Hot new 2023 Honda Civic Type R unveiled

In the year that Honda celebrates 30 years of Type R and 50 years of Civic, the 2023 Honda Civic Type R has been revealed after a long teaser campaign.

The all-new Honda Civic Type R is the most powerful and fastest model in the hot hatchback’s 30-year history, and has been engineered from the ground up for the usual mix of road and track prowess.

Based on the 11th generation Civic hatchback, it is longer, lower and wider and integrated with advanced aerodynamics to achieve well-balanced downforce and a reduction of drag. Flared fenders house lightweight and wider wheels, a side sill design that enhances airflow efficiency and a new and more aggressive front bumper design with honeycomb grille mesh. 

Wider rear doors exclusive to the Type R, a redesigned rear spoiler, a reshaped rear bumper that reveals its signature three round exhaust outlets, and new rear diffuser form part the rear styling. 

On the inside of the Civic Type R are the iconic red bucket seats covered in suede-like upholstery to reduce body slippage, and a serialised Type R plate placed on the dash. 

Other key features include a new +R driving mode with a graphic engine rpm display, rev indicator lights, gear position indicator and a Honda data logger that provides real-time information on the mechanical movements of the vehicle and behaviour resulting from a driver’s input. A stopwatch to record lap times and the ability to share driving videos are also integrated.

Honda says pricing and additional details on the 2023 Civic Type R will be provided closer to launch date, but it confirms a new lightweight and highly rigid body for improved high-speed stability and sharp responses.

It is track ready with a Nürburgring-tuned front-wheel drive suspension. Honda says the engine is a more powerful and responsive version of the current 228kW/400Nm petrol turbo, but does not reveal actual figures. The power is transmitted via an improved six-speed manual transmission and rev-matching system.

“Type R is about more than speed, power and handling. It’s how a great car makes you feel that really matters and that’s what the all-new Civic Type R is all about,” said Mike Kistemaker, assistant, vice-president of Honda sales at American Honda.

The Civic Type R will be available in five colours: Historic Championship White, Rallye Red, Boost Blue, Crystal Black Pearl and Sonic Grey Pearl. 

Honda has not confirmed whether the new-generation Type R is coming to SA. Meanwhile, Honda SA will be launching the new Honda Civic RS, a mildly hot sedan version in a few weeks’ time.