Honda Civic Type R chooses Michelin for maximum performance

The new Honda Civic Type R might look a lot more restrained than the previous model, but there’s nothing shy about its performance. Far from it, as Honda has honed every element of the Type R to make it quicker, better to drive, and they’ve even managed to make it more efficient so it’s more cost-effective to own.

Far from it, as Honda has honed every element of the Type R to make it quicker, better to drive, and they’ve even managed to make it more efficient so it’s more cost-effective to own.

At the heart of the latest Type R is its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that now makes an astonishing 329hp. Make the most of this and you’ll see 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds and, on a race track, the Civic will hit a top speed of 171mph. That’s edging into supercar territory, which is why Honda has opted use the same sort of tyres favoured by the likes of Ferrari, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche. Wrapped around the Type R’s 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels are Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, which are designed to be used on the road and for occasional track day use, so they are perfect for the fastest Civic that Honda has ever made.

The Type R is one of the hottest hatches you can choose, but it’s also still a practical family car, so the tyres have a wide range of roles to meet. This is why the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres come with built-in rim protectors to prevent kerb damage. They also help the Honda return 34.4mpg to make it easy on fuel for a car with performance to put more expensive machinery to shame.

To make the most of the Civic Type R’s abilities, Honda provides four Drive Modes to choose from.

They cover Comfort for everyday use, Sport when you want some fun, +R when you visit the track, and Individual to tailor the car to your tastes. There’s also an uprated six-speed manual gearbox for better shifts and updated rev-matching technology to perfectly synchronise engine revs as you change down a gear.

All of this is backed up by suspension and handling that is even better than the previous Civic Type R’s. This has been achieved by making the car lighter and stronger with a front bulkhead and rear hatch made from high tech plastic rather than steel to save weight and improve strength. Honda has also spent thousands of miles testing the Type R on some of the world’s most challenging race tracks to perfect the car’s responses.

You won’t spot these improvements by looking at the Civic Type R, but you will notice the trademark triple exhaust pipe and large rear wing. Inside, the Type R has front sports seats that embrace their occupants and are trimmed in luxurious suede. The same material covers the steering wheel for a race car sensation, while the alloy gear lever feels just right. On the dash, there are clear dials for speed and revs, and a 10.2-inch infotainment display. Sit in the back and the Type R has plenty of space, and the boot is generous, too.

This sort of versatility makes the Honda Civic Type R the perfect family car, and you still have the same Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres as many supercars that are ready to have fun whenever you are.