My GT7 Log: AGENT H VS. AGENT H

Come weekdays, both the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Avante N showcase their "everyday hero" potential, but come race weekends, their true colors as TCR competitors will shine. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got to sample the two Asian turbocharged everyday heroes that became staples for their TCR alter egos.

How do these two Asian turbocharged everyday heroes differ from each other? Let's begin with the Korean super saloon first, before the Japanese super hot hatch.

Launched in 2021, the Hyundai Avante N is the first N saloon based on the Hyundai Avante/Elantra CN7. Powering the Avante N is the same 2.0L Turbo GDI engine from the Veloster N, producing 280PS of power while mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed wet-type Dual Clutch Transmission. With N Grin Shift, the car gets a 10PS boost, sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds and an electronically-governed top speed of 250kph.

By calling the Avante N the road-legal version of its TCR machine, it has been festooned with numerous dynamic upgrades underneath, such as the N Corner Carving Differential, integrated drive axle, electronically controlled suspension, R-MPDS, rear stiff bar, and large capacity high-performance brakes.

In 2023, the Avante N received a minor change, featuring the same sharp looks as the normal Avante CN7 while maintaining the familiar specs from the pre-facelift model. A year later, a special TCR Edition of the Avante N was unveiled, complete with the same rear spoiler from its TCR equivalent.

Now, let's talk more about Honda's Super Hot Hatch, the FL5 Civic Type R. 

Based on the 11th-generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8, but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

With the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Recently, in 2025, a special Racing Black Package was offered for the FL5 Civic Type R, featuring a black interior.

To see which H-logoed car is the best, I went to Watkins Glen to have these two H-logoed turbocharged cars settle the score. Will it be the one with the H in the square or the other one with the H in the circle? It's Japan vs South Korea again. Let's roll the tape.

And here are the results...

FL5 Type R - 2m13.481s

Elantra N - 2m17.417s

Looks like the Japanese Agent H beats the Korean Agent H in the end. The Civic Type R has beaten its arch-rival, the Hyundai Avante N, by a huge margin. Looks like the Koreans aren't pleased about getting their behinds karate-chopped by the Japanese.

Both the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Avante N worked well as everyday heroes. On weekdays, they are too busy to drive to work. On weekends, however, they became TCR superheroes ripping through the world's challenging racetracks.

TCR or not, both of these Asian turbocharged everyday heroes never fail to impress their followers, but in the end, it's the Civic that grabs more than the Avante.

Case closed.

Honda Civic FL1 and Civic e:HEV FL4 - 2025MY Minor Change

The 11th-generation Honda Civic has gained its minor change for the 2025 model year and now's the ideal time to reintroduce this current-generation Civic to the world from a different perspective.

2025 Honda Civic

The latest minor change of the 11th-generation Honda Civic now starts at 3,448,500 Yen for the petrol-powered LX variant up to 4,307,600 Yen for the e:HEV EX variant, plus additional costs.

2025 Honda Civic

What's new in this minor change? Let's begin with the front view as it now dons the Acura-esque front grille as well as the new front bumper. The range-topper of the petrol-powered Civic FL1, the RS, features slightly larger air curtains and exposed tailpipes at the back, making it part-subtle, part-obvious but that's the Civic way and the RS is just the tip of the iceberg.

2025 Honda Civic interior

Inside, the updated Civic looks nearly identical to the pre-facelifted model except for the slightly enlarged touchscreen to differentiate it. Still, you can expect commodities such as push-button and remote engine start, the Honda Smart Key system, rear air-conditioning vents, automatic air-conditioning, Smart Key card, and dual-zone air-conditioning, among others.

2025 Honda Civic

The facelifted Honda Civic still offers a choice of a 1.5L VTEC TURBO and the 2.0L SPORTS e:HEV hybrid powertrain. The turbo variant produces 182PS of power and 240Nm of torque. Most variants are mated to a CVT gearbox that promises 15.7km/L of fuel economy based on WLTC Mode standards while the RS-exclusive 6-speed manual gearbox returns a 15.3km/L fuel economy.

