Hi Welcome You can highlight texts in any article and it becomes audio news that you can hear
  • Tue. Aug 5th, 2025

2023 Honda Civic Type R evaluation

ByRomeo Minalane

Apr 10, 2023
2023 Honda Civic Type R evaluation

The Honda Civic Type R has actually reached cult status of late. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertIn previous-generation Type R was a recover for Honda, with wild speed and characteristics to match its similarly wild appearances. For more Motoring associated news and videos have a look at Motoring >> While the storied FK8 won the hearts of owners, fans and lots of reporters, I was quite underwhelmed each time I drove it. It wasn’t the crazy styling or the efficiency, however driving day-to-day it simply didn’t have the character to choose the appearances. There wasn’t a great deal of sound, the cabin tech was typical towards completion of its life … it simply didn’t do it for me. In fairness, on the odd celebration you actually got to send it through a winding roadway, or a race course, it was nigh on peerless. That was truly the only arena where the FK8 Type R won my heart. Now, there’s a brand-new one striking Honda Centres. Called ‘FL5’, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R seems a more refined take on its predecessor, with cleaner lines and more recent tech to opt for its a lot more aggressive mechanicals. I imply, simply take a look at it. My mind instantly goes to GT3 or TCR racer for the roadway, individuals’s Porsche 911 GT3 if you will. You’ll pay for the opportunity. At $72,600 drive-away the brand-new Civic Type R is some $10,000 more than its predecessor, and is securely in the area of four-wheel drive hot hatches like the Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R. Plus, last we inspected the brand-new Type R has a waiting list extending 20 months and counting, so even if you were to purchase one today you might not take shipment up until the 2nd half of 2024– is it worth the wait? Just how much does the Honda Civic Type R cost?The Type R launches with across the country rates of $72,600 drive-away. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertFor referral, the British-made FK8 retailed for $54,990 prior to on-road expenses, which would have equated to the low $60,000 bracket after taxes. The brand-new one is more than $10,000 dearer. There’s the ever-growing wait times which, when we inspected last at the end of January stretch past 20 months. It’s a long time for something that isn’t a brand name brand-new Ferrari or Lamborghini, or a Porsche GT automobile. Secret competitors consist of the Toyota GR Corolla GTS ($ 62,300) and Volkswagen Golf R ($ 66,990), which are likewise priced to the Type R on drive-away prices. Both function four-wheel drive as requirement. Remember the GR Corolla is restricted to 500 systems in 2023, and the Golf R Hatch is exceptionally provide constrained. At this end of the marketplace you can likewise think about the Audi S3 Sportback ($ 71,800), Cupra Leon VZx ($ 63,990 drive-away) or Renault Megane R.S. Trophy ($ 63,500). Want something much more unique? The Audi RS3 Sportback ($ 91,400) and Mercedes-AMG A45 S ($ 106,900) are probably on the very same level of insane. When you think about other alternatives in market, the Civic Type R shapes as reasonably great worth … 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic prices: Honda Civic VTi LX: $47,200 Honda Civic e: HEV LX: $55,000 Honda Civic Type R: $72,600 Prices are drive-away What is the Honda Civic Type R like on the inside?Very red … and extremely suede-y … 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertHonda has actually gone to a great deal of effort to make the Type R’s interior feel unique compared to the VTi LX and e: HEV LX, even if the general style and design is mainly the exact same. The seats and guiding wheel are cut in beautiful suede, with the seats and carpets coloured an eye-popping shade of red to match Type Rs of old along with the renowned red ‘H’ logo design utilized on Honda efficiency items. Ahead of the front traveler is a Type R develop plaque on the control panel, which is a great touch, while the aluminium shifter and silver metal-look trim decoration once again identify it from lower Civic designs. Like the remainder of the Japanese-built Civic variety, develop quality in the Type R feels extremely strong. There’s a great mix of soft-touch and harder, textured surface areas, and whatever feels securely screwed together. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertEven much better, all the touch points feel fantastic in the Type R. Take the suede-trimmed wheel with contrast stitching, the strong aluminium shift knob, the soft however figure-hugging red sports seats, the matching red seat belts, in addition to suede accents for the centre armrest and elbow rests in the doors. Whatever runs with a little class, too. The switchgear clicks reassuringly when you push a button or flick a toggle, and the knurled dials for the environment controls have a rewarding, Audi-like clicking action. Excellent. There’s an attention to information at play here that actually raises the cabin in Type R requirements. Compare that to something like a Golf R, which is really comparable to an R-Line in the majority of methods within, the Type R feels more purpose-built. As an outcome, the cabin has a stylish atmosphere that’s plainly race or track-inspired however keeps the animal conveniences and in-car innovations that are needed of a vehicle that’s most likely to be everyday driven. