Honda Civic Type R and Type S: In Depth

Press Release

Sporting without renouncing comfort

• Good space ratio thanks to the centrally-located fuel tank
• Easy-to-use, dive down rear seats
• Large boot with separate storage compartment
• Dual Link fascia
• Black Alcantara upholstery
• Optional panorama sliding roof
• Type R with emphasized sporting interior layout

Intelligent interior layout

In the Type S and Type R, the interior layout is based on the same approach as in the Civic 5-door. A visually exciting interior environment with simple to operate functional elements, all within easy reach.

Key to the spacious cabin is again the unique centre fuel tank layout which permits a low and flat rear floor which benefits both rear passengers and load carrying capacity. Clever: below the actual boot space is another deep storage compartment.

The cabin is focused around the unique and visually arresting ?????????????????????????????????Dual Link?????????????????????????????????????? concept fascia which has become such a distinctive feature on the 5-door model. The various operating and display elements are arranged so that the most important information is displayed in the very top area of the fascia and relatively far forward.

The design is particularly effective in presenting information without compromising the driver??????????????????????????????????????s concentration on the road, since the eyes require a lower adaptation effort than with the conventional arrangement. Secondary information and controls are then spaced out around and below this central focus within an 'inner circle':

• in the primary point of focus is a digital speedometer,
• with a rev counter on the left,
• in the Type S on the right is an economy display, showing current fuel consumption
• on the same level and positioned away to the right is the digital audio display and clock.

The secondary 'inner circle' located within the lower level of the instrument panel features an analog tachometer, flanked on the left by the engine temperature display and on the right by the fuel gauge.

• the average speed,
• trip time
• the average and current fuel consumption,
• the outside temperature,
• the remaining fuel range
• the rear seatbelt usage.
• Various warning items such as low oil level, freezing temperatures outside, etc

Around the outside of this display are secondary controls such as those:

• for the air conditioning, as well as
• the engine start button.

On Type S models, numerals and letters are in white, some of them against a blue background, and there are red elements to provide a sense of dynamism, yet in a sophisticated way. The centre display backlighting is darker in order to create a floating effect to the information displayed.

In the Civic Type R, the two-tier dash features red illuminated dials set off by gun-metal effect switch panels on either side of the central display. The Eco indicator is replaced by a new i-VTEC indicator which is illuminated once engine revs rise above 5,400 rpm, indicating the switch to high-lift, long duration valve timing.

A love of detail

High-quality interior surfaces are PVC-free, which contributes to environmental protection. Soft touch materials are used in the upper areas of the dashboard and the door panels, in order to enhance the overall interior quality.

The multifunction steering wheel with three metal spokes is covered in black leather with silver stitching on the Type S and red stitching on the Type R, corresponding to that used on the seats. Similarly, the central Honda logo is in chrome in the Type S and the Type R has the traditional red ?????????????????????????????????H?????????????????????????????????????? emblem exclusive to this grade.

Audio remote control switches are located on the left hand spoke, and, when so equipped, cruise control buttons on the right hand spoke. Similarly, the third, lower spoke can carry navigation system controls as well as multi-info display switches. All the buttons are illuminated at night.

Sporting, ergonomic seating position

There??????????????????????????????????????s a more upright, sportier steering wheel angle compared to the previous generation Civic. Driver legroom has been enhanced and the pedals ??????????????????????????????????????? in a sporty aluminium finish - are now 978 mm from the hip point, compared with 970 mm before. Thanks to longer seat rails, the front seats can now be pushed further forwards and backwards and more greatly adjusted for inclination. The steering column is adjustable both for height and for distance from the driver.

A new folding mechanism makes it easier to collapse the seats and to get into the rear. Under the upholstery fabric there is now a high-quality, improved urethane material, which above all effectively cushions vibrations. The black Alcantara and the silver stitching emphasize the sporting feel of the Type S interior.

In keeping with the Type R??????????????????????????????????????s more overt sporting character, front seats are racing style buckets with large black Alcantara bolsters and red stitching, red fabric seat cushions and backs. The two distinct rear seats adopt the same colour coordination and seat materials as the fornt seats. The gear shift knob is crafted from machined aluminium finish and is fitted with a black boot with red stitching. Placed just ahead of it, and to make each Type R even more exclusive, is a plaque engraved with the car??????????????????????????????????????s unique serial number

High levels of equipment

The sporting 3-door models can be ordered with a DVD navigation system featuring a 7" display, voice recognition and a Bluetooth hands-free installation.

Top of the range equipment is available in the form of Xenon headlamps. A light sensor built into the windscreen detects the onset of dusk or a low level of daylight so that the headlamps are automatically lit as the car enters a tunnel or a garage. Similarly, there is also a rain sensor that activates the wipers when the first drops of rain fall.

Automatic air conditioning is fitted as standard. For vehicles with top of the range equipment there is dual zone climate control, allowing the driver and front passenger to set their own personal preferences with separate buttons.

Panorama glass roof

The Panorama sliding roof first introduced on Civic 5-door is also available on selected Type S models. The laminated and tinted glass roof panel runs from the top of the windscreen and stretches over the rear seat occupants, to create a particularly light and airy cabin. The sliding roof can be darkened using two electrically-operated panels when required. The reference material of the panels consists of the same fabric as the fixed part of the roof. This gives a harmonious and perfectly co-ordinated aspect.

Outstanding Interior Flexibility

In terms of cabin space and practicality, the Civic has established a benchmark in the competitive C segment. The tandem distance (measured from the hip point of the front seat passenger to that of the rear seat passenger and a key indicator of in-car roominess) is 803 mm, a figure on a par with some larger D-segment contenders as well as exceeding some station wagons in both C and D segments.

The rear seats offer outstanding flexibility: the rear seat bench is split asymmetrically (60/40) and the rear seat halves can be folded down with little effort and without exertion. When doing so they move down deep into the footwell, so creating a flat load floor. The rear headrests do not have to be removed for this. Returning the seats to their upright position is equally simple and effortless. Returning the seats to their raised position is equally simple.

The new Civic 3-doors share the same size luggage compartment as the 5-door model. The 485 litres of totally unobstructed space increases to 1,352 litres with the rear seats folded down, sufficient for three mountain bikes (with their front wheels removed), three EU Samsonite cases, or three 46 inch golf bags.

As well as offering ample volume, the load space also provides excellent flexibility by means of a clever two level storage configuration. Beneath the boot floor is concealed a secondary 70 litre storage area for smaller items. The panel that doubles up as both the boot floor and the cover for this storage area features a novel double hinge design that allows it to be either lifted to allow access, or to be lowered (assuming nothing is being stored) to create a single load space.

Naturally there are lots of practical storage areas scattered throughout the Civic's cabin, and these are provided with lids wherever possible to ensure everything is neatly concealed. The illuminated 14 litre capacity glove box includes a map pocket inside the lid, and a cooling feature for drinks and light refreshments. In the centre console there is a large 6.9 litre storage area which can hold the travel maps, cosmetics or up to 22 CDs.