The arrival of the first batch of JDM Civic Type Rs (FD2) closely follows the showroom launch of Kah Motor's very own UK Civic Type R hatchback (FN2) and attracts nearly the same amount of interest from the hordes of salivating fans.
The hatchback shape is arguably more unique to our shores and while more seem in favour of the JDM variant, one problem will the the masses of body-kitted Civic 1./1.8/2.0 models out there vying for attention.
And while some may be pleased with this anonymity, others may not appreciate being just another brick in the wall, especially since the car costs approximately $20k more than the standard Civic 2.0.
There seems to be a whole lot of controversy over JDM vs UKDM, i.e. brakes, power etc., which i find quite unfounded considering how most serious Type R buyers ditch the brakes (yes, even the Brembos) and start tweaking around with the engine to the extent that these JDM/UKDM differences become moot issues and serve only to provide good discussion fodder.
And besides, the guys who end up buying either of the two normally put their $$$ where their mouths are rather than discussing the pros and cons till kingdom come... Or the next Type R LOL
But there's no denying the fact that the Type R really has large shoes to fill...
Three colours of the JDM are available: Blue, Silver and White, with the White (NH0X) arriving with a striking black+red colour combination interior. In fact, the red cloth panel/seat inserts are identical to the material found in the run-out NSX-R (NA2), a little nugget of information that gets a big thumbs-up in our books!
All the little touches are there, including:
Brembo brakes under the smart 18-inch rims (225/40R18 RE070 tyres):
Doesn't the gear-knob look familiar?
snazzy meters:
decorative garnish:
obligatory big zorst tail-pipe
But the car isn't all about the vroom vroom either since the 2700mm wheelbase affords decent legroom for the rear occupants:
But be warned, like the EG9 Civic VTi, the hump in the middle of the rear seat precludes anybody taller than 1.3m sitting comfortably in the centre, effectively relegating the FD2 to 2+2 status despite its sedan-shape.
Under the bonnet resides the familiar K20 ivtec unit tuned for 225bhp:
Like the FN2, the car rumbles to life when you hit the red starter button. Don't forget to clutch-in first! The instruments are arranged in that familiar multi-tier configuration but there are minor differences between the meters on the FN2 and this car, the FD2...
On the move, the ride is hard but there's no mistaking the rigidity of the chassis. The gear-shifts feel tighter overall than the UK version.
Short video in following post...
Fast Facts: JDM Honda Civic Type R (FD2)
Engine: 1998cc, 16-valves, in-line 4, i-VTEC
Maximum power: 225bhp at 8000rpm
Maximum torque: 215Nm at 6100rpm
0-100km/h: approx. 6.9 seconds (?)
Top speed: 180km/h (limited)
L x B x H: 4540 x 1770 (excluding mirrors) x 1430 mm
Wheelbase: 2700mm
Kerb-weight: 1270kg
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