Can A Performance Car Be Practical, Too? The 2024 Honda Civic Type R Says “Oh Yeah”
When someone thinks “Honda Civic,” most people don’t think of a throaty and poppy exhaust, a responsive and lively six-speed manual transmission, and a factory widebody kit—but that’s what comes in the 2024 Honda Civic Type R. I call it the Type Red because of the bright red and cozy interior, matching the “Type R” badging inside and out.
The Type R is one of the few performance cars that works for both fun and family driving. This 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback, which comes only in a manual transmission, is peppy, easy to drive, has excellent visibility (despite the massive spoiler on the trunk), cozy rear seats for both children and adults, and is cost effective for what you’re getting.
The Most Bang For Your Buck
For $44,795 MSRP, you get a turbocharged four-cylinder five-seater that can be a grocery runner and a canyon cutter in the same afternoon. 315 HP helps you get around 23 mpg combined, and over 27 mpg on the highway. If the performance for the money isn’t a bargain, I don’t know what is.
Surprisingly, the Civic is also a great daily driver, which big wheels and stiff suspension usually subtract from. You notice the stiffer-than-normal ride when you’re on bumpier roads, but I like to think it’s just the performance pedigree shining through.
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Storage Space in the Honda Civic Hatchback
The model I drove was the hatchback version, which comes with a tad more cargo space than the sedan. Plus, in my opinion, it looks a lot cooler. The hatchback has 24.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, while the sedan version has only 14.8 cubic feet. I highly recommend the hatchback version for families.
The cargo space is impressive for a Civic of any form, especially with the rear seats folded down. Even with the seats up, the trunk is the same size as the standard Civic, making it a very practical but fun car to drive.
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The Honda Civic Type R is Ready For Track Day
And those who know: Taking your car to the track is one of the most fun things you can do. The Honda Civic Type R lets you follow your car’s stats like oil temperature, coolant temperature, oil pressure and boost gauge; these readings are also digestible and easy to access. On track days, the car can record all those temperatures for the duration of the run.
The multimedia system was equally intuitive and informative. All the A/C controls are buttons and knobs, instead of only being accessible through the touch screen.
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This May Be the Most Visually Impressive Honda Civic
You have to be a huge fan of red to own a Type R. The calipers are red, there are red badges all over, and the interior is a passionate crimson. Every color of the Type R comes with this interior, so there’s no escaping if you’re not a fan of the ostentatious look.
The Honda Civic Type R is wider than the standard Civic by six inches—that’s three inches on each side—adding more charisma to an already attractive car for those who love a standard widebody.
The back of the Type R is equally handsome to the front seats, with two cup holders integrated in the middle (sorry for the one who has to sit in the middle – that might be awkward on a road trip). Red stitching is apparent throughout, and the rear passengers get to stare at the “Type R” logos on the back of the driver and front passenger seat.
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So, How Does it Drive? I’m Glad You Asked
The Type R may bear the Civic name, but it doesn’t drive like your neighbor’s regular Civic. It’s tight, poised, balanced, and much quicker on its feet. That’s largely in part to having 100% more horsepower, but I digress. You can feel the power immediately under your feet when you need it. Lastly, the Type R is very comfortable for a performance car, making it a suitable daily driver.
The exhaust is loud, but not deafening, adding to the overall livability of the not-so-civil Civic. The ease of drivability paired with the features and charisma reminded me how fun driving can really be in the right car.
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A Smooth and Thrilling Manual Transmission
Like any Honda, there’s no “getting used” to driving it. It’s as simple as getting in and going. However, it should be noted that the Type R is exclusively a manual. Unless you plan on learning how to drive a stick, then that’s something to consider. To be fair, this car would be great to learn on because it’s a buttery smooth experience
While behind the wheel of the Type R, I kept hearing a strange giggling sound, only to realize it was me thoroughly enjoying dropping a gear and disappearing on the southern Washington country roads.
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