The reason why vtec doesn't feel as brutal as for example an EP3, is because the vtec doesn't have a power dip before it pulls harder. It's a much smoother and better powerline where it just keeps building power linearly. Very good car 👍
Just came across this channel love the content! When I started my apprenticeship for becoming a mechanic I carried out a service on Milano red one, at the time I didn’t have a license so all I could do was sit in it and I fell in love. 4 years later bought my very own 09 red FN2, absolutely love this car and I really can’t see myself selling it. I’ve a few little mods on it tein springs, rays 350z wheels, a carbon fibre seeker spoiler and a custom cat back exhaust. It’s my second Honda and I’m hooked for life!
I think it’s good that you’re able to come back and revisit your earlier opinions with fresh views and see how far you’ve come in terms of experience. You’ve had the pleasure of driving some really amazing vehicles, and this may now seem a little lacklustre compare to some of them, but as you say, still, an excellent vehicle, quite unique in its own right, and certainly no slouch.
I Might be a bit biased as i have one of these and I love it! For the money they are a lot of car and it's a good balance of fun and practicality, In a world where everyone has Fiesta ST's and Audi S3's on finance, I'm glad i went the FN2 route just to be different, but not really making a sacrifice. Yes they arent the quickest cars in the segment but they are the most fun in my opinion, Banging through the gears and hitting the 8300rpm limiter every day for the last 3 years and it's given me no issues, The same can't be said for my friends German alternatives..... I also like how understated they look, with the exception of a Type R badge there isn't really much to differentiate them from the standard Civic which I like, Kind of like a factory sleeper, Long live the K20!
I love mine. I rate it so highly. The one must have mod is a rear sway bar and that fixes all the handling issues people comment on. No idea why Honda didn’t release them with one from factory… These are the last affordable Type R, how affordable they are in 10 years time, we will see
My least favourite Type R mainly due to aesthetic reasons, however these look absolutely insane with a body kit and I really like the interior. The Type R seats are super comfy compared to the Recaros found in the older Type Rs. Great video mate!
I don’t get all these Mugen wings on non Mugen Type R’s. I’m going to go buy a 90s escort and slap a COSWORTH wing on the back 💀😅 Regarding the FN2, a few breathing mods and a remap and it can keep up with the EP3, FD2, GTI’s, ST’s. It unfortunately just got slaughtered on TopGear. Most EP3 owners who “are above” us silly FN2 owners don’t have stock cars anyway. That being said, if we all go down the modding road, what difference does stock stats make? At the end of the day it’s one of the last original K20 NA engines that does actually have some creature comforts for driving as a daily.
I don't get why anyone would have a problem with a Mugen wing on non Mugen Type R. Even Mugen UK themselves didn't have a problem with that, they were actually selling all the body kit parts separately for quite a while. There are literally non mugen FN2's with genuine Mugen body kit parts. Besides, the Mugen wing looks just perfect on that car and I suspect even Honda realized this by having FK2 resemable FN2 Mugen in huge part (the wing, the fenders, the rear bumper).
Everyone seems to hate these things thanks to Jeremy Clarkson's review on Top Gear from back in the day. I mean sure, compared to the FD2 Type R it's a bit soft but that was the point in this car having those luxuries a Type R isn't exactly known for. I think if this British built hatch was badged as a "Euro R" it'd have made a lot more sense. I love the FN2 as it is but it definitely could have done with a K24 or the JDM spec K20A to help pull the extra weight along. And ffs the LSD should have always been standard on these too!
I bought mine brand new back in 2008 and still have it. I keep it in mint condition and only 120k on her. Look after it properly and it will never let you down. The only negative is the single beam rear axel.
