Performance-focused Hondas have Palways garnered respect from the broader motoring fraternity. After all, the very first Type R, the 1991 NSX-R, was developed with input from F1 legend Ayrton Senna, and the DC2 Integra Type R is considered by many to be one of the best-handling front-wheel-drive cars ever made.
South Africa's firsthand fascination with the Type R badge was born at the moment the FN2-generation Civic was launched in 2007. It made use of the same highly strung naturally aspirated four-cylinder K20 engine also found in the previous-generation model from 2001. Unfortunately, the new model also gained mass compared with the outgoing car, and together with taller gearing for improved cruising ability, many fans were left feeling a tad frustrated.
Furthermore, by the time the FN2 was launched in South Africa, many of its direct rivals had already adopted turbocharging for added performance. Consequently, at this publication's January 2008 Performance Issue testing day, the hottest Honda at the time felt somewhat off the pace compared with the likes of the then-new Ford Focus ST, Opel Astra OPC, Renault Mégane RS, Subaru WRX STI and Volkswagen Golf 5 GTI.
That all changed when the FK2-generation Civic Type R arrived in 2015. Complete with a new turbocharged 2,0-litre powertrain, the newcomer would soon start to trouble the likes of the Mégane RS both on straights and through the bends.
With this further-evolved, even sharper FK8-generation Type R, Honda may have finally felt that it had the measure of its closest rivals - only for Volkswagen to raise its own hot-hatch game too, with its GTI Clubsport S rewriting the rules of what was thought possible for a front-wheel drive car around the notorious Nürburgring Nordschleife at the time.
Fast facts
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Toyota Fortuner
Considered by many as the quintessential adventure SUV, the Fortuner is about as strong a used buying proposition as you can get in this segment. We take you through the things to look out for and list two rivals for comparison.
MIND THE HURDLE
With a repaired car and a point to prove, Alex Shahini returned for Round 3 of the Toyota GR Cup at Zwartkops Raceway to achieve a career-best finish
KING OF KILLARNEY
For four decades, Denis Joubert was directly involved with the creation, development and ongoing success of Cape Town's international motorsport venue, Killarney. Having just celebrated his 90th birthday, we talk to the man whose contribution to South Africa's motor-racing heritage is priceless....
Selecting the 4WD SYSTEM for your needs
As 4WD SUVS and double cabs grow in popularity, more first-time buyers face the challenge of selecting a vehicle with a drivetrain that best meets their requirements. We explain the key differences between the all-wheel drivetrains available
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT
Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment
Super C
The fastest and most technologically advanced flagship C-Class to date, AMG's C63 S has evolved into an electrified uber-sedan. Has this mighty model forsaken some character in pursuing this status? We strapped our test equipment to the new shooting star.
Bentley's Brutes
A break in proceedings during an exclusive preview of the fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT afforded us an opportunity to sample the stately yet hair-raising Bentayga S
RUNNING UP THAT HILL
Now in its 14th year, the Simola Hillclimb continues to combine adrenaline-fuelled competition with showcasing some of the most appealing classics out there in a heady mix that keeps local petrolheads coming...
BAND OF BROTHERS
Complete with rugged bakkie-based underpinnings that encourage off-the-beaten-track venturing, largely proven powertrains that afford maximum range and towing capability, and brand names with enviable respective reputations for reliability, adventure SUVs remain the favourite of thousands of South Africans.
TWELVE OF THE BEST
Ferrari keeps things suitably old-school with its V12-engined 12Cilindri GT
