Everything We Know About the 2021 Civic Type R

Honda is well known for producing sporty cars that are fun to drive and easy on the eyes. Even though the automaker is retiring several small vehicles this year, there is one nifty little ride that will have Honda fans drooling, the 2021 Civic Type R. Not only does it have a cool name, but it is the perfect fusion of excitement and practicality. This four-door hatchback model will not disappoint. So, if you are looking for new Honda cars for sale, you can begin your search right here!

A Street-Legal Racecar

Back in February, representatives at Honda teased that the upcoming 2021 Civic Type R will be a street-legal race car. Rolling on Michelin Pilot Sport Cup tires, this model is ultra-lightweight compared to its regular Civic relatives. The total curb weight has been reduced by 18 pounds, and about 28.2 additional pounds were shaved off by removing the noise-reducing material. The steering system has been recalibrated for optimized responsiveness and control. Meanwhile, enhanced dampers were added to the new tire/wheel package.

Taking things a step further, a 2020 Civic Type R Limited Edition model set a FWD race track record at Suzuka in February. Completing the track with a time of 2:23:993, this achievement was the first example of just how zippy this new ride is.

What’s Under the Hood?

Since this is a street-legal race car, you’re probably expecting a powerful engine. If you pop the hood, you will find a turbocharged 4-cylinder motor that generates 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with FWD and a 6-speed manual transmission, this is one of the few models left in the Honda fleet that uses a manual gearbox. While many people in today’s society prefer automatic transmissions, tire car enthusiasts know that the best control over a vehicle is done using a manual transmission. With a smooth-action clutch and precision gear shifter, you will feel like you’re at the starting line of a Formula 1 race every time you get behind the wheel.

You should also note that track tests showed that the 2021 Civic Type R could go from 70 MPG to zero in only 142 feet. That’s pretty impressive for just a powerful vehicle. That number is actually on par with the Acura NSX supercar, which retails for around $200,000. Track tests also showed that this beast can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in just 5 seconds, and that its top speed is capped at 169 mph. Pretty impressive, eh?

What’s the Gas Mileage?

At this point, you’re probably thinking that this petite beast gets horrible gas mileage. However, that simply isn’t the case. You may be surprised to learn that the 2021 Civic Type R has an estimated fuel economy of 25 MPG combined (22 city/28 highway).¹ This average was determined by driving the vehicle on a 200-mile track known as a fuel-economy loop. It’s designed to test a vehicle’s gas mileage without outside influences.

Does It Have Any Safety Features?

With so much power inside such a small package, safety systems are a must-have. That’s why the engineers at Honda didn’t skimp on the advanced technology meant to prevent accidents on the road. The Civic Type R’s standard safety features include forward collision warning, emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning.

Forward collision warning uses front-facing sensors to detect obstacles that are directly in your path. If another vehicle is detected, the system will send out an audible chime and a visual alert so that you can take the appropriate measures to avoid a collision. If no action is taken, the system will trigger the emergency braking system. This will rapidly slow the vehicle until it comes to a complete stop.

Adaptive cruise control is an innovative system that allows you to set your desired speed and follow the flow of traffic. When traffic begins to slow, the system will decrease the speed of the vehicle too. Once the traffic has cleared up, the system will return to the original set speed limit. This is perfect for people who often find themselves in rush hour traffic.

Lastly, lane-keeping assist helps to keep the vehicle within the lines of the designated lane. If you wish to change lanes, the lane-departure warning system will help you do so safely. If the vehicle begins to drift out of the designated lane, you will be alerted to correct your path. All of the aforementioned driver assistance aids help to make you a safer driver.

What About Entertainment?

All of the 2021 Civic Type R models come standard with an advanced infotainment system that is displayed on a 7-inch touchscreen. That’s a fairly large monitor for such a small car. Typically, interfaces in sedans are 5-inches or under. Although this system uses a touchscreen interface, it still comes with buttons and a volume knob for your convenience. Bluetooth connectivity enables hands-free calling and text messaging, and a navigation system is included. For seamless smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included in the mix. If you are wondering if Honda included an impressive speaker system to go with all of these other features, you can rest assured that the designers went above and beyond. Included on all models is a 12 speaker audio system.

What Does the Inside Look Like?

Slipping behind the wheel of this race car-inspired ride is an experience unlike any other. The seats are incredibly comfortable and feature contrasting red accent stitching for a bold interior style. The 7-inch digital cluster gauge is done in red and features a unique look for every selectable drive mode. Last year’s model had 25.7 cubic feet of space in the back for cargo, so we are assuming that the 2021 model will be about the same.

What Does the Outside Look Like?

The 2021 Civic Type R Limited Edition model released in the United States can come painted Phoenix Yellow and feature Gloss-Black accents. The roof is also done in Gloss-Black, and the hood features a signature scoop design. Riding on 20-inch BBS forged-aluminum wheels and sport cup tires, this ride will have heads turning everywhere you go. The rear spoiler makes it look even more athletic and enhances the vehicle’s overall aerodynamics. Other color options include Boost Blue Pearl, Championship White, Crystal Black Pearl, Rallye Red, and Sonic Gray Pearl.

Purchase Details

The new Civic Type R starts at an MSRP of $37,495, and the Limited Edition has an MSRP of $43,995.² You can contact our experts here at Gwinnett Place Honda for more information on how to purchase the Civic Type R, and trust us when we say that it is worth it. You can find us at 3325 Satellite Boulevard in Duluth, GA.

¹ -22 city/28 highway/25 combined mpg rating. Based on 2021 EPA mileage ratings. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle, driving conditions and other factors.

² -MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, $955 destination charge and accessories. Dealer prices may vary. MSRP does not include $395 charge for select premium colors. $395 charge only applies to 2021 models.