[5TAR]

Jalopnik posted their full First Drive review of the 2015 Type R Civic here: http://jalopnik.com/the-2015-honda-civic-type-r-is-a-loud-joyride-all-day-l-1711364609

The new Honda Civic Type R is now the current fastest front-wheel drive car around the Nürburgring. It’s also surprisingly forgiving on the track and on the street. That red Honda badge really means business this time. When you Americans get one in a few years, you’re in for some fun.

[Full disclosure: While the U.S. press is driving the Type R today in Bratislava, we weren’t invited to that gig. Luckily, a fellow from Honda UK was nice enough to let me crash the British party two weeks ago since I only had to drive 124 miles to get there. I lost part of my Autobianchi’s second gear on the way, but hey, we’re talking about the new Type R here!]

The last European Type R debuted in 2007 and left the showrooms five years ago. While enthusiasts were hungry for a new one, Honda was waiting for the right moment since it seemed like nobody was buying fast cars during the financial crisis. I’m sure the premium manufacturers would disagree, but no matter, the new Type R is here now, and I dare to say it was well worth the wait.