The LFC-H4 2.0L SPORTS e:HEV powertrain mated to a twin-motor electric CVT with manual mode operated via paddle shifters has a combined power output of 184PS, 315Nm of torque, and a fuel economy of 24.2km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

The new Civic features an updated Honda SENSING system featuring a Forward Collision Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist System, improved Adaptive Cruise Control, and Adaptive Driving Beam, among many others.

With this latest facelift, it's the ideal time to get familiarized with the 11th-generation Civic again.

PRICE LIST:

1.5 LX - 3,448,500 Yen

1.5 EX - 3,798,300 Yen

1.5 RS - 4,198,700 Yen

2.0 e:HEV LX - 3,998,500 Yen

2.0 e:HEV EX - 4,307,600 Yen

AVAILABLE COLORS: Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Grey Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic, and Seabed Blue Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

My GT7 Log: Sports Civic

If you were born in the early 1990s, you might remember seeing the fifth-generation Honda Civic for the first time. It was the first Civic of the Heisei era and stood out from other cars on the road. I bet you wished you were riding in one of those instead of the Toyota Corolla or Mitsubishi Lancer.

The fifth-generation Honda Civic, known in TV commercials as the "Sports Civic", was launched in 1991. It's the first Honda Civic of the Heisei era and emerged during the bubble economy's aftermath. It was offered in three body styles: the 3-door hatchback, the 4-door Ferio saloon, and the coupe version, CBU from the USA. Depending on the body style, the fifth-generation Honda Civic is powered by choice of a 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L SOHC, and the speedo boy favorite; the 1.6L VTEC.

The car featured in Gran Turismo 7 is of course the 3-door hatchback in SiR-II variant powered by the 1.6 L D16Z6 VTEC I4 engine.

In the world of Initial D, the EG Civic 3-door hatchback is the preferred car of Shingo Shoji, who is half of the Night Kids duo. Shingo challenged Takumi Fujiwara to a race with a challenging handicap: both drivers had their right hands duct-taped to the steering wheel. It was an intense duel, but Takumi remained calm throughout. Ultimately, Shingo crashed his car, allowing Takumi to win the race.

I have always wanted to drive a Honda Civic. When I finally got the chance to drive one in Gran Turismo, I discovered just how impressive its dynamics are. In short, it’s no wonder that so many people want to experience the magic of the Civic while they can. Unfortunately, some take this privilege too far, making their Civics so loud that they disturb the neighborhood and so fast that they put themselves at risk.

Today, I went to the eastern section of Suzuka Circuit to prove just how good the first Heisei-era Civic was. Don't worry, I won't be duct-taping my hand on the steering wheel just like in Initial D. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Small, nimble, and grippy. This is what the Civic of the early 90s feels like and how it became a standout even in modern times. Thank you, Initial D.

The fifth-generation Honda Civic rewrote the rules of what a Civic should be when it was launched in 1991. Although it has been coveted since its launch, it's still in the crosshairs of JDM fanatics worldwide today because of its appearance in the Initial D series.

Is this the kind of Civic you really want?

My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Super GT fighters

The Super GT 2024 season will see a matchup like no other in the Reiwa era. It's a clash between the Toyota GR Supra, the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34, and the Honda Civic Type R FL5. Here in GT7, I'm driving their road car equivalents predicting which car will win the 2024 season.

But first, let's get to know about these Reiwa-era JDM sports cars.

With the design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept, the GR Supra shares most of the engines from the BMW Z4 G29 such as the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

In the spring of 2020, the GR Supra's 3.0L BMW-derived TwinPower Turbo engine on the flagship RZ variant was boosted by 47PS, resulting in a 387PS power output. In addition, the updated GR Supra features a revised chassis consisting of lightweight aluminum braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning.

The Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 features an eclectic mix of design cues inspired by past models as well as a cutting-edge interior featuring a GT-R-derived steering wheel, the signature triple pod cluster, and race-inspired gauges. Under the hood, the previous model's 3.7L VVEL engine was replaced by the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine derived from the Skyline 400R. It produces nearly 400HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed AT. It features optional launch control for the first time in a Z car and a mechanical LSD.

