The Honda Civic Type R is a legend in the world of hot hatches and has been a staple the segment since the late 1990s.

A brief history

Honda first introduced the ‘Type R’ nameplate on the Civic with the EK-generation launched in 1997. It was an instant success, but it was only the start. In 2001 Honda released its next Civic Type R, this time based around as the 7th generation car and dubbed the EP3. Outfitted with a high-revving, 2.0-liter K20 VTEC engine, many consider it to be the finest Type R model the Japanese marque has ever produced.

In 2006 came the FD2 Civic Type R for the Japanese market and the FN2 Civic Type R for international markets. The FN2 was lackluster and failed to live up to the hype of the EP3 and arrived at a time when Honda had seemingly lost its mojo and was becoming soft. Few were sad when production ceased in 2011.

As the hot hatch segment heated up during the mid-2010s, a new Civic Type R was launched: the FK2. It was unique as, for the first time, it came outfitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter and, even though it was short-lived, it met (and exceeded) most expectations.

A real head-turner

That brings us to the current day and the fifth-generation, FK8 Civic Type R. Yes, the car has been around for three years now and in the U.S., recently received a facelift for 2020. But when Honda Australia offered us the chance to drive a 2019 model for a week, we simply couldn’t say no.

One look at the FK8 model and it is clear that it means business, regardless of whether or not you like the boy-racer styling. Personally, I’m quite a fan of how the car looks, particularly from the front thanks to the wide stance, faux carbon fiber splitter and aggressive headlights.

The rear end is slightly less appealing, as the shape of the Civic hatchback remains a little odd and slapping a massive rear wing on it makes it even more questionable. Nevertheless, if you want a hot hatch that makes a statement on the road, the Type R is it. No VW Golf GTI, Hyundai i30 N, or Renault Megane R.S. can match it for road presence.

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