The New South Wales Police Force now has in its fleet the world’s most potent front-drive hot hatch out there, the FK8 Civic Type R. The new four-wheeled recruit is part of a 12-month sponsored partnership with Honda Australia and will play an active role in the Eyewatch social media initiative to promote closer citizen participation in local law enforcement.
Unfortunately, given that its role is mostly relegated to being a PR face to raise awareness, especially among the younger crowd, the FK8 won’t be able to leverage its 228kW VTEC Turbo, clever front limited slip differential, or Nurburgring lap-record-setting handling in pursuit situations.
Well, not that anything is planned, anyway. Though we see no reason why the car should be sidelined if its the most appropriate to use and is close to the scene of a crime in progress.
Honda Australia Director, Mr. Stephen Collins, said: “The Civic Type R has been engineered from the ground up to deliver the most rewarding driving experience in the hot hatch segment. It has proven to be immensely popular with customers, enthusiasts and the motoring media, so we’re positive the NSW Police Force will find it to be a great community engagement tool,”
“At Honda we believe in the power of helping others, so this sponsored partnership with the NSW Police Force aligns seamlessly with work of The Honda Foundation and its goal of making a difference in the lives of people through giving back to the community that supports them.”
In fact, its first official assignment is much less high stakes: an appearance at the annual Fairfield Police and Community Expo this Saturday (March 16th) at Emerson Reserve in Wetheril Park, where it will be displayed alongside other NSW Police Force Units, including Local Police, Polair, Mounted Police, Dog Unit, Public Order and Riot Squad, Traffic and Highway Patrol Cars and the Tactical Operations Unit.
Assistant Commissioner Joe Cassar APM, Commander of the NSW Police Force Capability, Performance and Youth Command, said: “The generosity of Honda Australia in providing this sponsored vehicle for 12 months also means it has the added benefit of being no cost to the tax payer,”
“The eye-catching design of the vehicle will hopefully be a great conversation starter while on display and get more people, especially younger people, more comfortable with approaching their local police.”
Following this, the car’s calendar is packed with other similar awareness campaign events for the NSW Police Force Eyewatch program at schools and community events across the state throughout 2019.
For more on Honda cars, check out our Showroom.