Apart from the performance it delivers, the RZ34 Fairlady Z features new monotube shocks, new front geometry, rear suspension tuning, and another first for the Z car, electric power steering. It even features increased rigidity and available sports brakes.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Taking the idea from both Best Motoring and Hot Version, I decided to compare these three Reiwa-era JDM sportscars around Tsukuba Circuit and engage the one-lap time attack rite of passage, predicting which of these three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season.

In their road car guises, the RZ34 is the most powerful of the three but the FL5 is the dark horse because although it's the least powerful, boasting 325hp power output, it's the lightest of the three, making this comparison truly one-sided. Anyway, no time for jibber-jabbers. It's time to find out which of the three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season. Roll the tape.

And here are the results...

GR Supra - 1m05.227s

Z RZ34 - 1m05.767s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m05.706s

The FL5 Civic Type R truly is the dark horse of the three. It barely defeated the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 by a crust but it's razor-thin slower than the GR Supra. The result is too close to call.

Based on my experiment, my prediction for the 2024 Super GT season will be a close call with the GR Supra expected to win the 2024 season. I'm not sure which GR Supra Super GT car will be but it's everyone's game. The Civic Type R FL5 is proven to be the dark horse of the three and I expect its Super GT equivalent to deliver razor-thin results compared to the other two. Both the GR Supra and the Fairlady Z RZ34 nailed titles but with the arrival of the Super GT Civic, will it be the first to win a Super GT title for the Honda Civic?

Expect the 2024 Super GT season to be as close as the elections, if you catch my drift. With the GR Supra expected to dominate the 2024 season as well as the Honda Civic's wild-card performance, it's going to be the tightest season ever. Get your popcorn ready because it's going to be a long fight.

My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Civic Type R

The Honda Civic Type R FK8 is no doubt the last Civic Type R of the Heisei era since its 2017 debut. During its five-year tenure, the last British-made Type R smashed every front-wheel-drive lap record from Suzuka to the Nurburgring thanks to its 2.0L VTEC TURBO engine, no torque steer, and impressive dynamics, making it the force to be reckoned with.

As Japan approached the Reiwa era, the main question was what would the Civic Type R look like in this current era we're facing? Here's your answer...

This is the Honda Civic Type R of the Reiwa era, the FL5. Making its video game debut on Gran Turismo 7, the Type R of the Reiwa era is ready to make the grade for the eager speedo boys who wish to get their word on the newest generation of the king of front-wheel-drive hot hatchbacks.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Having tried out the FL5 Type R in Gran Turismo 7, I'm slightly impressed with the reworked styling and the dynamics compared to the previous model. Sure, it's less obvious than the FK8 but it still packs some noise and some added punch when I let this one loose on the track and I'm slowly starting to get...addicted to it.

At this point, I was going to give the FL5 Civic Type R a bravery test in either Suzuka or the Nurburgring Nordschleife to battle against the FF world record set in the real world but...there was an ongoing competition going on for Japanese GT7 players trying to beat the real world records. I'm off-limits to either of these tracks.

Instead, I went to Spielberg's Red Bull Ring, the venue of the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix. Joining alongside the previous FK8 model, it's time to find out how much evolution the Reiwa era Civic Type R has gained compared to the last UK-built Heisei era Civic Type R. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Civic Type R FK8 - 1m53.385s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m52.847s

Nearly a second! That's how much improvement the FL5 has gained compared to the FK8, meaning this all-new model is a slight improvement from its predecessor. Touche.

Because we live in the new normal, it's sad to say that the Honda Civic Type R FL5 will be known as the last Type R to be run on a pure internal combustion engine, as experts believe, but whatever the reason, the Reiwa era Civic Type R is the swansong to the world's craziest engines ever made, the VTEC engine that became a favorite for speedo boys many.

Domo arigato, Civic Type R. You made us proud.

Honda Civic Type R FL5

The first Civic Type R of the Reiwa era has arrived as the Honda Civic's 50th-anniversary celebration's gone full circle with the ultimate Civic unleashed to the world, a must-have for speedo boys worldwide.