@@KiwiCarLife My experience is on the EDM EP3 so I can't really say if it's the same with the JDM one, but the FN2 definitely inspires completely different levels of confidence when changing direction with more than 100km/h which allows you to push much more. Of course that could also be down to the wear and tear of this particular EP3's suspension etc
I used to have an ep3 when I was younger and I used to love that car, I used to go to the mountain roads and drive the shit out of it to its limits. I fell in love with the k20 engine but during covid I sold the car and then I spent some years traveling the world. Now I'm back to a semi settled existence and needed a car and could get one of these cheap so I said, it's mostly the same engine so why not? And honestly I'm happy with the purchase. It's true I'm in a different moment of my life, I don't drive at the limit anymore, I want something a bit more comfortable but still with the exhilarating 8000rpm fun and sound when I feel like it and the Fn2 is just fits the bill. I think this car will be enjoyed by a crowd who's not into racing but just into enjoying the experience. You will not go faster than the newer turbo cars. The car is understeer-ey and you can't go at the limit like with the ep3 on the curves, but it's comfortable, looks nice, interior is cool, it's still fun to drive and just a very enjoyable car to consider if you're into these kind of high revving aspirated cars but need a more civilized, less radical experience.
My favourite Type R is by far the Accord Type R Ch1 in Championship white with that awsome rasping sounding H22a7 Vtec sound and that it is an awsome family daily car and u can take it to the track and just beat so many track focused cars.!😍
Have to be honest tho I really like the look of these, especially in real life from the outside the fd2 does look better imo, but on the inside its no match at all. Interior quality of the fn2 is miles ahead of the fd2, considering you're most of the time on the inside I'd say that's a bonus. At the end of the day you can't really go wrong with either, never driven an fd2 unfortunately but the fn2 drove amazing and imo better than an ep3
I own both a fn2 type r and dc2 sir and I can tell you exactly what difference the rear beam suspension makes. It makes the rear end much more skittish on bumpy roads especially when cornering. You can feel the independent rear suspension on my integra absorb all the bumps no worries where as the bum on the fn2 starts jumping around. In the dry its not too big a deal but in the wet it kind of sucks and needs the traction control on to keep things pointing the right way. Also independent rear suspension in integra deflects under load to give a passive 4 wheel steering effect something a beam axle can't do. On the fn2 intake manifold, it has a passive resonant chamber which times pressure waves to coincide with the opening of the intake valves at a certain rpm. This increases torque at a particular rpm but im pretty sure is detrimental at other rpms which is one reason why the fn2 is a little down on power compared to its type r brothers. The other reasons are the balance shafts in sump, the tight bends the exhaust has to make (same Floorplan as jazz) and a extra emphasis on emissions (electronic throttle and mas sensor). I noticed when they released the limited edition mugen fn2 it came with rrc manifold and a different engine bay top radiator support to make room for longer mani. Also ditched the mas.
_great video again, interesting point about the RSP intake mani, they work really well on the K24 BUT from past experience the RRC is a level above_ 👌🏼
The FN2 is great, although it is flawed because it does not come with a K20a. Mainly because it was sold world wide unlike the FD2 from the same era that was sold only in Japan
Ive got a mate who basically ran a campaign of hate against these due to their beam axle rear end. As you say though the exterior design is pretty out there and sets it apart and for most people the rear suspension design will mean nothing. Ironically my mate use to worship pulsars and had no idea what a beam axle was back then.
How did the handling feel? I've heard a lot of people criticise the handling of it relative to other type r models. Mostly due to the torsion bar based suspension in the rear
Oh mate if you haven't driven any type r Hondas, you'll think it handles amazingly. It's just like 10% worse than the EP3 and fd2 hence why people say that, but those cars are in a different league
I was reading about how these didn’t handle the best before I got one, but bought it anyway. These people must be picking out small percentages because they are an awesome handling car. The steering feels much better than EP3 imo, even if it is slower, it feels better.
It is definitely a superior platform to the EP3 . Significantly wider and with a lower center of gravity which offsets the supposed downside of the torsion beam at the rear.
It’s a superior handling car than the ep3 which I never thought was that great. It’s strange why people go with the ep3 being better purely because it has independent rear suspension, some of the best handling hot hatches ever have had a rear beam like the fn.
