generic niceties on the promo video in The Times motoring section - which said a hell of a lot to me.

I'm really struggling to see where Honda are going to get the sales from to come anywhere near the last gen (which itself wasn't perfect but was at least reasonably close to the R ethos). It will be interesting to see if Honda release a real Type RR with more power, less weight and properly sorted handling.

Just as a final point. The little garage where I traded in my old CTR for the ST (small town, slightly off the beaten track) had taken in 6/7 CTRs in recent times. To me that says a lot in terms of lost customer loyalty and repeat business - methinks Honda are going down a lonely road with this one.

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  • 2 weeks later...

[ QUOTE ]

The general consensus amongst the majority, apart from CAR magazine (whose editorial standards are sinking into the abyss - the 'giant test' of the CTR and it's rivals was one of the worst pieces of automotive journalism I've read) and the people who have one on order (can't imagine there are that many), is that it definitely has something of the yellow citrus about it.

I haven't seen the Evo test as yet as I'm just about to head out for a copy but I can imagine it doesn't make particularly pleasant reading.

I think the Civic's problem is that it is managing to fall between every stool. For those of us who like a Honda, it ain't anywhere close to a Type R. It isn't nice enough (or fast enough) to compete with the S3/130/R32 crowd - can't imagine an Audi owner lusting after red bathmat carpet, nor is it enough of an all rounder to live with the ST/GTI/Leon. Plus, it doesn't have the handling or LSD to live with the Megane.

Even Jensen Button was struggling to say anything other than bland, generic niceties on the promo video in The Times motoring section - which said a hell of a lot to me.

I'm really struggling to see where Honda are going to get the sales from to come anywhere near the last gen (which itself wasn't perfect but was at least reasonably close to the R ethos). It will be interesting to see if Honda release a real Type RR with more power, less weight and properly sorted handling.

Just as a final point. The little garage where I traded in my old CTR for the ST (small town, slightly off the beaten track) had taken in 6/7 CTRs in recent times. To me that says a lot in terms of lost customer loyalty and repeat business - methinks Honda are going down a lonely road with this one.

[/ QUOTE ]

I share those same thoughts D1MAC. The only thing I really do like about it are it's exterior looks - dislike the interior dash layout though. 169144-ok.gif

I personally think Honda need to develop a new engine which creates power at a lower rev range - more useable and fun then in busier road conditions.

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[ QUOTE ]

I share those same thoughts D1MAC. The only thing I really do like about it are it's exterior looks - dislike the interior dash layout though. 169144-ok.gif

I personally think Honda need to develop a new engine which creates power at a lower rev range - more useable and fun then in busier road conditions.

[/ QUOTE ]

Personally I'm half & half on the engine front. I've had a Type R and now have an ST (which is the complete opposite for delivery and nature) and I'm not sure which I prefer engine wise. Both make a great sound in their own way and both have advantages and disadvantages in terms of delivery.

However, I can see how for most people it would be desirable to have an engine that isn't a normal top-endy Honda.

They have actually made an engine (only prototype so far but might get introduced in the USA) that was a 2.3 turbo 4 and gave 260 bhp - possibly wasn't even in a high state of tune.

Thing is, I'm not sure whether I would want Honda to go down the same road as just about everyone else and accept forced induction. If they could find an 'engineers' way of doing it I would be all for it.

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Key question is - Has he had a Type R before?

The biggest issue with the new R is that it would seem to be alienating existing/recent owners (as it isn't really what it says on the tin) and that is a big bunch of people to hack off, even if in some cases it would be rather desirable!

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also from autocar back in december...

Extreme Type Rs will focus on weight-saving. Track-only version will be in UK

Honda is to offer two more extreme versions of its new Civic Type-R - but British buyers will only get one of them.

The Japanese firm will show a stripped-out lightweight version of the car alongside the regular and 'luxury' GT models at the Paris motor show. It will be mechanically identical to the regular Type R, but the rear seats and parcel shelf will be removed, as well as non-essential trim and some noiseproofing.

There's no word yet on how much weight will be saved, but Honda UK has elected not to sell the lighter model anyway, believing that there isn't sufficient demand for it from British buyers.

However, British Type R enthusiasts will get access to the most extreme version of the car - the track-only version developed in conjunction with race team JAS Motorsport. It won't be road legal and it won't be sold directly by Honda - you'll have to go talk to JAS.

Again, more details are expected at the Paris motor show, but restricting the car to track only would allow the use of lighter materials, as well as a full roll cage and more unforgiving suspension.

We'll bring you more details of all four Type Rs as soon as we get them.

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