Civic Type R – Performance for the budget-minded schumachers

Just start the engine and as the revs will rise, you’ll understand why this vehicle has legions of fans that would not trade it for anything else. This extreme version of the popular Civic comes loaded with features to create a driving experience like nothing else.

It makes a statement with its stunning original styling: sitting low to the ground showing off its seductive and yet aggressive lines, with a black mesh grille setting the tone for performance.
It looks smart and brings to mind the long years of victories of Honda in racing competitions. Moreover, in 2008 Type R won the 2008 Wheels Automotive Design Award outclassing some of the very serious competitors, such as Audi R8 and TT; Saab 9-3 Cabrio and VW Eos.

And it does have plenty of power to back up its looks. It comes equipped with a powerful 2.0 liter engine with i-VTEC variable timing controlled via a fully electronic throttle system producing 201 hp and 193 Nm of torque at 5600 rpm. The close-ratio gearbox helps effectively transform all the output into the thrust sufficient to race through time and space. In addition an advanced Limited Slip Differential (LSD) helps it maximize traction and prevent wheel slip during tight turns.

To sum it all up, the Civic Type R drives as good as it looks, with a handling capability that very few cars in this category can match. Its tight suspension builds emotional involvement from your part, making the process of negotiating the curbs a dream that so many folks are after. And all of that for only 9.3 liters per 100km – a number that looks very well comparing to the similar-sized cars which are not built for racing performance. So why look anywhere else, when Type-R is the way to pump in plenty of adrenaline without going financially broke?

The 2010 Civic Hybrid Stays True to Itself

As the New Year unravels before us we are lucky to find that some of the things remain true and worthy of our trust. So does the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid – it delivers what it promises – taking you any place with superb fuel efficiency. As you probably know, the four-door Hybrid takes advantage of the blend of gasoline and electric power to give you an unbeatable 45 mpg, not only to save your money, but to truly take care of the environment. At a price starting from $23,800, the Hybrid enters the ring to compete with the VW Jetta TDI, the Civic GX running on natural gas, and of course the new Toyota Prius hybrid.

The system used in the 2010 Hybrid boasts 5 various modes to let the electrics and gas engine co-work. Theoretically the Hybrid is capable of running on electric power alone, but you would be surprised to see it for any noticeable time span. The engine is a 93-horsepower 1.3-liter powertrain especially suitable for working together with the hybrid system. It is assisted in its task by a 20-horsepower electric motor.

Some of the expert reviewers have already tried the new 2010 Civic Hybrid on the road. Like all the other Civics, it behaves extremely well in the domain of handling, making relaxed driving a dream. But some of the complaints were that the steering felt somewhat numb and not overly responsive, and that the gasoline engine has to rev at high speeds when the situation calls for it. However cruising around town at moderate speeds is pleasurable, with only electric power engaged at times.

To sum it all up, the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid presents a real and tried way to reduce your fuel expenses, in the same time not showing off your green credentials to everyone. And as a tip for potential buyers, the all new 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid sedan is virtually unchanged from the previous year model, so you may as well save your money on a lightly used model from 2009.

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April 17th, 2010 | Posted in Cars, Photo's | 3 Comments

The All New Type R Euro

The last days of the passing year 2009 have been marked by the announcement of the Honda Motor Co., Ltd of the beginning of sales of a limited series of the Civic Type R Euro to Japan where it will have to compete against the Japanese Type R. The Euro version is a premium sports model forged in England by Honda of the UK Manufacturing Ltd. This vehicle is known for its distinctive appeal, its sci-fi style body shapes and performance perfectly suited for European roads. Out of the total number only 2,010 units will make it to the Japanese market.

The fans don’t cease comparing the actual Type R to Type R Euro wondering whether “European made” necessarily means better. The major difference is the use of a twist-beam rear suspension on Euro Type R vs. a fully independent suspension on the Japanese made Type-R. But regardless of the individual preferences both of the modification are fine rides with a top speed of around 146 miles/hour capable of reaching 60 miles in just 6.5 seconds.

The new Civic Type R Euro comes equipped with a 2.0 L naturally aspirated engine able to put out a maximum of 201hp/ 7,800rpm that works in pair with a 6-speed manual transmission. It is the DOHC i-VTEC known for its higher compression, secondary balancer serving to reduce vibration, but most notable for high revs and high output.

And unlike some of the Japanese makes which often times got criticism for inexpressive design Type R Euro has the style to match its capabilities. It comes with a lighter drop dead gorgeous body on 18-inch wheels. And beyond any doubt Type R Euro has all the add-ons such as custom aerodynamic spoilers, smaller three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel, and aluminum ball knob of a shift lever à la Ferrari.

And besides giving one unparalleled satisfaction of superior performance on the road, it also looks out for its driver and the environment. All the R Euros come equipped with ABS with electronic brake assist, TCS, and sideslip control and due to the high use of recyclable materials the overall recyclability of the vehicle is now well over 90%. So, meet the new Type R Euro!