2023 Honda Civic Type R

2023 Honda Civic Type R interior

The all-new Honda Civic Type R, priced at 4,997,300 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, is by no means the first Civic Type R of the Reiwa era but by amazement, this is the last ICE-powered Civic Type R in history as the company behind this is shifting towards the age of electrification. Looks like Honda's on the roll to call the FL5 Civic Type R the ultimate Type R ever built and it's ready to deliver the endgame speedo boys deserved on the road and track. Best of all, the Civic Type R is now built in Japan for the first time since the FD2, a delight for speedo boys who love JDM sportscars and daydream about them every single time while getting high.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the all-new Type R features new bodywork, a new carbon fiber rear wing, and the same triple exhaust from the previous FK8. From every angle, it's no longer as obvious as the previous FK8 model. It's as subtle as doing a subtle attempt at the big score. On the inside, the aluminum center panel, sports seats, Type R steering wheel, aluminum shift knob, specially-made speedo, and a serial number plaque made the new Type R a racer's delight while accompanying up to five people inside.

On track days, the FL5 Civic Type R features a built-in LogR vehicle app that monitors and records performance data on a closed road and track.

Under the hood, the FL5 Civic Type R runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT. Aside from that, Honda has spent its manpower to give the FL5 Civic Type R a much-needed improvement in the dynamics department. From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it's no wonder the FL5 Civic Type R smashed the Suzuka Circuit FF lap record, faster than the previous model. Let's hope it reaches the Nurburgring and smashes the Renaultsport Megane Trophy-R's lap record to become the new king of FF hot hatches in the Nurburgring. You can count on it.

Because this is the Reiwa era Type R, the FL5 features an updated Honda SENSING system featuring a Forward Collision Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist System, improved Adaptive Cruise Control, and Adaptive Driving Beam, among many others.

With its sensible design and improved performance, the first Civic Type R of the Reiwa era is no doubt the ultimate Civic Type R ever built. As Honda shifts its focus to the era of electrification, there's no doubt that the FL5 Civic Type R will be the biggest sendoff in the twilight of the internal combustion era and for speedo boys, they're ready to risk their lives to drive the FL5 like there's no tomorrow because, in the age of the new normal, there will never be something as cool as the Civic Type R. Enjoy it while you can.

Available colors: Championship White, Flame Red, Racing Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, and Sonic Grey Pearl.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Civic e:HEV (FL4)

The year 2022 marks the Honda Civic's 50th anniversary and with the whole world enjoying driving the eleventh-generation Honda Civic since last year's launch, the return of the hybrid variant could spark unanswered questions about one of the most iconic vehicles in the world bringing back the least lovable variant.

2023 Honda Civic e:HEV

The Civic e:HEV, priced at 3,940,200 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, marks the return of the hybrid variant to the Civic lineage. The last time the Civic has gone the hybrid route was in the eighth-generation model just so you know. Anyway, with the hybrid variant back in the eleventh-generation Civic, you can expect a lot of mixed comments about the Civic e:HEV.

At first glance, it looks similar to the normal Civic that was launched last year. Well-balanced, geometrical, clean, lower, and longer compared to the tenth-generation Civic Hatchback, not to mention the roomy interior and the back-to-basics dashboard that could set the template for future Honda models soon. However, the only differences in this hybrid variant are the e:HEV badges and the NSX-esque gear buttons instead of the gear lever from the normal petrol-powered model.

The e:HEV system is the cream of the crop for hybrid-powered Honda models since the fourth-generation Fit and it's been recalibrated for the Civic. Why? Check the driving modes and you will notice the Sport Mode feature in the Civic e:HEV, which is somewhat of a joke for speedo boys behind the wheel until they engage it and it makes the Civic e:HEV more responsive on the road thanks to sharpened throttle response and improved performance. Imagine taking one for a leisurely drive at either Suzuka or Motegi with this feature on.

With the newly-developed LFC-H4 2.0L petrol hybrid powerplant mated to a twin-motor electric CVT with Manual Mode involved via paddle shifters, the Civic e:HEV has a combined power output of 184PS, 315Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of just 7.8 seconds, and a fuel economy of 24.2km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Of course, because being a high-tech hybrid for the new normal, the Civic e:HEV features an updated Honda SENSING system featuring a Forward Collision Warning System, Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Keeping Assist System, improved Adaptive Cruise Control, and Adaptive Driving Beam, among many others.