Hey man, contemplating on selling my lightly modified CL9 for a stock FN2 besides aside from a Tegiwa carbon airbox. What are your honest thoughts on this transition, how does the driving experience differ between a modified CL9 and near stock FN2 as shown in the video? Otherwise I'm all familiar with FN2's, my older brother has one decked out in Toda Racing goodies hence making it a quite unfair comparison and also why I'm seeking assistance from you who's significantly more familiar. Thanks bro and love the videos coming from Sydney 🙃
I can’t agree that the ep3 is the better car, after having owned a few different models of type r I would rate the ep3 below the fn2. Straight like speed is about equal with the edge going to the fn2 from my experience and the fn certainly handles better and looks better. The fd2 is the better car I agree but it doesn’t feel that much faster, after all an additional 24 horsepower doesn’t all of a sudden throw you back in you seat.
do you know what the difference is between the jdm spec of the fn2 and the euro spec? Cant find anything online cuz it'll just be comparisons between the fd2 and fn2
@@Deehawkeye77 I’ve been doing heaps of research after I left this comment and it seems like all fn2 comes with a K20Z and none of them makes over 201hp from factory. The only diff would be there is cruise control in the Ukdm and non on the jdm. Also the indicator position are different between the two. Also from a forum I’ve read it seems like the jdm is a bit stiffer with extra stability bars added in (forgot what kind). It’s not like the ep3 where the jdm makes more power. Also fun fact, apparently all fn2 are made in swindon, UK. Some are made for the Japanese market and imported over instead of being produced locally in Japan. Other than that I can’t find any info with jdm models all coming with factory lsd (other than fd2) where as all fn2 after April of 2010 comes with lsd.
See this is always the problem, people keep comparing it with the previous gen. That's fair enough but it makes this car out to be rubbish when it's still really good
The lack of blaring music and unnecessary b roll makes this one of your best videos to date in terms of watchability.
Thanks for the feedback
My favourite Type R by far. The design is one of a kind, and the car isn't overly crazy, power wise. It stays humble to what it is. Awesome review.
Yeah that's true
Love the spaceship, Mine's a keeper.
The FN2 is a beautiful car and sounds incredible and the power is good 👍🏼
Mmm yes good car
The reason why vtec doesn't feel as brutal as for example an EP3, is because the vtec doesn't have a power dip before it pulls harder. It's a much smoother and better powerline where it just keeps building power linearly.
Very good car 👍
That may be true but I'd rather have the vtec kick like in my euro r
well said
I absolutely love this type r, very underrated which makes it affordable.
For sure
Just came across this channel love the content!
When I started my apprenticeship for becoming a mechanic I carried out a service on Milano red one, at the time I didn’t have a license so all I could do was sit in it and I fell in love. 4 years later bought my very own 09 red FN2, absolutely love this car and I really can’t see myself selling it. I’ve a few little mods on it tein springs, rays 350z wheels, a carbon fibre seeker spoiler and a custom cat back exhaust. It’s my second Honda and I’m hooked for life!
Nice man!
Nice work. I love the fn2 design. I don't understand the hate
Yeah lot of people misunderstand or try compare it with other type r's
I think it’s good that you’re able to come back and revisit your earlier opinions with fresh views and see how far you’ve come in terms of experience. You’ve had the pleasure of driving some really amazing vehicles, and this may now seem a little lacklustre compare to some of them, but as you say, still, an excellent vehicle, quite unique in its own right, and certainly no slouch.
Yeah absolutely man
That N/A intake sounds so good!
Oh yeah
I Might be a bit biased as i have one of these and I love it! For the money they are a lot of car and it's a good balance of fun and practicality, In a world where everyone has Fiesta ST's and Audi S3's on finance, I'm glad i went the FN2 route just to be different, but not really making a sacrifice. Yes they arent the quickest cars in the segment but they are the most fun in my opinion, Banging through the gears and hitting the 8300rpm limiter every day for the last 3 years and it's given me no issues, The same can't be said for my friends German alternatives..... I also like how understated they look, with the exception of a Type R badge there isn't really much to differentiate them from the standard Civic which I like, Kind of like a factory sleeper, Long live the K20!
Nice!
I agree. I make alot of money repairing those German cars, lucky because id be broke waiting for a Honda to come in. Seriously great cars 👍
I love mine. I rate it so highly. The one must have mod is a rear sway bar and that fixes all the handling issues people comment on. No idea why Honda didn’t release them with one from factory…
These are the last affordable Type R, how affordable they are in 10 years time, we will see
Yeah agree man
True, rear Sway Bar gives you a better feel of what the beam axle is doing as well as not pushing the front into oversteer when upping the pace.
