2023 Honda Civic Type R review

The Honda Civic Type R has reached cult standing of late.

In previous-generation Sort R was a return to type for Honda, with wild tempo and dynamics to match its equally wild seems to be.

Whereas the storied FK8 gained the hearts of homeowners, followers and lots of journalists, I used to be fairly underwhelmed each time I drove it.

It wasn’t the wacky styling or the efficiency, however driving every day it simply didn’t have the character to go along with the seems to be. There wasn’t loads of noise, the cabin tech was common in direction of the tip of its life… it simply didn’t do it for me.

In equity, on the odd event you actually received to ship it by a winding highway, or a race monitor, it was nigh on peerless. However that was actually the one area the place the FK8 Sort R gained my coronary heart.

Now, there’s a brand new one hitting Honda Centres. Dubbed ‘FL5’, the 2023 Honda Civic Sort R seems to be a extra refined tackle its predecessor, with cleaner strains and newer tech to go along with its much more aggressive mechanicals.

I imply, simply have a look at it. My thoughts instantly goes to GT3 or TCR racer for the highway, the folks’s Porsche 911 GT3 if you’ll.

However you’ll pay for the privilege. At $72,600 drive-away the brand new Civic Sort R is a few $10,000 greater than its predecessor, and is firmly within the territory of all-wheel drive scorching hatches just like the Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R.

Plus, final we checked the brand new Sort R has a ready listing stretching 20 months and counting, so even should you had been to order one right now you may not take supply till the second half of 2024 – is it well worth the wait?

How a lot does the Honda Civic Sort R value?

The Sort R launches with nationwide pricing of $72,600 drive-away.

For reference, the British-made FK8 retailed for $54,990 earlier than on-road prices, which might have translated to the low $60,000 bracket after taxes. The brand new one is greater than $10,000 dearer.

Then there’s the ever-growing wait instances which, once we checked final on the finish of January stretch previous 20 months. It’s a really very long time for one thing that isn’t a model new Ferrari or Lamborghini, or a Porsche GT automobile.

Key rivals embody the Toyota GR Corolla GTS ($62,300) and Volkswagen Golf R ($66,990), that are equally priced to the Sort R on drive-away pricing. Each function all-wheel drive as commonplace. Consider the GR Corolla is proscribed to 500 models in 2023, and the Golf R Hatch is incredibly supply constrained.

At this finish of the market you can too contemplate the Audi S3 Sportback ($71,800), Cupra Leon VZx ($63,990 drive-away) or Renault Megane R.S. Trophy ($63,500). Need one thing much more particular? The Audi RS3 Sportback ($91,400) and Mercedes-AMG A45 S ($106,900) are arguably on the identical stage of loopy.

When you contemplate different choices in market, the Civic Sort R shapes as comparatively good worth…

2023 Honda Civic pricing:

• Honda Civic VTi LX: $47,200
• Honda Civic e:HEV LX: $55,000
• Honda Civic Sort R: $72,600

Costs are drive-away

What’s the Honda Civic Sort R like on the within?

Very purple… and really suede-y…

Honda has gone to loads of effort to make the Sort R’s inside really feel particular in comparison with the VTi LX and e:HEV LX, even when the general design and format is basically the identical.

The seats and steering wheel are trimmed in beautiful suede, with the seats and carpets colored an eye-popping shade of purple to match Sort Rs of outdated in addition to the enduring purple ‘H’ brand used on Honda efficiency merchandise.

Forward of the entrance passenger is a Sort R construct plaque on the dashboard, which is a pleasant contact, whereas the aluminium shifter and silver metal-look trim ornamentation once more distinguish it from lesser Civic fashions.

Like the remainder of the Japanese-built Civic vary, construct high quality within the Sort R feels very strong. There’s a superb mixture of soft-touch and more durable, textured surfaces, and every little thing feels tightly screwed collectively.

Even higher, all of the contact factors really feel fantastic within the Sort R. Take the suede-trimmed steering wheel with distinction stitching, the strong aluminium shift knob, the smooth however figure-hugging purple sports activities seats, the matching purple seatbelts, in addition to suede accents for the centre armrest and elbow rests within the doorways.

