THE COVETED CIVIC TYPE R GETS A FACELIFT
A benchmark in its own class with a cult following, the Honda Civic Type R has been given a minor makeover, as it continues to evoke the desire for performance and technology amongst Malaysians. Speed, Control and Perfection – the Type R brings performance to a new level as it allows drivers to be in control of the power within.
The New Civic Type R is now made to look more aggressive with the rear combination lamps redesigned to give a bolder look by incorporating diamond cluster tail and stop lights. The side mirrors are now power retractable for convenience and safety. Not forgetting the interiors, the New Civic Type R now sports a new radio player complete with USB port, giving drivers the extra joy of being behind the wheels of an acknowledged performance car.
Commenting on the launch of the new Civic Type R, Mr. Toru Takahashi, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. said, “The Type R is in a class of its own, having achieved cult status with a huge following in Malaysia, whether directly or indirectly. We are pleased to constantly improve on our products and services to fulfill the demands of the market, bringing the joy of ownership to our customers”.
“The Type R is designed for high performance at high speed, symbolically reflected by the invigorating Championship White and its sleek black and red trademark inside. While maintaining safety for both driver and passengers, the Type R gives speed and control to drivers at their fingertips. It is a true driver’s car,” added Mr. Takahashi.
Type R was first introduced in 1992 on the NSX as a specially tuned model that provided racing car-like feel. It was later extended to the Integra in 1995, and the Civic in 1997 in response to meeting customers’ request for more opportunities to own a Type R.
Malaysia is the only country in the world, besides Japan that is making available this version of the Civic Type R. To date, there are close to 200 units on Malaysian roads.
The Civic Type R is well recognized worldwide for its driving performance, futuristic design, functionality and efficiency. In Malaysia, it is well received and was named as Car of the Year in the performance car category for the Autocar Asean Car of the Year Awards 2008 and New Straits Times/Maybank Car of the Year 2008 Awards.
On a different note, Honda Malaysia recently treated 48 Civic Type R owners and their guests and winners of the Type R Challenge online contest to a “Track Day” event at the Sepang International Circuit. They had the opportunity to put their vehicle on the tracks to test and discover its full performance potential.
“The Honda Civic Type R was my first choice of vehicle due to its performance, fun to drive element and its ideal space size but what closed the deal was the after sales service which truly impressed me. The “Track Day” was very well organized and I truly enjoyed myself especially at the ‘slalom’ challenge where we had to zigzag between cones at a fast speed. I was able to test my handling and driving skills on the vehicle. It was also then that I discovered the handling of the Type R which was to my amazement, really good!”, said Amirul Imran bin Amirin, a 30 years old Engineer.
“Our customers are our priority. In showing our appreciation for their support and loyalty, the track day event provided them with the optimum and yet safe environment to test their Type R, pushing the limits of the vehicle while discovering its performance. We were also able to obtain direct feedbacks and ways to improve on our products and services“, commented Takahashi on the Type R Owners Track Day event.