I love my fn2. Very underrated car.
Yeah they’re great fun
Great looking still after all these years. Sounds nice, looks totally liveable too.. Liked that. good vid
Thanks man
Great review, and I rate them!
Neighbour has a red one and it is a good car and sounds good too ( he thrashes it!)
Nice!
My least favourite Type R mainly due to aesthetic reasons, however these look absolutely insane with a body kit and I really like the interior. The Type R seats are super comfy compared to the Recaros found in the older Type Rs.
Great video mate!
Thanks man
It’s good to see an update on a similar car I own
Nice!
Nice!
I don’t get all these Mugen wings on non Mugen Type R’s. I’m going to go buy a 90s escort and slap a COSWORTH wing on the back 💀😅
Regarding the FN2, a few breathing mods and a remap and it can keep up with the EP3, FD2, GTI’s, ST’s. It unfortunately just got slaughtered on TopGear. Most EP3 owners who “are above” us silly FN2 owners don’t have stock cars anyway. That being said, if we all go down the modding road, what difference does stock stats make? At the end of the day it’s one of the last original K20 NA engines that does actually have some creature comforts for driving as a daily.
Yeah true
I don't get why anyone would have a problem with a Mugen wing on non Mugen Type R. Even Mugen UK themselves didn't have a problem with that, they were actually selling all the body kit parts separately for quite a while. There are literally non mugen FN2's with genuine Mugen body kit parts.
Besides, the Mugen wing looks just perfect on that car and I suspect even Honda realized this by having FK2 resemable FN2 Mugen in huge part (the wing, the fenders, the rear bumper).
Thank you for the revisit. I adore this car. Can’t wait to import one in a few years
You shall purchase
@@KiwiCarLife Must obey directive from command centre 😂
whooooooo keep the type R's coming.
Will do
Everyone seems to hate these things thanks to Jeremy Clarkson's review on Top Gear from back in the day. I mean sure, compared to the FD2 Type R it's a bit soft but that was the point in this car having those luxuries a Type R isn't exactly known for. I think if this British built hatch was badged as a "Euro R" it'd have made a lot more sense. I love the FN2 as it is but it definitely could have done with a K24 or the JDM spec K20A to help pull the extra weight along.
And ffs the LSD should have always been standard on these too!
Yeah agree
I bought mine brand new back in 2008 and still have it. I keep it in mint condition and only 120k on her. Look after it properly and it will never let you down. The only negative is the single beam rear axel.
Yeah that's true but overall they're still really fun
Awesome Video :)
I enjoy watching ur vids so much. you inspired me so i went and made my own and posted it on another channel
Awesome man! Cool to hear
Great video buddy...my fav R
Thanks
From my experience it is also much more planted through the corners than an EP3
I guess, although the EP3 is more playful
@@KiwiCarLife My experience is on the EDM EP3 so I can't really say if it's the same with the JDM one, but the FN2 definitely inspires completely different levels of confidence when changing direction with more than 100km/h which allows you to push much more. Of course that could also be down to the wear and tear of this particular EP3's suspension etc
I used to have an ep3 when I was younger and I used to love that car, I used to go to the mountain roads and drive the shit out of it to its limits. I fell in love with the k20 engine but during covid I sold the car and then I spent some years traveling the world. Now I'm back to a semi settled existence and needed a car and could get one of these cheap so I said, it's mostly the same engine so why not? And honestly I'm happy with the purchase. It's true I'm in a different moment of my life, I don't drive at the limit anymore, I want something a bit more comfortable but still with the exhilarating 8000rpm fun and sound when I feel like it and the Fn2 is just fits the bill. I think this car will be enjoyed by a crowd who's not into racing but just into enjoying the experience. You will not go faster than the newer turbo cars. The car is understeer-ey and you can't go at the limit like with the ep3 on the curves, but it's comfortable, looks nice, interior is cool, it's still fun to drive and just a very enjoyable car to consider if you're into these kind of high revving aspirated cars but need a more civilized, less radical experience.
