Honda Civic Type R GT

Honda has its eyes on hot hatch prize with extreme version of Civic. we get behind the wheel of new thriller.

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Thrill seekers take note – Honda’s Civic Type R is finally white hot! In a bid to beat competition from MINI’s amazing new JCW flagship, the Japanese firm has developed a very special version of its legendary hot hatch. But the unique white paint isn’t the only thing that sets the range-topper apart. A limited-slip differential has been introduced, too.

Although prices have yet to be finalised, the GT Championship White – driven here for the first time – is tipped to cost less than £20,000. That will make it nearly £1,000 more than a standard Type R GT, which might sound like a high price to pay.

But further additions include a numbered plaque by the gearstick, as well as unique white 18-inch alloy wheels. What the car doesn’t get, though, is guaranteed exclusivity – Honda intends to build as many Champ models as it can.

In the metal, the newcomer is striking from every angle. The look debuted at the Paris Motor Show last month – although it’s the way in which this Type R drives that leaves the biggest impression.

With a long history of Auto Express group test victories to its name, the standard Civic Type R is an accomplished hot hatch. We’ve always loved its blend of high-revving performance, agility and drama. However, as some rivals deliver considerably more than 220bhp, an obvious upgrade for the Japanese model would have been a power boost.

Not for Honda, though. Determined to maintain the performance variant’s engineering integrity, bosses have resisted fitting turbos or superchargers to the 197bhp petrol engine. Rather than aim for straight-line pace, they have instead gone for a limited-slip differential (LSD) to improve cornering abilities.

To experience the mechanical add-on in action, take any tight corner (the wetter the better) and accelerate part way through the bend. In the standard Civic, the unladen inside front wheel will start to spin while the frenzied engine races towards the red line. Not so in the Championship White variant. The LSD does exactly what it says on the tin – limits slip in the spinning wheel.

Power is fed to the tyre which has the most grip, helping the driver to accelerate out of corners more safely and securely.

In practice, this enables the car to tear around race circuit bends at incredible speeds where the standard model would be slithering about for lack of traction. Go too fast, and the range-topper will still push wide rather than track around the corner, but few will be disappointed by this Civic’s dynamics.

Only when you want to relax does the Honda lose any appeal. Its manic nature and near-4,000rpm buzz on the motorway can become tiresome. What’s more, the ride is firm and finding a perfect driving position with the huge Recaro seats proves a real challenge.

No such compromises need to be made when it comes to practicality, though. The Championship White is just as versatile as an entry-level three-door Civic, as the two cars have the same huge, split-level boot and generous rear room.

The limited-slip differential is the finishing touch on what is already a thoroughly capable hot hatch. Stepping out of the car, we couldn’t help wondering what the Japanese model might achieve if it was able to keep up with MINI’s mighty JCW down the straights, as well as through the corners...

Rival: MINI JCW
IN common with its new rival, our reigning hot hatch king has a limited-slip differential to improve traction in corners. The British-built car’s 1.6-litre turbo engine delivers 208bhp.