Honda 2017 Civic Type R vs. 2015 Civic Type R

HEAD-TO-HEAD. 2017 vs 2015 Civic Type-R.

The Honda Civic Type R has a history of being kept away from UK shores, released elsewhere - so the news that the 2017 version of the car is alive and kicking, and available to drivers in Shropshire and Powys, looks likely to have Civic fans salivating. In this blog, we compare the Honda 2017 Civic Type R vs. 2015 Civic Type R to find out how it has improved in the space of two years.

Performance

The engineers in Honda's Japan certainly haven't been resting on their laurels. Among the new additions which lend themselves to higher performance levels than the 2015 model is multi-link suspension for greater stability, and improved cornering which is said to beat the time taken by the older car. This was exhibited in a promotional video at one of the world's classic race circuits - the Nürburgring in Nürburg, Germany. Entering a corner at 200 kmph, the 2017 model is 15 kph up on the 2017 Civic Type R. It's all down to the added stability offered by the braking, allowing the car to decelerate efficiently.

2017 Honda Type R Price

The Honda 2017 Civic Type R is expected to be on the market for close to £30,000 while the 2015 Civic Type R was also given a £29,995 price tag on its release.

Controls

Like the 2015 model, the 2017 Type R offers a digital gauge cluster and large touchscreen for convenience and a stylish look, with some controls being placed on the centre stack.

Lower than ever before

There are some important structural changes to tell you about in the Honda 2017 Civic Type R compared to the 2015 model. For starters, the wheelbase is longer than the last generation, with the fuel tank being relocated to underneath the rears, rather than underneath the front seats. What this means is that the driver is 50mm lower down than previously and that the centre of gravity has also sunk, which as we all know is better for stability.

Lighter and nippier

Changes to the way the car is made - bonding instead of spot welding, we are told - have resulted in some fantastic new stats compared to the 2015 model. This is a car which is 38 per cent stiffer and 16kg lighter, and the engineers have also done away with the torsion beam rear axle.

Engine

For Type Rs, the 2017 is unsurpassed with its inline four 2.0 litre, which is capable of 306 hp at 6500 rpm, with 295 lb of torque coming from 2500. Reviewers have noted how downshifting is often not required with the 2017 model, because of the strong pull of the engine at low revs compared to its predecessor. In fact, the 2017 model can be said to be the most powerful hatchback around - a nice claim to have under your belt! The oil cooler is now cooled by water, rather than air.

The importance of the exhaust

Don't underestimate the importance of an exhaust to the overall performance of a car. The water jacket which has been placed around the exhaust manifold of the 2017 Civic Type R has a great knock-on effect on the flow around the rest of the system. It allows power to be cranked up a level without the engine knocking or pre-igniting. There is also a third exhaust tube which has the ability to decrease boom on small throttle opening.

What does the 2017 Civic Type R offer over the 2015 model?

- Proven to handle corners better
- Proven to be faster around corners
- More stability
- Lower centre of gravity
- Improved exhaust system facilitating more power
- Lighter body, conducive to speed
- Water cooled oil cooler
- Most powerful hatchback on the market

Here is our very own Jeremy Clarkson wannabe Adam with further info on the differences between the Honda 2017 Civic Type R vs. 2015 Civic Type R

Part 1 - Overview comparison.

Part 2 - Body shape differences between new & old Honda Type R Models.

Part 3 - Rear End Comparison.

Part 4 - Under the bonnet comparison

Part 5 - Interior of the new 2017 Honda Civic Type R