I was interested on the new Honda civic R but I am not so
sure about the sound, and having to rev it to get the power.
Has anyone experience with VTEC engines?
I spent some time in the new Type R following a lustful 30mins at the Zurich motor show last year.
The new Type R is turbocharged so you don't need to rev the nuts off it to get it travelling quickly - that being said it does come alive through the mid-range and although the lag is mainly dialed it doesn't always feel as lively as it should. The boost is delivered in a more linear manner too - which is pleasant.
The handling is very good and you can really work the chassis - especially if you opt for bravery in carrying the braking phase in to the apex. The R mode is divisive - there are times when it just works perfectly and the ride is race-car matching (which means bloody awful) but the body control is superb and you are encouraged to drive more quickly. Turn it off and the suspension does a pretty good job of adding in some compliance to the equation - although speed bumps are not a rear passengers idea of fun.
Finally - I back to back tested the car on a stretch of road I knew - and up against my usual steed the R felt faster - but when I looked at the speeds it was actually slower.
Great fun car though with awesome seats