Whether cruising on the highway, attacking the track or embarrassing supercars on TikTok, the Honda Civic hatchback (EG-EK) is immediately recognizable with its VTEC howl and unassuming yet iconic shape.
The EG and EK models of the Civic are the most popular race cars in the Caribbean, seen in three of the four available circuit racing classes (GP1, 2 and 3) as well as time attack, autocross and drag racing events. Even considering this, the average enthusiast sees the Civic as just another slow econobox with potential only when power is added, rather than the undercover racecar it really is.
Let’s begin with the driving feel. The relatively stiff chassis and short wheelbase of these models provides lovely feedback and rotation, feeding the driver incredible amounts of information through their “seat”, truly making you feel like the car is an extension of yourself. The sensation of driving a properly set up Civic is truly unique and by most accounts, severely surpasses one’s expectations.
Additionally, the EG and EK Civics also come with double-wishbone front suspension (and trailing arm rear suspension) which is usually only seen on high-end sports cars, supercars, and purpose-built race cars. Some advantages of this setup over the average MacPherson suspension most cars come with include:
Better overall handling and stability – Superior suspension geometry allows for better weight distribution and control over camber, caster and roll centre.
Consistent camber – Thanks to unequal-length control arms, negative camber is generally (some are designed to maintain one angle) increased as the suspension is loaded, whereas MacPherson suspension induces more positive camber as the car rolls.
Tuning options – This suspension can be fine-tuned to a much greater degree without the need for major changes than the MacPherson suspension.
Furthermore, the EG and EK chassis are extremely light, weighing between 2000 and 2500 lbs depending on model and trim. This is thanks to their simple, compact design and use of lightweight aluminium components. As the great Colin Chapman (Founder of Lotus Cars) said: “Simplify, then add lightness.”
Finally, the powerplant. The EG models came with D15 and D16 (1.5L and 1.6L respectively) engines, making a respectable 100-125 naturally aspirated horsepower, while the EK models additionally featured the legendary B16 and B18 engines (1.6L and 1.8L respectively) which were capable of over 180hp in some cases. To give some perspective on the excellence of these motors, it is widely regarded that a proper NA race motor should make 100hp per litre, which the B-series engines were easily capable of in stock form. Arguably more impressively, all these motors take well to turbocharging, making upwards of 300hp reliably, resulting in the Civic being an absolute missile once properly set up.
Incredibly, the Civic also has huge amounts of aftermarket support with exceptional availability of parts ranging from near stock to pure racecar grade components at generally acceptable prices, with the possibility of even implementing an AWD system to offset the natural issues surrounding a FWD car. Known affectionately as a “Lego Set Manufacturer” among enthusiasts, Hondas tend to share parts between various models, allowing you to use all sorts of parts to get your Civic up to the required spec.
All things considered, it is no wonder why the Civic dominates every class it enters and is undoubtedly one of the “track weapons of choice”, as it can perform exceptionally at any level required, especially at the hands of talented drivers such as Kristian Boodoosingh(GP2 & 3), Justin Sanguinette and Aaron Achan (both GP1&2) in circuit racing as well as Runul Roberts, Adrian Persad and Moses Moonsie in Autocross just to name a few.
“In my most recent experience driving the PRS Performance EG3 hatchback Civic in Autocross, I fell in love with its unique charm, purist driving feel and exhilarating “sketchiness” as you near the grip limit. While it may boast 90hp, all my ride-along passengers have been left breathless by the momentum it can carry through corners, even on economy tyres. I look forward to learning the car more and continuing its development as it truly has endless potential, so much so that I now want a Civic of my own. Based on the results we have made thus far, gaining multiple podiums, and remaining relatively close to the top times in its class, it is without a doubt that even in its current state, the true “undercover racecar” spirit of the Civic shines through.” - Racing Coach Dominic Charles, who is currently the driver of an EG3 Honda Civic in autocross.
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