Every thing operates with a bit of sophistication, too. The switchgear clicks reassuringly whenever you press a button or flick a toggle, and the knurled dials for the local weather controls have a satisfying, Audi-like clicking motion as nicely. High notch.

There’s an consideration to element at play right here that actually elevates the cabin in Sort R specification. Evaluate that to one thing like a Golf R, which is similar to an R-Line in most methods inside, the Sort R feels extra purpose-built.

Because of this, the cabin has a sporty atmosphere that’s clearly race or track-inspired however maintains the creature comforts and in-car applied sciences which can be required of a automobile that’s prone to be every day pushed.

Talking of, the Sort R scores a 9.0-inch touchscreen navigation system with Honda Join providers shared with the Civic e:HEV, somewhat than the non-telematics-equipped model within the VTi LX.

Headlining the unit’s function listing are embedded navigation, wi-fi Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto with Google Help, Bluetooth telephone and audio streaming, AM/FM/DAB+ radio, in addition to compatibility with over-the-air (OTA) map and software program updates.

The Sort R additionally will get the corporate’s LogR 2.Zero information logger providing a Efficiency Monitor, a lap time recorder for race tracks, in addition to real-time readouts for the temperatures and pressures of assorted methods together with coolant, engine oil and consumption air.

Like different telematics-based infotainment platforms, Honda Join provides a smartphone app, incorporating comfort and security capabilities. A five-year subscription is included with buy. Extra on that under.

Nothing tells you extra that the Civic Sort R focuses on the motive force greater than the rear seat, which will get blacked-out seat trim and a two-seat bench as an alternative of the standard three-seat association of the common Civic.

Ahead visibility for rear passengers is compromised in comparison with non-Sort R fashions because of the cumbersome seatbacks of the entrance rear, however in any other case you get the identical ample lodging if you wish to take pals together with you for a speedy hillclimb.

The dearth of a centre seat makes this really feel a little bit bit like a HR-V (…kidding!) however the cupholders that may normally be integrated with the eliminated fold-down centre armrest are actually mounted the place the center seat would usually be.

Different facilities embody bottle holders within the doorways and the requisite ISOFIX and top-tether factors for youngster seats, however there aren’t any air vents or map pockets behind the entrance seats. The purple carpet is simply as cool within the again because it within the entrance in my eyes, although.

Regardless of its efficiency and race monitor focus, the Sort R isn’t the least sensible Civic when it comes to load-lugging capability.

With 410L of boot behind the second row of seats, and as much as 1212L with the rear seats folded (to the roof), the Sort R bests the e:HEV hybrid by 1L and 35L in every respective measurement.

There isn’t a spare wheel beneath the boot ground, with all Civic fashions in Australia that includes a tyre restore equipment.

If you’d like a quick compact automobile with probably the most practicality doable for the children and the canine, you’re maybe higher off with one thing like a Volkswagen Golf R Wagon – although I doubt most Sort R consumers are cross-shopping the 2.

What’s beneath the bonnet?

A revised 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder VTEC petrol engine lives right here, which outputs 235kW (6500rpm) and 420Nm (2600-4000rpm).

Drive is shipped to the entrance axle by way of a slick-shifting six-speed handbook transmission and helical-type limited-slip differential – which by no means locks the pace of the 2 driving wheels collectively like a locking diff.

“[It] as an alternative permits completely different wheel speeds to accommodate the longer distance the outer wheel should journey when cornering. This part permits the car to speed up more durable on surfaces with uneven traction,” Honda says.

Honda claims a 0-100km/h dash in simply 5.Four seconds, whereas prime pace is 275km/h. The previous-generation Sort R put out 228kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre VTEC Turbo, and took 5.Eight seconds to hit triple figures.

Whereas there the powertrain upgrades appear nominal on paper, numerous developments beneath the pores and skin ought to guarantee the brand new Civic Sort R isn’t solely sooner in a straight line, however sharper round corners.

