Nobody likes driving a stick shift in traffic. If people had a choice, everyone would be using an automatic transmission. But occasionally, a manual comes with remarkable balance, dynamic performance, precise handling, and everyday usability. Say hello to the Civic Type-R.

Unlike its predecessor, Honda’s fifth-generation sport compact car does not have an aggressive front and rear bumper; neither does it have sharp, angular features and (what seemed like) countless air ducts and intakes. It gives off a distinguished vibe, which feels unusual for the Civic Type-R. Also, it does not have a sedan or hatchback body for the first time, as the 2024 model year sports a five-door liftback design. If not for the discreetly placed hood air intake, the red Brembo brake calipers, the 19-inch matte black alloy wheels, the triple exhaust system, and the Type-R badge and gear (front and rear bumper, spoilers, diffuser, tailgate wing), one could mistake it for an accessorized Civic.

Don’t get me wrong. It still turns heads, but not as many as it used to. Only those who recognize its subtle but distinguished features will double-take to see if it’s really a Type-R they’re seeing drive by — like an IYKYK thing. Others stare, wondering what kind of Civic it is. I kind of like this inconspicuous yet confident look. It doesn’t attract too much attention, which is perfect for motorists who drive ‘under the radar.’

Getting in isn’t for the weak-kneed, so if you plan to get a Type-R, include squats in your daily exercise routine because of their low stance and 123-mm ground clearance. While it has a passive keyless entry system, I wish Honda threw in a power tailgate to make loading stuff much easier.

What stands out immediately are the Type-R red bucket seats. These feel quite snug and secure. The cushioning was outstanding, and its suede upholstery felt very up-market. The cockpit uses the same dashboard as the regular Civic, including the honeycomb pattern over the aircon vents. The differences are the padded surfaces, red stitching, and Alcantara lining (on the three-spoke multi-function steering wheel and door panels). Vehicle data and media are shown on a 10.2-inch TFT digital instrument cluster and a nine-inch infotainment touch display with wireless Apple CarPlay, two front USB Type-C ports, and a wireless charging pad. The rear accommodates two people using 60/40 split-folding seats with two center cupholders.

The predominantly red interior induces the feeling of sportiness, and that desire to go fast, and its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes it easy. 320-PS and 420-Nm of torque to the wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Fortunately, feedback is excellent, from the throttle, steering wheel, and even the seat of your pants. I felt how fast it was going — without peeking at the speedo — just as quickly as the Type-R climbed from 0-100 km/h. The stiff suspension playfully rocked me (when road surface was less than perfect), and the engine roared as its lithe and light 1,428-kilo body cut through Laguna air like a hot knife on butter. Needless to say, it gets a little loud in the cabin, so thankfully, it has a 12-speaker Bose system because the faster I drove, the more I had to turn up the volume.

Unlike other vehicles/models that barely show any difference between each drive mode, the Type-R’s performance and driving characteristics are totally distinct between Individual, Comfort, Sport, and +R. The response has an uptick of about 30% while visual cues such as cabin and instrument lighting change, affecting driver behavior and mood.

Regardless of drive mode, acceleration is astonishing. Steering is pinpoint accurate while staying balanced through zig-zags and tight turns. Of course, expect palpable G-forces to affect you and toss loose items around in the cabin. Fuel consumption is a decent 8.7-km/l in mixed driving conditions.

I learned to drive using a stick shift, so it was a pleasure to handle the short-throw shifter of the Type-R. I haven’t had a lot of practice with a manual lately, so I’m a lot slower than I used to be, but that’s also enhanced by the vehicle’s reactive powertrain. I noticed myself grinning a lot on the highway and even 30 minutes into bumper-to-bumper traffic on the Skyway (it was rush hour). However, after about 45 minutes, I immediately regretted going to the city in the Type-R. That’s what traffic does to everybody (driving a manual) in the Philippines.

At ₱3.870 million, the Civic Type-R is a liftback with high-performance features and equipment, including a limited-slip differential, Honda Sensing (advanced driver-assist system), and even a LogR to record your track data and information. It is worth every centavo, but maybe not when driving on EDSA during a work day.