Nice man yeah these are definitely good cars
My favourite Type R is by far the Accord Type R Ch1 in Championship white with that awsome rasping sounding H22a7 Vtec sound and that it is an awsome family daily car and u can take it to the track and just beat so many track focused cars.!😍
Lovely car
I just picked one up 2 weeks ago, I should also give it a thrash out west to Piha, let the modifications start!
Nice!
Jeremy Clarkson killed it with his review
It didn't deserve the hate
@@Technickcallyes it did
@@s00ke lol
Even if, thanks to him the price isn’t all crazy and the car is wicked. Honestly best daily I have ever driven. Can’t ask for more.
@@098Xzibit and thanks to the negative reception, Honda didn’t repeat their mistake
Have to be honest tho I really like the look of these, especially in real life from the outside the fd2 does look better imo, but on the inside its no match at all. Interior quality of the fn2 is miles ahead of the fd2, considering you're most of the time on the inside I'd say that's a bonus. At the end of the day you can't really go wrong with either, never driven an fd2 unfortunately but the fn2 drove amazing and imo better than an ep3
Frankly the fd2 and fn2 interiors are basically the same
I have one and it’s by far the best car I’ve owned. Way better than golf’s.
Awesome!
I own both a fn2 type r and dc2 sir and I can tell you exactly what difference the rear beam suspension makes. It makes the rear end much more skittish on bumpy roads especially when cornering. You can feel the independent rear suspension on my integra absorb all the bumps no worries where as the bum on the fn2 starts jumping around. In the dry its not too big a deal but in the wet it kind of sucks and needs the traction control on to keep things pointing the right way. Also independent rear suspension in integra deflects under load to give a passive 4 wheel steering effect something a beam axle can't do. On the fn2 intake manifold, it has a passive resonant chamber which times pressure waves to coincide with the opening of the intake valves at a certain rpm. This increases torque at a particular rpm but im pretty sure is detrimental at other rpms which is one reason why the fn2 is a little down on power compared to its type r brothers. The other reasons are the balance shafts in sump, the tight bends the exhaust has to make (same Floorplan as jazz) and a extra emphasis on emissions (electronic throttle and mas sensor). I noticed when they released the limited edition mugen fn2 it came with rrc manifold and a different engine bay top radiator support to make room for longer mani. Also ditched the mas.
Ah yes
_great video again, interesting point about the RSP intake mani, they work really well on the K24 BUT from past experience the RRC is a level above_ 👌🏼
Yeah fd2 manifold is best
The FN2 is great, although it is flawed because it does not come with a K20a. Mainly because it was sold world wide unlike the FD2 from the same era that was sold only in Japan
Yeah true
Ive got a mate who basically ran a campaign of hate against these due to their beam axle rear end. As you say though the exterior design is pretty out there and sets it apart and for most people the rear suspension design will mean nothing. Ironically my mate use to worship pulsars and had no idea what a beam axle was back then.
Hahahah honestly aye there are so many people who misunderstand this car or try compare it with other stuff it's not meant to compete with
How did the handling feel? I've heard a lot of people criticise the handling of it relative to other type r models. Mostly due to the torsion bar based suspension in the rear
Oh mate if you haven't driven any type r Hondas, you'll think it handles amazingly. It's just like 10% worse than the EP3 and fd2 hence why people say that, but those cars are in a different league
FN2 has increased caster compared to EP3, DC5, this increases camber when cornering. The rear end suspension on the EP3 & DC5 was never great.
I was reading about how these didn’t handle the best before I got one, but bought it anyway. These people must be picking out small percentages because they are an awesome handling car. The steering feels much better than EP3 imo, even if it is slower, it feels better.
It is definitely a superior platform to the EP3 . Significantly wider and with a lower center of gravity which offsets the supposed downside of the torsion beam at the rear.
It’s a superior handling car than the ep3 which I never thought was that great. It’s strange why people go with the ep3 being better purely because it has independent rear suspension, some of the best handling hot hatches ever have had a rear beam like the fn.
Hey man, contemplating on selling my lightly modified CL9 for a stock FN2 besides aside from a Tegiwa carbon airbox. What are your honest thoughts on this transition, how does the driving experience differ between a modified CL9 and near stock FN2 as shown in the video?
