Two cars that remind us of the freedom of mobility
Being the young impressionable man that I was growing up, I’ve always been fascinated with the lowest, fastest, meanest and angriest looking sled to drive around in, constantly doodling in my mind the ultimate super sports car that could literally fly like the wind.
Alas, age (now 45), health (recovering) and crucially, sickness (I recently had a kidney transplant) tempers one’s exuberance and enthusiasm for cars. As we age, we want something easier, effortless, yet still fun and enjoyable as we go our way. In time, passion is overtaken by purpose.
From sports cars and sporty coupes, I found myself drawn to cross-overs representing compromise. It’s not a solution I am perfectly happy with but it works.
Lately, I find myself constantly thinking of two cars I drove recently: The newest Audi Q8 e-Tron Quattro SUV, and the latest FL5 Honda Civic Type-R. Today’s cars are amazing multi-faceted vehicles, but you can’t beat something built for a singular purpose.
These two represent the heart (Civic) and the mind (e-Tron), passion and purpose.
The Q8 is amazing. If you ever wanted to dip your feet into EVs without shouting that you drive one, and without compromising on the driving dynamics, quality, refinement and beautiful design Audis are known for, the Q8 e-Tron is perfect. It doesn’t look ‘different’ from a conventional internal combustion engined vehicle, making transition easier. And with a recently proven range of 582 kilometers on a single charge (thanks to regenerative braking), Audi Philippines destroyed fears and false impressions of range anxiety as they recently drove to Baguio and back on a single charge. There’s still some worry about charging on remote locations, but it’s only a matter of time before more charging stations pop up. It can even conquer 500 millimeters of water should you encounter typical Manila flash floods or go exploring your vast estate.
On the other hand, the Civic Type-R is a precision tool to tickle your enthusiasm, rewinding your life back 20 or so years and enjoying a second stab at youthful exuberance on four wheels. There’s that hint of hooliganism thanks to the punchy turbocharged K20C1 engine outputting ~330hp and 420NM of torque through one of the best shifting 6-speed manual transmission equipped with an amazing limited slip differential that defies torque steer and physics altogether, seemingly cornering with as much confidence as an all-wheel drive vehicle. Honda judged its market well, imbuing the Type-R with just the right amount of responsiveness and none of the rawness of the progenitor, the EK9. Today’s Civic buyers (who are the original enthusiast market, just older) will surely not be able to withstand the harshness of the original Type-R models from 25-30 years ago. Yet it’s just as intense and exhilarating. The moment I got the test unit, I wanted to keep driving it even if it was a manual with a somewhat heavy clutch pedal, slightly hefty steering and tight bucket seats. 9/10 times it instantly puts you in the mood for some hooliganism behind the wheels.
Both represent the diverse state of our modest yet still growing and maturing automotive industry. This diversity is good of course. Each year the market is spoiled for choice, we get safer, more fuel efficient cars that can do more, integrating better with our everyday life, thanks to the internet and mobile phone connectivity.
Crucially, we need both types of vehicles in our lives. Cars should make our lives easier and more convenient, being safer, more environmentally friendly and more comfortable. This is where EVs shine. Yet they must never be relegated to a four-wheeled electrical appliance. Which is why we need cars that remind us freedom of mobility must not be taken for granted. Cars like the Type-R inspired us when we were young and impressionable, and passion will often lead you to your purpose.
The Audi Q8 e-Tron would be the perfect everyday car, and the Civic Type-R the weekend fun, track-day and fun run hobby car. The perfect two-car garage.
