Honda has unveiled the 2023 Honda Civic Type R, the company’s latest high-performance vehicle. It’s the sixth generation Civic Type R, and it’s looking to be even better than the previous generation. It appears more conservative than its overly stylized predecessor but is more exciting to drive. The FK8 Honda Civic Type R, based on the tenth-generation Honda Civic hatchback, is one of the most powerful front-wheel-drive hot hatches on the market today.
The engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged VTEC power unit carried over from the FK2 Honda Civic Type R. The performance figures for the power unit remain essentially unchanged, but with improved turbo management that reduces turbo lag.
2023 Honda civic Type R Exterior
The new Honda Civic Type R’s exterior design is similar to that of a Honda Civic hatchback on steroids. Up front, a blacked-out grille, a Type R insignia, and a red Honda label can be seen, but aside from the headlights, which are clearly shared by both vehicles, the Honda Civic Type R is almost entirely unique.
There is a scoop on the hood that supplies air to the turbocharged engine and aids in cooling. The side air intake directs air around the wheel and acts as an air curtain before it enters the vents behind the wheel, reducing the amount of turbulent air produced by the wheel at high speeds. The massive front lower air intake directs air to the intercooler to keep it cool.
The vortex generator, a strangely designed roof spoiler with additional fins, is located just behind the radio antenna with shark fins on the roof. Despite their absurd appearance, the vortex generators work by pushing air toward the massive back wing, increasing the vehicle’s aerodynamic downforce and stability.
The Honda Civic Type R is distinguished by its crab-claw taillights and asymmetric exhaust pipes that dominate the rear end. The larger side outlets have gas exit ports, while the centre pipe controls exhaust noise.
Honda civic Type R Interior
Stepping inside, The interior of the Honda Civic Type R is largely similar to that of the tenth-generation Honda Civic sedan. In comparison to the elegant exterior, the interior is more subdued, with a few sporty accents unique to the Honda Civic Type R.
The interior design is dominated by red and black. The digital instrument cluster, red-contrast dashboard with carbon-fibre-like trims, red stitching on the steering wheel, and red Type R sport seats with integrated headrests are just a few of the Type-R-exclusive features.
The alloy shift knob, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and alloy pedals are beautifully crafted and ergonomically placed for a thrilling drive. The fact that the seats hug you perfectly and are comfortable enough for everyday use certainly helps.
Because of its class-leading 420-litre cargo capacity, roomy interior, foldable 60:40 split rear seats, and correct 5-door design, the Honda Civic Type R is without a doubt the most practical vehicle among its closest competitors.
Infotainment and features
The interior of the car features the well-known 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-speaker audio system, a fully digital three-part instrument cluster, touch panel dual-zone climate control, and a multi-function Type-R sport steering wheel wrapped in leather.
Engine, Power, and Transmission
Under the hood, The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that powered the Honda Civic Type R’s predecessor produces 400 NM of torque at 2500 RPM and an astounding 310 PS at 6500 RPM. It takes 5.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km/h and has a top speed of 272 km/h.
With VTEC variable lift now on the exhaust camshaft, the engine’s mono-scroll turbocharger produces 1.5 bar of boost pressure and helps minimize turbo lag. Additionally, unlike a naturally aspirated VTEC engine, it lacks VTEC variable lift on the inlet camshaft, therefore the FK8 Honda Civic Type R no longer has the characteristic VTEC kicking-in feel.
The car’s driving dynamics are changed by the three possible driving modes, Comfort, Sport, and +R mode. Every time you turn the ignition key in the Honda Civic Type R, Sport mode is selected by default, and this is sensible. While +R mode, according to Honda, offers the maximum control on the circuit, it also offers a more aggressive rev-matching on downshifts (which can be manually switched off), among other things. Comfort mode mutes the exhaust noise while travelling at a highway speed.
A six-speed close-ratio manual transmission transfers power to the front wheels. The engine is quicker to rev and more responsive as a result of the redesigned single-mass flywheel in the gearbox system, in large part due to the reduction in clutch weight. Additionally, there is an auto-rev match feature that blips the throttle during downshifts.
Safety and Driver assistance features
The Honda Civic Type R has six airbags, front and rear seatbelts with emergency locking retractors, vehicle stability assist, an anti-lock braking system with electronic brake distribution, and a security alarm with an immobilizer as standard safety features. Additionally, it has driver assistance functions like Hill Start Assist, Brake Assist, and Auto Brake Hold (ABH) (HSA).
2023 Honda Civic Type R Price
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R has a starting price of $43,295 before options. This is the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, which does not include the $1,095 destination and handling fee.