Like it or not, the Civic e:HEV proves that the eleventh-generation Civic is now in tune with the times with its hybrid powertrain capable of giving drivers the extra mile, although unhappy for speedo boys behind the wheel. The least desirable Civic has returned, recharged, and reloaded with new and exciting features that will make it capable of handling the new normal.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Honda Civic FL1

The Civic, the car that became the icon of Honda and highly coveted by speedo boys worldwide, is now in its 11th generation and it promises to be the best Civic ever made even though it's offered in just one body style, unlike its predecessors.

2022 Honda Civic

Priced at 3,190,000 Japanese, which is more expensive than its predecessor, the 11th-generation Honda Civic is now offered exclusively as a hatchback because most of the customers of the previous generation went for the imported hatchback rather than the Japanese-made sedan. It's the main reason why they will not bring the sedan to this latest generation. Anyway, unlike the previous Civic Hatchback that was imported from Great Britain until the end of its operations due to restructuring, the 11th-generation Honda Civic hatchback is now made in Japan, the way the Honda Civic should be made.

2022 Honda Civic

Beginning with the design, the new model is surprisingly well-balanced compared to the previous model. Although it's no longer a sharp-looking hatchback, its geometrical styling made it look clean to look at, regardless of location. In terms of dimensions, the new model is lower and longer compared to the previous model while keeping the width friendly for Japanese and European roads because of its narrow spaces. It's common sense.

2022 Honda Civic interior

The interior is now more spacious than the previous model due to its longer wheelbase, making it the ideal car for all walks of life, be it a family car or a road trip buddy for up to five people on board. On the driver's side, it's all back to basics as the sat-nav and the air-con have been repositioned with the former on top and the latter below. Weirdly, the new sat-nav screen is somewhat tiny compared to the previous model. 

The instrumental panel is now back to basics and it now bears a tachometer on the left and a speedo on the right that reads up to 180kph of top speed. That's very Japanese, of course.

On the passenger side, meanwhile, because of its longer wheelbase, it's easy for the rear passengers to get accommodated and because it's a hatchback, the rear seats can be folded down for your additional spacing needs.

Whether for work or fun, the new Civic does it all.

2022 Honda Civic

The 11th-generation Honda Civic retains the same 1.5L VTEC TURBO engine as the previous model. It produces 182PS of power and 240Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual gearbox (the speedo boy favorite) or an improved CVT with a more robust electric hydraulic pump, ball-bearing secondary shaft, and revised Step-Shift programming, not to mention the idling stop system and the new catalytic converter design. Whichever transmission you go for, the new Civic has a fuel economy of 16.3km/L based on WLTC standards.

As for dynamics, Honda promises that the new Civic is more fun to drive than the competition and they almost stick to their word because it's a Honda. With the front McPherson struts, rear multilink suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, front ventilated disc brakes, and rear disc brakes, it's no wonder the new model has the behavior of a European hatchback that fits well everywhere and you can really spend a lot of time toying around with it as much as you want.

The new Civic comes standard with the new Honda Sensing suite of driver aids featuring a new single-camera system that provides a longer, wider field of view than the previous model. It even comes with Traffic Jam Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, and many others.

Made in Japan, fit for worldwide use, the 11th-generation Civic is the hatchback that delivers the same Civic pledge coveted by its massive fanbase, including speedo boys. It was a surprisingly close call for Honda to keep building the Civic in Japan now that it's offered exclusively as a hatchback but in the end, it's all common sense.

Available colors: Platinum White Pearl, Sonic Gray Pearl, Crystal Black Pearl, Premium Crystal Red Metallic, and Premium Crystal Blue Metallic.

Photo: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.

Project CARS 3: What's your first page be like?

Congratulations to those who got their hands on Project CARS 3, the newest installment of the Project CARS series, which is made by the folks of Slightly Mad Studios (a Codemasters company) and Bandai Namco. As everybody knows, every good story begins with a choosing and for those who are starting Project CARS 3 for the first time get to choose one of three starter cars to begin with; a Toyota 86, a Lancer Evo VI, and a Civic Type R. Question is, which starter car is the best to start with?

To find out, let's examine the three Project CARS 3 starters.