Otherwise I'm all familiar with FN2's, my older brother has one decked out in Toda Racing goodies hence making it a quite unfair comparison and also why I'm seeking assistance from you who's significantly more familiar.
Thanks bro and love the videos coming from Sydney 🙃
It's up to you. If your cl9 is manual I'd say keep it and modify it more, if it's auto then go for the fn2
One of these for sale in Dunedin for 15-16k not too long ago. Seems like a lot of car for the money
Yeah absolutely
another strange thing about the fn2r is the fact that only the facelifted ones came with LSD
Yeahh that's true
Yeah this one seems to be the PFL so no factory LSD, as it doesn't have the Xenon headlights (no head light washers), I could be wrong though.
I can’t agree that the ep3 is the better car, after having owned a few different models of type r I would rate the ep3 below the fn2. Straight like speed is about equal with the edge going to the fn2 from my experience and the fn certainly handles better and looks better. The fd2 is the better car I agree but it doesn’t feel that much faster, after all an additional 24 horsepower doesn’t all of a sudden throw you back in you seat.
Fd2 is much sharper to drive in the corners though. And it does definitely feel quicker
do you know what the difference is between the jdm spec of the fn2 and the euro spec? Cant find anything online cuz it'll just be comparisons between the fd2 and fn2
Yeah tbh I don’t really know either sorry
@@KiwiCarLife did a little digging it seems like the jdm spec has the word “euro” on the badging to differentiate the fd2 type r and the fn2 in Japan
I'm pretty sure the JDM euro fn2 has more power 220 and they all have LSD. Would be a good car to import probably cheap.
@@Deehawkeye77 I’ve been doing heaps of research after I left this comment and it seems like all fn2 comes with a K20Z and none of them makes over 201hp from factory. The only diff would be there is cruise control in the Ukdm and non on the jdm. Also the indicator position are different between the two. Also from a forum I’ve read it seems like the jdm is a bit stiffer with extra stability bars added in (forgot what kind). It’s not like the ep3 where the jdm makes more power. Also fun fact, apparently all fn2 are made in swindon, UK. Some are made for the Japanese market and imported over instead of being produced locally in Japan. Other than that I can’t find any info with jdm models all coming with factory lsd (other than fd2) where as all fn2 after April of 2010 comes with lsd.
What do you think of the FK2 type r?
Haven't driven one but the fk8 is great
Lost my fn2 due to a hit run but managed to recently buy an s2k. F20c does not compare to the k20z4 imo
Nice man! And yeah f20c is way better haha
@@KiwiCarLife I meant I prefer the k20 to the f20 hehe
201hp. I had a silver gt version with the rage alloys in 2010
Nice
It is my least favourite type r but that's simply because the others are soo good so still love this one
Yeah fair enough
Bro help,. A caryard selling this for 12.500 nzd is it good buy
Yeah that sounds about right, maybe try negotiate a bit
Time to revisit the Honda CR-Z ;)
Maybe haja
At that time WTF did NO-ONE buy the type R as a 5 door!!!
It really winds me up!!!
Yes
This is my least favorite type r because the power stayed the same as the previous but the weight went up
See this is always the problem, people keep comparing it with the previous gen. That's fair enough but it makes this car out to be rubbish when it's still really good
YOOOOOO
Yessss
this or clio 197?
FN2 by far... And i'm french...
Same, more reliable too probably
@@KiwiCarLife do a review on Renault’s man
@@nikko1984 fair enough
Way it sounds, I think your VTEC sounds broken. Minds sounds better way more power. Your VTEC broken
I think your English is broken
it was shit from day 1 and guess what?! It hasn't changed
That’s only because JC trashed it and everyone just believed him
There is no denying this car is super ugly
Hahah
@@KiwiCarLife and im into alfas
It's your opinion 🤷🏻♂️
The FN2 was the worst type r civic ever made.
Was it
Wrong! 😂
Sold mine few weeks, it feels like something is missing
Bother
Nearly 30 and still drive one I’m just a big kid don’t care
Glad you enjoy it!