The turbocharger housing is now smaller and extra environment friendly by 3.Zero per cent because of modifications to the form and the variety of the blades, which has additionally decreased inertia by 14 per cent.

There’s a wider exhaust consumption with 10 per cent extra airflow, and enhancements to the intercooler which lead to decreased stress loss. The exhaust itself is straight by with a 13 per cent acquire in exhaust circulate, to supply faster engine response.

Within the six-speed handbook transmission there’s a lighter flywheel and revised rev-matching system, which delivers faster downshifts. As is Sort R custom, the shift knob is completed in strong aluminium. Ooft…

Honda claims the brand new Sort R is sharp as ever because of its dual-axis entrance suspension, which options aluminium knuckles, strut forks and decrease arms. Wider tyres and wheels enhance mechanical grip, with sticky 265/30 R19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber wrapped across the new solid alloy wheels.

The brake boosters have additionally been retuned for improved really feel and management, whereas the two-piece entrance rotors get higher cooling because of elevated airflow by the entrance bumper and split-spoke wheel design. Talking of the brakes, they’re 350mm ventilated models up entrance with four-piston aluminium calipers provided by Brembo.

Let’s see how that every one comes collectively on the highway… we could?

How does the Honda Civic Sort R drive?

There was by no means a doubt that the common Civic was among the finest small automobiles to drive, however this Sort R… wow.

It’s as if the staggered releases of the VTi and e:HEV variations had been constructing as much as this pièce de résistance; it seems like a race automobile as quickly as you get behind the wheel and press that glowing purple starter button.

The engine noise is extra outstanding proper from the get-go, even when it’s augmented relying on the drive mode chosen. Whereas turbocharged, the brand new Civic Sort R has a full of life, rev-happy observe that’s very harking back to the corporate’s high-revving atmo VTEC motors of outdated – which fanatics will little doubt love.

I began my Civic Sort R mortgage with driving round inner-Melbourne on a Friday night time, heading into site visitors to satisfy pals at peak hour. I believed this may be a ache within the proverbial, however I used to be stunned at simply how nicely the Sort R dealt with on a regular basis duties.

Whereas firmly sprung, the Sort R is splendidly damped in all its drive modes – Consolation, Sport and +R. It takes me again to Ford’s Focus ST and RS, which had good damping however had been fairly agency, however should you can deal with feeling the highway floor beneath you warts and all, it makes for a really linked and communicative expertise.

All the motive force controls are splendidly exact, from the extremely direct steering (with an Alcantara-trimmed wheel… yum), to the responsive however controllable throttle pedal and the well-weighted clutch. Even the brief and snappy shift motion proved to be very straightforward to stay with, making each drive really feel particular.

I once more draw parallels to Porsche, which provides an identical stage of precision in most of its automobiles. Each enter has a really direct output, and for enthusiastic drivers it makes the car really feel participating and enjoyable 100 per cent of the time, not simply whenever you’re punting it at ten-tenths.

Whereas Sport and +R are habitable in every day circumstances, leaving the Civic in Consolation makes it noticeably extra compliant on inner-city streets, the place pimpled black prime and tram tracks can actually upset firmly-sprung efficiency automobiles. Like we’ve come to understand within the likes of the Audi S3 and Volkswagen Golf R, it provides an additional dimension of usability and on a regular basis consolation to the Sort R’s repertoire.

However this isn’t what you clicked on this evaluate for, proper?

Day two with the Sort R was spent within the Victorian hills out previous Healesville, and boy was this the spotlight of my 12 months up to now.

No, we didn’t get a monitor drive, however golly this factor simply refused to get unstuck on the uneven floor of Myers Creek Rd by the Toolangi Forest, and that’s with out the added traction of all-wheel drive.

It didn’t matter what the pace, the sharpness of the nook angle, nor the state of the highway floor. The Civic Sort R feels completely glued to the highway, on a regular basis.

