Not content with having blown away the competition at the Nürburgring and at Magny-Cours, Honda has added another lap record to the Honda Civic Type R's already impressive resume.
Honda took former FIA WEC LMP2 World Champion Bertrand Baguette and a production spec FK8 Type-R shod with road-legal tyres to Spa Francorchamps, where the 235kw (UK spec) hot-hatch lapped the 7km circuit in a time of 2 minutes and 53.72 seconds - the quickest ever time for a front-wheel drive car at the Belgian track.
The lap bettered the time set by the FK2 Civic Type-R by over 3 seconds. Honda's next goal is to set similar records at three more European circuits: Estoril in Portugal, Hungaroring in Hungary, and Silverstone in England, with drivers like Jenson Button, Tiago Monteiro, and Matt Neale scheduled to pilot the record breaking hatchback for lap record attempts.
Honda SA retails the 228kw Civic Type-R for R635 500 in South Africa.
Also worth a look: the Honda Amaze and the Honda Elevate: WR-V Successor Debuts in SA.
FAQ
Q: What does the Honda Civic Type-R cost in South Africa?
The Honda Civic Type-R retails for R635,500 in South Africa, making it one of the pricier hot hatches on our market but you're paying for genuine track-bred performance.
Q: How much power does the South African Honda Civic Type-R have?
The SA-spec Honda Civic Type-R produces 228kW from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, which is slightly less than the 235kW UK version but still enough to demolish most traffic light grands prix.
Q: Is the Honda Civic Type-R worth buying in 2024?
If you want the most track-focused front-wheel drive car money can buy in SA, absolutely, the Type-R holds multiple lap records and offers genuine racing pedigree for R635,500.
Q: What makes the Honda Civic Type-R so fast around tracks?
The Type-R combines 228kW of turbocharged power with sophisticated suspension, aerodynamic bodywork, and sticky Michelin tyres to set lap records at circuits like Spa Francorchamps and the Nürburgring.
Q: How does the Honda Civic Type-R compare to other hot hatches in South Africa?
At R635,500, the Type-R is more expensive than rivals like the Golf GTI or Focus ST, but it's the only one that can claim multiple international lap records and genuine track weapon status.
Should You Buy It?
The best track-focused hot hatch under R700,000 in SA is undoubtedly the Honda Civic Type-R at R635,500. Yes, you should buy it if you're serious about performance and don't mind the boy racer looks. This isn't just another fast hatchback, it's a lap record holder that embarrasses supercars on track days while still being practical enough for the weekly grocery run. The 228kW output and race-bred chassis make it worth every rand of that R635,500 asking price, especially when you consider it's beaten everything from Porsches to McLarens around proper racing circuits. If you want the ultimate front-wheel drive experience and have the budget, the Type-R delivers genuine motorsport credibility that no other hatch in SA can match.