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertSpeaking of, the Type R ratings a 9.0-inch touchscreen navigation system with Honda Connect services shown the Civic e: HEV, instead of the non-telematics-equipped variation in the VTi LX. Headlining the system’s function list are ingrained navigation, cordless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto with Google Assist, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, AM/FM/DAB+ radio, in addition to compatibility with over-the-air (OTA) map and software application updates. The Type R likewise gets the business’s LogR 2.0 information logger providing a Performance Monitor, a lap time recorder for race course, in addition to real-time readouts for the temperature levels and pressures of numerous systems consisting of coolant, engine oil and consumption air. Like other telematics-based infotainment platforms, Honda Connect deals a smart device app, integrating benefit and security functions. A five-year membership is consisted of with purchase. More on that listed below. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertNothing informs you more that the Civic Type R concentrates on the motorist more than the rear seat, which gets blacked-out seat trim and a two-seat bench rather of the typical three-seat plan of the routine Civic. Forward exposure for rear guests is jeopardized compared to non-Type R designs due to the large seatbacks of the front back, however otherwise you get the exact same sufficient lodging if you wish to take good friends in addition to you for a rapid hillclimb. The absence of a centre seat makes this feel a bit like a HR-V (… joking!) The cupholders that would normally be integrated with the gotten rid of fold-down centre armrest are now installed where the middle seat would generally be. Other features consist of bottle holders in the doors and the requisite ISOFIX and top-tether points for kid seats, however there are no air vents or map pockets behind the front seats. The red carpet is simply as cool in the back as it in the front in my eyes. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertDespite its efficiency and race course focus, the Type R isn’t the least useful Civic in regards to load-lugging capability. With 410L of boot behind the 2nd row of seats, and approximately 1212L with the rear seats folded (to the roofing), the Type R bests the e: HEV hybrid by 1L and 35L in each particular measurement. There is no extra wheel under the boot flooring, with all Civic designs in Australia including a tire repair work package. If you desire a quick compact cars and truck with the most practicality possible for the kids and the canine, you’re maybe much better off with something like a Volkswagen Golf R Wagon– though I question many Type R purchasers are cross-shopping the 2. What’s under the bonnet?A modified 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC fuel engine lives here, which outputs 235kW (6500rpm) and 420Nm (2600-4000rpm). 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertDrive is sent out to the front axle by means of a slick-shifting six-speed handbook transmission and helical-type limited-slip differential– which never ever locks the speed of the 2 driving wheels together like a locking diff.”[It] rather enables various wheel speeds to accommodate the longer range the external wheel should take a trip when cornering. This part makes it possible for the automobile to speed up more difficult on surface areas with unequal traction,” Honda states. Honda declares a 0-100km/ h sprint in simply 5.4 seconds, while leading speed is 275km/h. The previous-generation Type R put out 228kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo, and took 5.8 seconds to strike triple figures. While there the powertrain upgrades appear small on paper, a variety of advancements under the skin ought to make sure the brand-new Civic Type R is not just quicker in a straight line, however sharper around corners. The turbocharger real estate is now smaller sized and more effective by 3.0 percent thanks to modifications to the shape and the variety of the blades, which has actually likewise decreased inertia by 14 percent. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertThere’s a broader exhaust consumption with 10 percent more air flow, and enhancements to the intercooler which lead to minimized pressure loss. The exhaust itself is directly through with a 13 percent gain in exhaust circulation, to supply quicker engine action. In the six-speed handbook transmission there’s a lighter flywheel and modified rev-matching system, which provides quicker downshifts. As is Type R custom, the shift knob is ended up in strong aluminium. Ooft … Honda declares the brand-new Type R is sharp as ever thanks to its dual-axis front suspension, which includes aluminium knuckles, strut forks and lower arms. Broader tires and wheels enhance mechanical grip, with sticky 265/30 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport four rubber twisted around the brand-new created alloy wheels. The brake boosters have actually likewise been retuned for enhanced feel and control, while the two-piece front rotors improve cooling thanks to increased air flow through the front bumper and split-spoke wheel style. Mentioning the brakes, they’re 350mm aerated systems in advance with four-piston aluminium calipers provided by Brembo. Let’s see how that all comes together on the roadway … shall we? How does the Honda Civic Type R drive?There was never ever a doubt that the routine Civic was among the very best little cars and trucks to drive, however this Type R. wow. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertIt’s as if the staggered releases of the VTi and e: HEV variations were developing to this pièce de résistance; it seems like a race cars and truck as quickly as you support the wheel and press that radiant red starter button. The engine sound is more popular right from the start, even if it’s enhanced depending upon the drive mode selected. While turbocharged, the brand-new Civic Type R has a dynamic, rev-happy note that’s really similar to the business’s high-revving atmo VTEC motors of old– which lovers will no doubt love. I began my Civic Type R loan with driving around inner-Melbourne on a Friday night, heading into traffic to fulfill buddies at peak hour. I believed this would be a discomfort in the proverbial, however I was shocked at simply how well the Type R managed daily responsibilities. While securely sprung, the Type R is incredibly damped in all its drive modes– Comfort, Sport and +R. It takes me back to Ford’s Focus ST and RS, which had excellent damping however were rather firm, however if you can deal with feeling the roadway surface area below you warts and all, it produces an extremely linked and communicative experience. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertAll the motorist controls are splendidly exact, from the extremely direct steering (with an Alcantara-trimmed wheel … yum), to the responsive however manageable throttle pedal and the well-weighted clutch. Even the brief and stylish shift action showed to be really simple to deal with, making every drive feel unique. I once again draw parallels to Porsche, which uses a comparable level of accuracy in the majority of its automobiles. Every input has a really direct output, and for passionate chauffeurs it makes the automobile feel appealing and enjoyable 100 percent of the time, not simply when you’re punting it at ten-tenths. While Sport and +R are liveable in everyday conditions, leaving the Civic in Comfort makes it significantly more certified on urban streets, where pimpled black top and cable car tracks can truly distress firmly-sprung efficiency automobiles. Like we’ve pertained to value in the similarity the Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R, it includes an additional measurement of use and daily convenience to the Type R’s collection. This isn’t what you clicked on this evaluation for? 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertDay 2 with the Type R was invested in the Victorian hills out previous Healesville, and kid was this the emphasize of my year up until now. No, we didn’t get a track drive, however golly this thing simply declined to get unstuck on the irregular surface area of Myers Creek Rd through the Toolangi Forest, which’s without the included traction of four-wheel drive. It didn’t matter what the speed, the sharpness of the corner angle, nor the state of the roadway surface area. The Civic Type R feels definitely glued to the roadway, all the time. We’ve done a lot of drives through these roadways in efficiency hatchbacks, and the undulating surface area and rounded edges can disturb some automobiles– especially front-wheel drive ones. The Type R had no such problem. It kips down with such sharpness and precision, assisted by that very direct steering rack, and hangs on so securely to the line that you ‘d need to definitely pack up corner entry to make this thing understeer. There’s a lot grip, and although I seemed like I slowly called things up as my drive went on, I never ever discovered the Type R’s limitations. I can just envision how this thing would go on a racetrack, specifically offered the old one was usually among the quickest hatches on a circuit. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertWith all that grip you can power out of corners with a lot self-confidence, despite the fact that this thing is just front-wheel drive. I do not remember feeling any wheel slip at all on Myers Creek Road, and I was offering it an appropriate boot. It makes a good sound while you’re going at it too, especially in +R mode. While some synthesised engine notes can sound contrived, the Civic’s usage of autotune in fact works rather well with the real exhaust’s active valve. The enhanced noise absolutely is more of an improvement of the natural tone instead of an effort to cover something. Honda’s rev-matching function was likewise really fascinating, as it’s not rather like any system I’ve tested prior to. No matter the mode it’s in (it gets more aggressive as you call the modes up) it didn’t feel obnoxious like an i30 N for instance, that makes a great deal of sound (great sound, mind you) simply for attention. The Honda simply makes certain you have the revs in the ideal area as you downshift without needing to fumble around with your feet if you’re not a natural heel-and-toer (like me). Need to you be the type that changes that off as quickly as you get in, nevertheless, it’s buried in a set of menus in the touchscreen which is too fiddly. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertOn the straights the Type R feels as fast as the very best of them, with pull right through the rev variety wed to that scratchy engine note. It’s addicting. Honda might price estimate a 5.4-second 0-100 time, once you’re rolling I reckon this would quickly stay up to date with something like a Golf R. It’s frightening fast in a straight line, and it provides its power in such a direct way you might not understand how quick you’re going when you glimpse down at the digital speedo. The cockpit comes together so well with the drive experience, too. The Type R’s brilliant red suede pail seats are magnificently comfy and hold you in firmly. You sink in like it’s made particularly for your body, and like some more hardcore race seats you will not provide yourself contusions if you mistakenly rest on the boosts or knock a knee or shin on the frame. There’s that beautiful steering wheel, which fits completely in the hand and will not get slippery if your hands get a little sweaty whilst driving hard like smooth leather. It simply all collaborate with the Civic’s outstanding mechanical plan to make the Type R seem like it’s an extension of the chauffeur. I seemed like I might drive this up and down the mountain all the time and not feel tired, and I can just think of just how much of a hoot it would be to destroy a race course in among these– Tony Crawford liked it on Portugal’s Estoril circuit, and you can check out everything about it here. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertBeyond the enjoyable things, it’s fantastic to see that Honda has actually crafted the Type R to keep its exceptional set of help systems as part of the current Honda Sensing suite. Adaptive cruise control, blind-spot tracking and rear cross-traffic alert, along with active lane centring take a few of the load off piloting the Civic Type R in more ordinary, day-to-day circumstances. It’s a remarkably simple lorry to drive everyday, with well-weighted and precise controls and predicable actions that keep a component of enjoyable and engagement however likewise do not make driving to work or the stores a job. Perfect? Practically. The only thing I can actually fault in regards to the driving experience is tyre holler, which is anticipated provided the performance-focused Michelin Pilot Sport four rubber, however offered the overall requirements of a hot hatch– even one as severe as this– there are competitors with more improvement in this regard. What do you get? 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertCivic Type R highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels, matte black265/30 ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport four tyresActive exhaust valveBlind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertTraffic indication recognitionIntelligent Speed LimiterDriver Attention MonitorComfort, Sport, +R, Individual drive modes10.2-inch HD digital instrument cluster9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systemSatellite navigationWireless Apple CarPlayWired Android AutoWireless phone chargerHonda LogR information logAcoustic windshield’Smart Clear Wiper’ windshield wiper/washer systemAuto-retractable door mirrorsFull suede-effect seat trim in RedAmbient door trim, front footwell lightingLike other telematics-based infotainment platforms, Honda Connect deals a series of services that are available by means of a smart device app, including benefit and security functions. A five-year membership is consisted of with purchase. Honda Connect highlights: Remote functionsAutomatic accident detectionSpeed AlertVehicle statusEmergency callVirtual dashboardLocation finderTrip logGeofence alertPush alerts and messagesColours2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpert2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertChampionship WhiteRally RedCrystal BlackSonic GreyIs the Honda Civic Type R safe?The Honda Civic household is yet to be ranked by ANCAP, though its Euro NCAP comparable granted the Japanese little automobile a first-class security score– in Europe, just e: HEV hybrid variations are readily available. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertAgainst 2022 procedures, the Civic e: HEV scored 89 percent for adult resident defense, 87 percent for kid resident defense, 82 percent for susceptible roadway users and 83 percent for security help. Requirement security devices consists of: 8 airbagsAutonomous emergency situation braking (AEB)Rear cross-traffic alertBlind-spot monitoringLane departure warningLane keep assistLane centring assistAdaptive cruise controlTraffic Jam AssistDriver attention monitoringReversing cameraCivic e: HEV LX includes: Front, rear parking sensorsIntelligent speed limiterTraffic Sign Recognition System11 air bags (overall)How much does the Honda Civic Type R expense to run?The Honda line-up is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertOn top of the service warranty and roadside help protection, Honda ensures 5 years of satellite navigation mapping updates when you service within the network. Designs with Honda Connect get a 5 year complementary membership to the brand name’s online services too, along with 5 years of totally free map updates. Set up upkeep is needed every 12 months or 10,000 kilometres– whichever comes. Cars offered after October 1, 2022 are likewise based on greater service expenses than previously, noted at $199 for the very first 5 gos to rather than the inexpensive $125 from prior to then. Honda declares the Type R utilizes 8.9 L/100km on the combined cycle, though we were seeing low 10s following our time with the vehicle, that included some more perky stints, along with everyday travelling with rush hour. Still, that’s okay. The Type R has a thirst for minimum 95 RON premium unleaded, and its fuel tank prices quote 47 litres of capability. Like other Civic designs, it’s homologated to Euro 6b emissions requirements. CarExpert’s Take on the Honda Civic Type RWhat a cars and truck. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertI believe part of my wonder for the Civic Type R originates from simply just how much of an enhancement it is over its predecessor, particularly given that the cars and truck it changes was currently extremely related to– even if I discovered it a little underwhelming. The FL5 Type R is what I picture a Porsche 911 GT3 would resemble if it was constructed to this rate point. It’s incredibly fast both in a straight line and through a set of corners, is extremely accurate and appealing to drive, and feels and look like a race vehicle for the roadway. It’s merely imperturbable on a winding roadway, and no doubt the track, with a level of sharpness, grip and stability I’ve never ever experienced in a front-wheel drive hot hatch. I ‘d go as far to state it’s more than a match for four-wheel drive offerings on the marketplace. 2023 Honda Civic Type R Credit: CarExpertI’m definitely in love with the appearances, too. Where the last one was a bit shouty, even ugly in locations, this brand-new one wears more restrained, inoffensive bodywork that not just keeps an enormous position however likewise includes a touch of class. I’ll take mine in Championship White with the optional $4500 carbon-fibre spoiler, quite please … Say hey there to the brand-new compact efficiency standard. Bravo, Honda.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Wong (@jwongwong11)” MORE: Everything Honda Civic ProsA vibrant masterclassLooks like a road-going race carSurprisingly capable as a dailyConsOver $10k dearer than the old oneOnly seats four20-month wait list
Learn more

Click to listen highlighted text!