First off, the Honda Civic Type R FK2. Made in Britain, the FK2 is based on the Euro-spec ninth-generation Civic and it's powered by a K20C 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine, which produces 310PS of power output and 400Nm of torque, while mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox. Incorporating its motorsports knowhow, the Civic Type R comes with race-inspired suspension system, Active Damper System, Dual Pinion Assist EPS, and the most advanced aerodynamics developed for this car. When it was launched in 2015, it lapped the Nurburgring in 7:51.42, which is the fastest lap time for front-wheel drive cars. It marked the return of the Civic name in Japan after a five year absence with only 750 units imported to Japan.

Next up is the Toyota 86. While this is the least powerful of the three starter cars, its rear-wheel drive layout makes its the most enjoyable to drive with and because it's the cheapest of the three, you can spend its change tweaking its car. It's powered by a 2.0L flat-4 engine producing over 200PS of power and thanks to its low center of gravity and the fact that it uses skinny tires rather than bigger, grippy, ones, it makes the 86 more lively to drive in the corners.

Lastly, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Makinen Edition, made in honor of the four-time WRC champion, the TME is a special Lancer Evolution VI model that is limited to 2500 units worldwide. Although the special livery wasn't made for show-offs, this model featured mechanical improvements identical to the base car. It comes with three variants ranging from the stripped-off RS model to the heavily-equipped GSR model.

These three starter cars will have their say with a quick lap round the streets of Shanghai to see which starter car is the best. I know this sounds rubbish but in the interest of car science, I stuck with it. So without further ado, let the experiment begin.

The Toyota 86 is much lively to drive in the bends because of its FR layout while the Civic Type R is all about serious grip and the Lancer Evo VI really shows its all-round capability as an all-wheel drive car. With their fun at Shanghai done, here are the results:

GT86 - 1:56.250

Lancer Evo VI - 1:50.185

Civic Type R - 1:50.915

As it turns out, the Lancer Evolution VI is the fastest of the three and I have no idea why I made the right decision choosing this as my starter car, although most disagree that the 86 is the best because like I said, because it's the cheapest of the three, you can spend its change tweaking its car. The Civic Type R is fairly nice but drivers may have hard time tinkering it.

Needless to say, whichever car you choose, your day at Project CARS 3 is officially begin and in its career mode, your goal is to win races while achieving several objectives to unlock new races. If you find it troubling, tune up or buy a new car. Simple.

Anyway, welcome to the world of Project CARS 3, drivers.

Forza Horizon 4: The Meg vs. The Civic

Few moments ago, I tried out the latest Renaultsport Megane in Forza Horizon 4, a hatchback that I won at the Winter Festival Playlist, and I am amazed that for a basic cooking version of Renault's ultimate hot hatch, it managed to take down even the ultimate Megane in the past, which is the R26.R.



Rejoined by the Megane IV R.S., it's time to take Renault's king of hot hatches a step further because I'll be summoning its biggest enemy this French hot hatch ever faced; the FK8 Honda Civic Type R.



Yes, the FK8 Honda Civic Type R, the ultimate hot hatch ever assembled a sea away because even though it's Japanese, it's made by the Brits and sadly, it's the last Type R ever made in Britain judging by the news that Honda's Swindon plant is closing soon. Anyway, brushing off from current events, the FK8 Honda Civic Type R is the ultimate enemy of the Renaultsport Megane IV of course and having learned that its ultimate version defeated the Civic at the Nurburgring, I reckon that it might do the same here except for one major problem...



As you can see here, the Renaultsport Megane IV featured in the game is just the basic cooking model with the 1.8L turbo engine that produces 280PS of power and 390Nm of torque. That's less than what the 2.0L VTEC TURO the Type R possess and slightly heavier as well. Despite the handicap, it's challenge accepted for the Renaultsport Megane IV as it takes on a time attack against the king of hot hatches, the Civic Type R. Good luck, French fry.

After a quick lap round castle grounds, here are the results;

FK8 - 1:06.867
Megane IV - 1:09.203



Guess the basic Renaultsport Megane IV wasn't quick enough to outrun the Civic Type R unlike its ultimate version that won the time attack battle at the Ring against this Honda. Oh well, despite the result, I'm very happy that I got my hands of the latest Renaultsport Megane while it lasted.

Wait...



What now? A new challenger? Could this day get any worse?!