Not only is Honda finally bringing the Civic Type R to Canada, they're planning to build new and different versions of their hottest hatch.
The 306 hp Type R hatch should be arriving at dealers in Canada shortly. When it does, it will come in Touring trim only. That car comes with lots of performance hardware, but it also has lots of comfort features for the driver. If you want to go as fast as possible, it's a compromise. The same if you're looking for a quick Sunday drive. Civic Chief Engineer Hideki Matsumoto told Automotive News that the Touring trim wouldn't be alone for long.
"We’re hoping that by gradually putting out more (variants) that we’ll be able to maintain a more stable sales volume," he said. Think the way that Chevrolet is constantly keeping the Camaro hot by adding ZL1, 1LE, and Z28 packages. Or how Porsche has 22 different versions of the 911.
At the top of Honda's list is a more hard-core version. That car would get more power. It could have more light-weight bodywork or an even more track-focused suspension. But there are softer versions being looked at too. Something "focused more on the grand touring aspect." A hard-core car does well with fans, but a GT car can do much better with buyers.
This was the first Civic Type R sent to the US and Canada, so Honda stuck to the original recipe: front-drive, six-speed, and affordable. Even the engine is much the same as the previous-generation forbidden-fruit model. But that leaves lots of room for spicy or extra-crispy trims to follow.
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