Reviewed: Honda Civic Type R sports sedan
The latest Honda Civic Type R sports sedan is priced from $72,000. Photos: Liz Dobson
Since its inception, the Honda Civic Type R has been a staple in global high-performance sedans some may even call it iconic.
Priced from $72,000, the Next Generation Civic Type R is the most powerful Type R model ever produced by Honda.
First launched in 1997, it’s met its share of competitors; from the Toyota GR Corolla, VW Golf R, the Ford Focus RS and Hyundai’s i30N.
The Type R has won numerous awards over the years, with the latest version taking out the best car from such esteemed publications such as Car and Driver.
The Type R catapults off the line with ferocity with the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.0 second
Whatever title or accolade it has, it has a myriad of fans of all ages, from my 19-year-old nephew, Jesse, to a neighbour’s 40-something relative and all the people who did head turns during my test drive.
The roots of the Civic Type R trace back to the early 1990s when Honda introduced the first-generation model exclusively for the Japanese market.
Over the years, the Type R badge has become synonymous with Honda's high-performance offerings, earning a cult following among enthusiasts worldwide.
With each new generation, Honda has refined and honed the Civic Type R, making it sharper, faster, and more dynamic.
Under the hood of the 2023 Civic Type R lies a potent powertrain that propels this compact rocket with astonishing vigour. Powering the beast is a turbocharged 2-litre inline-four engine, which produces an impressive 238kW of power and 400Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, putting the driver in full control of the car's performance.
The Type R is paired with a manual transmission.
And putting my left knee through some physiotherapy during the seven day test drive, especially when driving through the city with lots of traffic light stops to adhere to.
The acceleration of the Civic Type R is exhilarating. With its ample torque available low in the rev range and responsive throttle, the Type R catapults off the line with ferocity with the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.0 seconds, placing it squarely in the realm of sports cars with much higher price tags.
But it's not just straight-line speed where the Civic Type R shines. Its agility and precision through corners are equally impressive. Thanks to a well-tuned suspension system, adaptive dampers, and a limited-slip front differential, the Type R carves through twists and turns with surgical precision. Whether attacking a mountain pass or navigating tight city streets, the Civic Type R feels composed and poised, instilling confidence in the driver at every turn.
One of the standout features of the Civic Type R is its adaptive suspension system. It constantly adjusts damping force at each corner of the car, providing optimal balance between ride comfort and handling performance.
The Type R has turbocharged 2-litre inline-four engine.
Another highlight of the Civic Type R's handling prowess is its precise steering. The electric power-assisted steering system provides excellent feedback and weighting, allowing the driver to place the car exactly where they want it with confidence.
Combined with a well-tuned chassis and grippy tyres, the Civic Type R inspires confidence through every corner, encouraging the driver to push harder and explore the car's limits.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Civic Type R's handling is its front-wheel-drive setup. The result is a car that feels balanced and composed, even under hard acceleration and aggressive cornering.
In the fiercely competitive world of high-performance compact cars, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R stands out as a true gem. With its potent powertrain, razor-sharp handling, and everyday usability, the Civic Type R delivers an exhilarating driving experience that's hard to match.
One of the standout features of the Civic Type R is its adaptive suspension system.
Pros
Exceptional Performance: Equipped with a powerful turbocharged engine, precise handling, and a well-tuned suspension, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience both on the track and on the road.
Sporty Design: The Civic Type R features an aggressive and sporty design that stands out.
Advanced Technology and Features: The Civic Type R comes equipped with a range of advanced technology and features. This includes a modern infotainment system with a user-friendly interface.
Cons
Stiff Ride Quality: While the performance-oriented suspension provides excellent handling, it can result in a stiffer ride. This might make daily driving less comfortable, especially on rough or uneven roads.
Limited Practicality: The Civic Type R's focus on performance means it sacrifices some practicality. The aggressive design can lead to reduced rear visibility, and the rear seats and cargo space might not be as spacious or versatile as those in more conventional compact cars.
High Noise Levels: The Type R's sporty nature comes with increased cabin noise, especially at higher speeds. Road and engine noise can be more pronounced compared to non-performance-oriented.
