The 2021 Honda Civic Type R marks the end of an era. This is the final year of production for Honda’s celebrated, high-performance hatchback, complete with its distinctive rear wing. While an all-new Civic is just around the corner, enthusiasts will need to wait a bit longer for the next iteration of the coveted Type R. For those familiar with this model, its appeal is undeniable. Having been rigorously tested and consistently praised, the Civic Type R returns for one last hurrah, especially noteworthy after undergoing a significant facelift the previous year. Is another drive worthwhile? Absolutely.
Slightly Less Provocative Design
Across multiple reviews, the styling of the Civic Type R has been described as polarizing, even “ugly,” with concerns about its long-term appeal. While those sentiments still hold true to some extent, the 2021 facelift, particularly when paired with the Polished Metal Metallic paint option, subtly refines its appearance, lending a touch more sophistication.
However, the overall design remains busy, and the side profile can still appear somewhat awkward. The car’s length and height can make the wheels seem disproportionately small within the wheel arches. An unusual contour where the rear door meets the fender adds to the unconventional aesthetics.
Despite these subjective styling critiques, Honda has successfully streamlined the front fascia by eliminating many non-functional air intakes. The lower front opening, positioned ahead of the intercooler, has been enlarged to enhance airflow. Furthermore, splitters have been added above the (now capped) faux vents at both the front and rear, contributing to a cleaner, more cohesive look. The improvements are noticeable and welcome.
Ultimately, the focus of the 2021 updates lies beneath the surface, where Honda has implemented meaningful enhancements to performance. These are nuanced improvements, such as a shorter gear lever for quicker shifts, but collectively, they amplify the Type R’s capabilities as a performance machine.
Under the Skin: Performance Upgrades for 2021
The 2021 model year introduces upgraded brake rotors and pads designed to minimize brake fade under demanding conditions. The front suspension has been recalibrated to provide enhanced steering feedback, and modifications to the engine’s cooling system improve its resilience during track use. Inside, a new suede-wrapped steering wheel and enhanced digital audio system are included, though the latter warrants further discussion.
Beyond these specific updates, the core of the 2021 Honda Civic Type R remains unchanged, which is a testament to its already exceptional engineering. While the bold styling might not appeal to everyone, the aerodynamic elements and downforce-generating features are functional, contributing to the car’s stability and road-holding prowess at high speeds.
Engineering Excellence: The Heart of the Type R
Powering the 2021 Civic Type R is a potent turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-four engine, delivering 306 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This power is channeled exclusively to the front wheels through a mechanical limited-slip differential and a crisp six-speed manual transmission. Honda has incorporated sophisticated front-axle technology to effectively mitigate torque steer, and real-world driving confirms its success.
While pricing discussions often follow at this point in a review, the 2021 Honda Civic Type R presents a unique situation, particularly in markets like Canada where it is reportedly sold out. For those seeking a new model, anticipation now shifts to the arrival of the next-generation Type R.
Road Warrior: Driving the 2021 Civic Type R
The natural habitat of the Civic Type R is the open road, especially winding stretches of asphalt. Driving it becomes an immersive experience, a call to action that demands to be answered. In terms of driver engagement, the Type R stands shoulder-to-shoulder with benchmarks like the BMW M2 Competition and Porsche Cayman GT4. It is, unequivocally, one of the finest driver’s cars available.
The engine is a powerhouse, offering relentless power and torque across the rev range and in any gear. While a touch of turbo lag is present, Honda’s VTEC system compensates, providing immediate responsiveness before the turbo fully spools. Once on boost, the Type R unleashes exhilarating acceleration. It retains the rev-happy nature of classic naturally aspirated Hondas, although a more aggressive exhaust note would be appreciated. The digitally enhanced audio, unfortunately, detracts from the experience, producing a buzzy, artificial sound within the cabin that cannot be disabled.
Ironically, initial opinions favored pumped-in audio over the potentially underwhelming natural sounds of similar powertrains. However, the implementation in the Honda misses the mark. Competitors like the Hyundai Veloster N offer a far more satisfying and authentic engine sound.
The Type R excels in dynamic driving scenarios, particularly in corners, rather than outright straight-line acceleration. Lacking all-wheel drive or launch control, it is not optimized for drag racing. Its true brilliance emerges on twisty roads, where the level of grip is remarkable for a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The car exhibits an eagerness to tuck into corners under throttle, making it incredibly engaging and addictive to drive. Fuel stops will likely be the only reason to interrupt the fun.
Daily Driver Delight: Surprisingly Practical
One of the surprising revelations across multiple reviews of the Civic Type R is its surprisingly docile and comfortable nature in everyday driving. Compared to many high-performance European cars, including personal vehicles like a MINI Cooper and BMW E39 5-Series, the Type R’s suspension demonstrates an exceptional balance for less-than-perfect road surfaces.
Honda provides selectable drive modes that adjust the adaptive dampers. “R+” mode is track-focused, while “Sport” mode offers minimal discernible difference. “Comfort” mode, however, delivers ride quality comparable to a standard Honda Civic. The racing-style bucket seats are surprisingly supportive and comfortable, even surpassing some BMW offerings. The manual gear lever’s tactile feel and precise action during gear changes further enhance the driving experience; it is arguably among the best manual gearboxes ever created.
Adding to its practicality, the Civic Type R offers a generously sized rear seat and a large cargo area capable of accommodating items like a mountain bike. It is a true road-legal race car that retains the everyday usability of a Civic.
In conclusion, the 2021 Honda Civic Type R is a remarkable achievement, especially in terms of its driving dynamics and engineering. While styling and the artificial engine sound remain areas for potential improvement, the core driving experience is exceptional. The wish for the next-generation Type R is a blend of the current model’s brilliant powertrain and handling with a more refined and visually appealing design, complemented by a genuinely engaging exhaust note.
Clavey’s Verdict
Review of the 2021 Honda Civic Type R by William Clavey Hot Hatchbacks
Pros:
- Brilliant chassis
- Fantastic power delivery
- Comfortable, spacious and easy to live with
Cons:
- Still looks like a cartoon (stylistically polarizing)
- Buzzy pumped in audio
- Needs a fully customizable drive mode
Rating: 9 / 10
Clavey’s Corner is located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Prices and trim levels discussed in this article reflect the Canadian car market.
Special thanks: Honda Canada
Photography: Guillaume Fournier
Contact the author: [email protected]
