Can Honda unleash the next generation hot hatch and win? Auto Agency Best car to buy reward the second time? The latest Honda Civic Type R may have what it takes.
Just like millennials grew up dreaming of the Type R coming to America, 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 The second type is CHEAP to ever come to America follows the same 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. 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 as the 6-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly with the newly optimized gearshift pattern and lighter flywheel as the only transmission option.
The ride quality of the car has been improved thanks to a re-tuned front strut and rear multi-link suspension with adjustable dampers. Switching Type R to +R mode is really race-only, as the suspension becomes unstable and wobbly even with the slightest undulation. Comfort mode is the catch, and even then the suspension is pretty solid.
The steering wheel is also heavier in +R mode. One editor liked it better, saying it offered more stability in turn, while another felt it was too heavy with artificial weights for the sake of weight. All dynamic settings can be modified and saved with Personal mode, which fortunately is retained at startup.
The two-piece Brembo front brake rotors feel solid, progressive and predictable, and they never seem to fade no matter how hard or long is pushed. There may be a limit, but we haven’t found it yet.
Honda Civic Type R 2023
Honda Civic Type R 2023
Honda Civic Type R 2023
Type R finally won us Best Car To Buy 2018 award despite the fact that it looks like the transformer is trying to get out of a Civic. That look is gone, and a more refined, more mature look has emerged. The new car is 1.4 inches longer and 1.0 inch wider than the previous model. Every body panel except for the front doors, pillars, roof and rear doors is new and exclusive to the Type R. The large rear spoiler is still part of the equation, but it now sits on metal brackets and looks more expensive and more race-ready than before.
Honda Civic Type R 2023
Inside, every Type R has 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. The rear seats now only seat two people because the center position has two fixed cup holders. Honda continues its sports car tradition with a rotating aluminum gear lever that can be hot or cold to the touch depending on the ambient temperature. A 9.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes standard, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Civic Type R isn’t perfect. Price $43,990Expensive R type, especially next to Toyota GR Corolla (another car that is a finalist for the Automotive Authority of 2023) and less powerful Hyundai Elantra WOMEN. For its price, the front seats should be heated, but that’s only a minor issue. Wireless Apple CarPlay can be a bit jittery, an issue we’ve had with both the Type R and Type R. citizen with Honda’s current infotainment software. The large rear spoiler draws undue attention, and unfortunately none of the Touring models have the option to remove the wings. However, 2024 Acura Integra Type can fulfill that role.
Will Honda’s slick manual transmission, strong turbochargers, great handling, and mature design be enough for it to win over two other hot hatchbacks, a quirky SUV, a Luxury EV and a sports sedan? Check back on January 4th when we reveal the winners, along with champions from our sister sites, The Car Connection and Green Car Reports.