We’ve performed loads of drives by these roads in efficiency hatchbacks, and the undulating floor and rounded edges can upset some automobiles – notably front-wheel drive ones. The Sort R had no such challenge.

It turns in with such sharpness and accuracy, helped by that tremendous direct steering rack, and holds on so tightly to the road that you just’d have to utterly stuff up nook entry to make this factor understeer.

There’s a lot grip, and despite the fact that I felt like I progressively dialled issues up as my drive went on, I by no means discovered the Sort R’s limits. I can solely think about how this factor would go on a racetrack, particularly given the outdated one was usually one of many quickest hatches on a circuit.

With all that grip you may energy out of corners with a lot confidence, despite the fact that this factor is barely front-wheel drive. I don’t recall feeling any wheel slip in any respect on Myers Creek Highway, and I used to be giving it a correct boot.

It makes a good noise when you’re going at it too, notably in +R mode. Whereas some synthesised engine notes can sound contrived, the Civic’s use of autotune really works fairly nicely with the precise exhaust’s energetic valve.

The augmented sound positively is extra of an enhancement of the pure tone somewhat than an effort to cowl up one thing.

Honda’s rev-matching perform was additionally very attention-grabbing, because it’s not fairly like all system I’ve sampled earlier than. Whatever the mode it’s in (it will get extra aggressive as you dial the modes up) it didn’t really feel obnoxious like an i30 N for instance, which makes loads of noise (good noise, thoughts you) only for consideration.

The Honda simply makes certain you could have the revs in the best spot as you downshift with out having to fumble round along with your toes should you’re not a pure heel-and-toer (like me). Must you be the kind that switches that off as quickly as you get in, nevertheless, it’s buried in a set of menus within the touchscreen which is simply too fiddly.

On the straights the Sort R feels as fast as the very best of them, with pull proper by the rev vary married to that raspy engine observe. It’s addictive.

Honda could quote a 5.4-second 0-100 time, however when you’re rolling I reckon this may simply sustain with one thing like a Golf R. It’s scary fast in a straight line, and it delivers its energy in such a linear method chances are you’ll not realise how briskly you’re going whenever you look down on the digital speedo.

The cockpit comes collectively so nicely with the drive expertise, too. The Sort R’s vivid purple suede bucket seats are beautifully snug and maintain you in tightly. You sink in prefer it’s made particularly to your physique, and like some extra hardcore race seats you gained’t give your self bruises should you by chance sit on the bolsters or knock a knee or shin on the body.

Then there’s that beautiful steering wheel, which inserts completely within the hand and gained’t get slippery in case your arms get a little bit sweaty while driving onerous like easy leather-based. It simply all works along with the Civic’s glorious mechanical bundle to make the Sort R really feel prefer it’s an extension of the motive force.

I felt like I might drive this up and down the mountain all day and never really feel fatigued, and I can solely think about how a lot of a hoot it might be to tear up a race monitor in one in every of these – Tony Crawford cherished it on Portugal’s Estoril circuit, and you may learn all about it here.

Past the enjoyable stuff, it’s nice to see that Honda has engineered the Sort R to keep up its glorious set of help methods as a part of the newest Honda Sensing suite.

Adaptive cruise management, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, in addition to energetic lane centring take a few of the load off piloting the Civic Sort R in additional mundane, every day situations.

It’s a surprisingly straightforward car to drive day-to-day, with well-weighted and correct controls and predicable responses that preserve a component of enjoyable and engagement but additionally don’t make driving to work or the outlets a job.

Good? Virtually. The one factor I can actually fault when it comes to the driving expertise is tyre roar, which is predicted given the performance-focused Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber, however given the all-round necessities of a scorching hatch – even one as excessive as this – there are rivals with extra refinement on this respect.

What do you get?

