Honda Civic Type R – 2023
By Ian Strachan.
Some sports coupes are wolves in sheep’s clothing, with hot performance concealed under a conservative exterior. Far more are sheep in wolf’s clothing – all looks and little grunt.
But the latest Honda Civic Type R is definitely a wolf in wolf’s clothing. It has the looks – from its sharp, aggressive nose to its hefty rear spoiler, and it has the performance from its storming 329 bhp two litre turbo-charged engine.
And, most importantly, the Type R performs brilliantly and is great to drive with a 0-60 mph time of not much more than five seconds and a top speed (where permitted) of 171 miles per hour.
The Civic’s distinctive wedge shape is enhanced with meaty 19 inch matt black alloy wheels with red brake calipers. The profile slopes smoothly towards the high and distinctive rear end, with a huge rear spoiler. Big enough to shelter from a storm beneath, the spoiler is positioned high enough to avoid compromising rear vision.
My test car came in smart Championship White with front and rear black body trim, black grille and spoiler and black trim around the big lower air intakes and front fog lights, giving it a powerful look. There’s no doubt this car means business.
Beneath the rear spoiler is a deep and practical loadspace. Honda has done well to maintain the basics of practicality despite the Type R’s sporty credentials.
Looking at it from the rear, its wide wheels sit flush with strongly flared arches giving it a stable, muscular stance which emphasises its limpet like grip. The triple chromed exhausts tell you what to expect when you start the engine.
The inside of the Type R further emphasises its sporty credentials, with all effort concentrated on driver comfort and convenience. Huge red-trimmed sports seats hug you in a red-carpeted cockpit. The soft suede-trimmed steering wheel and weighted ergonomic gear-stick knob are pleasant to use.
The front passenger seat is equally comfortable, but long-legged rear seat passengers may find themselves a little cramped for room.
But most people will buy the Type R for its handling and its excellent VTEC turbo-charged engine. It won’t disappoint in this respect. The engine has sparkling performance, but is quiet and effortless, with performance settings for comfort or sporty driving. Fuel consumption is nothing to write home about at 34.4 mpg in mixed driving, but there’s always a penalty for sparkling performance.
The Type R is a real pleasure to drive. Linked to a slick, short-travel six speed manual gearbox the engine is unruffled throughout. The gearbox has a rev match control system to ensure precise gear changes. The engine never sounds or feels under pressure and delivers power exactly when you want it.
Ride and handling are exceptional, with crisp and positive steering response and nicely damped suspension to give a smooth ride despite its ultra-low profile tyres. The Honda’s grip on the road is never uncertain, even when cornering at speed, thanks to an adaptive damper system allowing continuous independent control of each wheel.
Equipment levels are good, with all-round airbags, satellite navigation via a touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, electric windows and mirrors, cruise control, automatic headlights, front and rear parking sensors with rear camera, a wireless phone-charging plate and an excellent DAB radio and infotainment system.
You also get steering wheel mounted controls, blind spot information and cross traffic monitor, digital fuel consumption display, rain sensing window wipers and remote keyless entry with push button start.
This is an easy car to like and will turn heads – particularly with its striking good looks – and I was sorry to see it go. The whole thing comes at £49,090 on the road with the colour and trim adding an extra £650.
