THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

THE 2023 HONDA CIVIC TYPE R SHARES OUR FAITH.

-  TONY QUIROGA

ARE YOU A TRUE BELIEVER?

Do you understand what summer tires can do for you, why a sunroof hurts performance, and that speed limits are just a starting point for negotiations? Do you feel persecuted by law enforcement for your beliefs? Well, Honda just built a car for you in the new Civic Type R. Go forth, spread the gospel of compact performance, and live by the Type R's code of conduct.

I. THOU SHALT NOT UNDERSTEER.

This commandment is impossible for a front-wheeldrive car to follow, or so we thought. And yet, this 11thgeneration Civic follows the directive from on high despite its 315-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four hanging ahead of the front axle and 61.4 percent of its weight on its nose.

On the street, front-end grip seems inexhaustible as the Type R ducks left and right, forcing you into the seat bolsters at its 1.02-g limit.

Dive into an apex and you'll do some diving, because the steering is a mere 2.1 turns lock to lock and the Type R slips in without any drama. Corner exits, which usually require the patience of Job in a front-wheeldrive car, are masterfully orchestrated by the Type R's limited-slip differential. That unit, coupled with a very crafty anti-torque-steer front strut, puts the engine's power to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and allows you to empty the 2.0-liter's magazine without widening the cornering line. Next corner. Try again. No understeer, just more exit speed. As if some invisible string is holding the car, keeping it from leaving the road. It makes no sense that a front-driver can do this, so let's just add it to the list of things that don't make sense in 2022.

II. THOU SHALT NOT HOOK UP.