Civic Sort R highlights:

• 19-inch alloy wheels, matte black
• 265/30 ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres
• Energetic exhaust valve
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Visitors signal recognition
• Clever Velocity Limiter
• Driver Consideration Monitor
• Consolation, Sport, +R, Particular person drive modes
• 10.2-inch HD digital instrument cluster
• 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
• Wired Android Auto
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• Honda LogR information log
• Acoustic windscreen
• ‘Sensible Clear Wiper’ windscreen wiper/washer system
• Auto-retractable door mirrors
• Full suede-effect seat trim in Crimson
• Ambient door trim, entrance footwell lighting

Like different telematics-based infotainment platforms, Honda Join provides a variety of providers which can be accessible by way of a smartphone app, incorporating comfort and security capabilities. A five-year subscription is included with buy.

Honda Join highlights:

• Distant capabilities
• Automated collision detection
• Velocity Alert
• Automobile standing
• Emergency name
• Digital dashboard
• Location finder
• Journey log
• Geofence alert
• Push notifications and messages

Colors

• Championship White
• Rally Crimson
• Crystal Black
• Sonic Gray

Is the Honda Civic Sort R secure?

The Honda Civic household is but to be rated by ANCAP, although its Euro NCAP equal awarded the Japanese small automobile a five-star security score – in Europe, solely e:HEV hybrid variations can be found.

In opposition to 2022 protocols, the Civic e:HEV scored 89 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 82 per cent for susceptible highway customers and 83 per cent for security help.

Customary security gear contains:

• Eight airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Lane preserve help
• Lane centring help
• Adaptive cruise management
• Visitors Jam Help
• Driver consideration monitoring
• Reversing digital camera

Civic e:HEV LX provides:

• Entrance, rear parking sensors
• Clever pace limiter
• Visitors Signal Recognition System
• 11 airbags (whole)

How a lot does the Honda Civic Sort R value to run?

The Honda line-up is roofed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

On prime of the guarantee and roadside help protection, Honda ensures 5 years of satellite tv for pc navigation mapping updates whenever you service inside the community. Fashions with Honda Join obtain a 5 12 months complementary subscription to the model’s on-line providers too, in addition to 5 years of free map updates.

Scheduled upkeep is required each 12 months or 10,000 kilometres – whichever comes first.

Automobiles offered after October 1, 2022 are additionally topic to greater service prices than earlier than, listed at $199 for the primary 5 visits versus the dirt-cheap $125 from earlier than then.

Honda claims the Sort R makes use of 8.9L/100km on the mixed cycle, although we had been seeing low 10s following our time with the automobile, which included some extra spirited stints, in addition to day-to-day commuting with heavy site visitors. Nonetheless, that’s not unhealthy.

The Sort R has a thirst for minimal 95 RON premium unleaded, and its gas tank quotes 47 litres of capability. Like different Civic fashions, it’s homologated to Euro 6b emissions requirements.

CarExpert’s Tackle the Honda Civic Sort R

What a automobile.

I feel a part of my awe for the Civic Sort R comes from simply how a lot of an enchancment it’s over its predecessor, particularly because the automobile it replaces was already extremely regarded – even when I discovered it a little bit underwhelming.

The FL5 Sort R is what I think about a Porsche 911 GT3 can be like if it was constructed to this worth level. It’s exceptionally fast each in a straight line and thru a set of corners, is extremely exact and fascinating to drive, and appears and seems like a race automobile for the highway.

It’s merely unflappable on a winding highway, and little doubt the monitor, with a stage of sharpness, grip and stability I’ve by no means skilled in a front-wheel drive scorching hatch. I’d go as far to say it’s greater than a match for all-wheel drive choices in the marketplace.

I’m completely in love with the seems to be, too.

The place the final one was a bit shouty, even cheesy in areas, this new one dons extra restrained, inoffensive bodywork that not solely maintains a menacing stance but additionally provides a contact of sophistication.

I’ll take mine in Championship White with the non-obligatory $4500 carbon-fibre spoiler, fairly please…

Say hi there to the brand new compact efficiency benchmark. Bravo, Honda.

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MORE: Everything Honda Civic

Professionals

• A dynamic masterclass
• Appears to be like like a road-going race automobile
• Surprisingly succesful as a every day

Cons

• Over $10ok dearer than the outdated one
• Solely seats 4
• 20-month wait listing