After stunning the crowds at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) last March, Honda Cars Philippines is transitioning the 2017 Civic Type R from “Exhibition Model” to “Showroom Model” with the announcement of its impending arrival in the Philippines.

Limited to just 100 units locally and available only in two colors: Championship White and Rallye Red, Honda Cars is opening the booking list starting tomorrow, Tuesday, July 11 (customer deliveries start in September). However, the price of owning the first-ever locally available Civic Type R doesn’t come cheap as it’ll be pegged at P 2,980,000. Still, this is a bargain considering that the Civic Type R is sourced solely from Honda’s UK manufacturing plant in Swindon and is levied with European car-like taxes.



Powered by a 2.0-liter VTEC Turbo engine, the 2017 Civic Type R pushes 300 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm. Mated solely to a 6-speed manual transmission with a rev-match control system, it can sustain boost even during gearshifts (this option can be switched on or off though).

Despite being a front-wheel drive machine, the Civic Type R comes with a “proper” mechanical-type helical limited slip differential or LSD to provide strong cornering traction. In addition, a special Dual-Axis front strut suspension minimizes torque steer even at full power.



Hand in hand with the Civic Type R’s selectable driving modes that tweaks the steering force, gear shift feel, and throttle response, the 2017 Civic Type R arrives with a four-wheel Adaptive Damper System. The system incorporates a three-chamber design that gives a wider range of variability on damping force in different driving conditions. Plus, to help drivers cope with all that power, it’s fitted with a Brembo brake package.

Announcing the Civic Type R’s uncompromising approach to performance, it boasts of a comprehensive aerodynamic package including an aggressive front grille, a large wing-type spoiler, and vortex generators at the trailing edge of the roofline. The front and rear bumpers and side skirts also sport carbon fiber and sporty red accent lines. If that’s not enough to distinguish the Type R from “lower end” Civics, the lightweight aluminum hood comes with a hood scoop while at the back, three fully-functional tailpipes shoot out from the backend. The main tailpipes deliver exhaust from the engine while the smaller center pipe controls the tone of the engine. Similar to previous Civic Type R models, it’s adorned with Honda’s famous red ‘H’ badge. Filling the enlarged wheel arches are 20-inch Berlina Black alloy wheels with 245/30 R20 tires.



Inside, the Civic Type R is surprisingly restrained, sophisticated and even premium for a hot hatch. Honda though has proceeded to give the Type R a more sporting feel with red highlights on the Type R bucket seats and steering wheel as well as the use of carbon inlay with a red pinstripe trim that stretches to the side door panels. On top of those upgrades, an exclusive Type R serial number plate (unique to every vehicle) is placed near the gear shift lever capped off by a titanium shift knob.

In front of the driver, an instrument display layout provides vivid clarity and highly intuitive user interface. A 7-inch full color Thin Film Transistor (TFT) , unique to the Type R, features red illumination on the virtual gauges and switchable section that can display a variety of different function readouts including Driving mode display (+R, Sport, Comfort), LED gearshift indicator light, turbo boost pressure gauge, throttle/brake input display, G-Meter, and  lap time recorder.



If drivers aren’t satisfied by the corner carving entertainment provided by the engine, the Civic Type R still comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display audio system with navigation. It also has dual-zone climate control and reverse parking camera with dynamic guidelines as standard. And as always, full smartphone integration including Apple CarPlay is standard.

With the uncompromised power and latest technology of the All-New Civic Type R, driver and passenger’s safety remains a top priority as it is equipped with front and side airbags, side curtain airbags, Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Hill Start Assist (HSA), and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). Other convenience and security features such as rain sensing front wipers, walk away auto door lock, speed sensing auto door lock, and smart entry system with push button start.



The 2017 Civic Type R managed to lap the tough Nürburgring Nordschleife with a spectacular 7-minute and 43.8-second lap. and thus it would be an interesting comparison to peg it against its most likely local rival, the 2017 Subaru WRX STI.