Honda Civic Type R 2023: 6th Generation

Honda Cars Philippines (HCPI) is bringing the Type R to our market for the second time, now in its sixth generation. The high-performance variant of the 11th-generation Civic hatchback is now in its sixth iteration. It has a simpler and more mature front fascia than the previous version. The bumper is simpler and more streamlined now that the black trim and aggressive lines have been removed. But, it still sports the famous red ‘H’ insignia that crowns the wing grille.

Moving on to the side, the Civic Type R gets black 19-inch aluminum wheels, as well as flared wheel arches with a small air vent behind the front wheel arches. The back end has been updated with elegant wrap-around taillights. To add to its allure, three centrally located exhaust pipes are included. The 2.0-liter DOHC, direct-injected, turbocharged i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine under the hood produces 315 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. These make it the fastest and most powerful Civic Type R to date.

The transmission is a 6-speed manual, providing the driver with the finest driving experience on and off the track. To complement the power, the front wheels have 350mm Brembo disc brakes. The rear wheels, however, have 305mm solid disc brakes. The Honda Civic Type R for 2023 is available in Championship White, Rallye Red, or Polished Metal Metallic colors, according to HCPI.

Launching

Honda Philippines first displayed the Honda Civic Type R at the 2017 Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). However, they did not announce the model’s release date until July 11, 2017. On January 19, 2023, HCPI released the sixth generation Type R during HCPI’s Thanksgiving dinner. Allocations for the new model, on the other hand, are exceedingly limited.

Chassis, Power Terrain, and Platform

The new Type R, dubbed the FL5, has an all-new chassis that is compatible with the eleventh-generation Civic. It is available in other countries as a 4-door sedan or a 5-door hatchback. Honda assigned the new Civic Type R the model number FL5. Aside from chassis codes, the front and rear suspensions are totally independent all around, with one major difference that distinguishes this high-performance model from conventional consumer variations. The front suspension is Honda’s highly built dual-axis strut front suspension, which is exclusive to the Type R.

The rear suspension is multi-link and has a larger spring rate than the other models in the series. An active damper system works in tandem with the model’s many driving modes. Honda has also modified the front wheels with cross-drilled Brembo brakes. The vehicle rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, which provide the driver with increased steering feel and firmness.

The Civic Type R is powered by a Honda K20C1 engine. It’s a DOHC turbocharged engine with 315 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque. The Type R’s engine is positioned transversely and sends power to the front wheels.

Technology features

The Honda Civic Type R cockpit has been modified to be more modern and straightforward. The infotainment system is located on top of the dashboard. In addition to entertainment features, it includes Honda’s LogR data logger. The Honda LogR data system is included into the head unit. The data logger allows drivers to access information about their vehicles in real time and also notifies them of their performance if they go on track.

The gauge cluster is all-digital and can display various performance data such as boost and even a shift indicator to assist you get the most out of the turbocharged engine.

Other technological features of the Type R include Dual Zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with push start, rear parking sensors, a backup camera, brake hold, cruise control, and several drive modes to choose from that influence the vehicle’s ride and handling.

Safety features

Even being a high-performance vehicle, the Civic Type R includes a comprehensive set of safety features to keep passengers safe in the case of a collision. There are dual front airbags, side airbags, and curtain airbags throughout the cabin, while ABS and EBD maintain the car braking effectively regardless of how far the pedal is pressed. Honda has put a vehicle stability assist (VSA) in the hatch, which also serves as the car’s traction control system, to keep the wheels gripping. Not to be outdone in terms of functionality, the rear seats include ISOFIX anchors for child seats.

Interior Design

The inside of the Type R is sleek and contemporary. When drivers feel the need to toss this vehicle hard into bends, the crimson semi-bucket seats provide extra bolstering and support. In order to fit with the theme, the seatbelts are likewise colored red, and the color has been carried over to the floor mats. The wheel features the characteristic red ‘H’ emblem. This identifies it as a Type R Civic, and it is thick, with red stitching on the inside to contrast with the black leather upholstery. The shift knob, like the previous iteration, is composed of machined metal.

Exterior Design

The bodywork of the Honda Civic Type R is much more mature and sophisticated than the previous model. ou can still identify it distinct from the regular Civic, but its design is not as loud as before. The new Type R has a sleek, body-colored bumper with functional air vents that help cool the engine. The Type R is lower and wider than the conventional Civic.

Brake vents on the side of the bumper also help cool the massive cross-drilled Brembo brakes. It has a larger stance due to the 19-inch wheels and wider front fenders. This provide some great heft to the car.

The black front lip, which matches the black side skirts of the Type R, is also included.

The Civic Type R’s side appearance differs from that of its sedan predecessor, owing to its hatchback configuration. It lacks a trunk, but it does have a liftgate that matches the fastback shape that Honda prefers for their automobiles. The back is similarly crammed with bodywork that isn’t just for show. The Civic receives a wide rear spoiler to increase downforce. But, unlike previous generations, the 6th generation employs shorter aluminum struts rather than the enormous vertical end plates found on the former Type R. The Type R’s taillights are distinctive in that they meet in the centre, providing an unobstructed beam. The tri-tip exhaust lies beneath, surrounded by the rear diffuser, evoking the previous generation.