Honda did it again. For the second time, the brand’s budget – even though that term is starting to get controversial – hot hatch has upset by beating out faster, more powerful, more luxurious and more expensive competitors .
The Honda Civic Type R has won the Motor Authority’s Most Valuable Car of 2023 title.
It marks the second win for the Civic Type R after winning Best Car To Buy 2018 reward. That’s impressive since only two generations of this car have made it to the United States. Our vote was unanimous.
Like millennials who grew up dreaming of the Type R being sold in the US, Honda’s hot hatch has matured, too. It also grows stronger and more expensive, but it is still a riot.
The sixth generation Type R is based on the 11th generation Civic. The new Type R sticks to the formula that fans know and love.
Honda Civic Type R 2023
Under the hood is the familiar 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine today rated at 315 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. That makes the new Type R the most powerful Honda car ever sold in the US. Power is up from the predecessor’s 306 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque thanks to a redesigned turbocharger, increased intake air velocity, and more efficiency. exhaust system. The turbocharger is optimized in terms of shape, size, and number of blades to generate pressure over a wider range. All of this results in slightly less turbo lag, a wider power range, and the ability to keep the engine running for longer.
Yes, the exhaust system still has three exhaust pipes and the center pipe has an active valve that opens at higher rpm.
The Type R remains front-wheel drive only with a limited-slip differential that helps keep the torque steering system mostly in flight. Right driver #GiveAShift with the Type R being a smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission with a newly optimized gearshift pattern and a lighter flywheel as the only transmission option.
1.4 inches longer and 1.0 inch wider than the previous model, the latest Type R is more stable than before. Its ride quality has also been improved thanks to a re-tuned front strut and rear multi-link suspension with adjustable dampers.
Not that the latest Type R is much faster than the old model. What really shocked our editors was how much speed could be made through corners and turns thanks to the car’s upgraded suspension, wider rails and legroom. more stable. The car hits corners, concentrates its weight for the next corner quickly, and does it all over and over again without a hitch. The sum of the small changes is (seemingly) larger than what enthusiasts might expect.
Switching Type R to +R mode is really race-only, as the suspension becomes unstable and wobbly even with the slightest undulation. The suspension comfort mode is great, and even then the suspension is pretty solid.
The handlebars are also heavier in +R mode. Some editors prefer it, saying it offers more turn-based stability, while others feel it’s too heavy with artificial weights for the sake of weight. All the various dynamic settings can be modified and saved with Personal mode, which thankfully is retained at startup.
The two-piece Brembo front brake spinning discs feel solid, progressive, predictable, and never seem to fade no matter how hard or long they’re pushed.
Honda Civic Type R 2023
Honda Civic Type R 2023
Honda Civic Type R 2023
The last Civic Type R won in 2018 despite the fact that it looked like a Transformer trying to escape a Civic. That look is gone, and a more refined, more mature look has emerged. Thank you Honda. Lower, longer and wider, every body panel except the front doors, pillars, roof and rear hatch is new and exclusive to the Type R. The large rear spoiler is still part of the equation, but It now sits on a metal pedestal and looks more expensive and race-ready than before. However, a Type R Touring without wings could be a good choice as not everyone needs that kind of downforce for everyday driving. The 2024 Acura Integra Type can fulfill that role.
Honda Civic Type R 2023
Inside, every Type R gets sturdy red fabric seats, red carpet, and red door trim accents. The high-back front bucket seats are comfortable enough for a road trip and wider builds, though it’s worth noting that they’re not heated. This ride is for four people only: the back bench is now two people only, and the center spot has two permanent cup holders. A 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, as is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although CarPlay sometimes behaves erratically (an issue we’ve had with the company). in both Type R and Type R). citizen with current Honda infotainment system software).
That touchscreen has the nifty new Honda LogR data logging system. The software allows the driver to record lap times, test cornering forces for both the vehicle and individual wheels, and to monitor different system temperatures. It even has an Auto Score function while monitoring acceleration, braking, steering input and delivering a smooth score. We didn’t have enough time with the system, but it seems like a useful way to improve your driving style.
Price $43,990Expensive R type, especially next to Toyota GR Corolla and Hyundai Elantra WOMEN. But Honda feels one step ahead of Toyota and Hyundai in terms of refinement. It’s the complete package, and it doesn’t feel like most of the money has been spent on the powertrain.
From the smooth-shifting 6-speed manual transmission and refined suspension to the speedy handling, the latest Civic Type R feels like it’s come of age. That’s why the Honda Civic Type R is Motor Authority’s Most Valuable Car of 2023.
