Honda “hatched” a new performance compact with more flair and finesse

From the bones of the latest Honda Civic comes a new, track-optimized model that goes by the name of Type R.

The Type R has been available in various guises to enthusiasts in Japan, Europe and elsewhere since 1997. Honda introduced it here for the 2017 model year as a four-door sedan based on the Civic.

The 2023 model is also a front-wheel-drive sedan, except the Type R for North America is now built in Japan instead of England. Note that the main competitors in this category are all-wheel drive.

The performance-oriented Honda’s development process included testing at racetracks in Japan, Europe and North America. Honda claims the Type R set a record at Japan’s Suzuka Formula 1 circuit for the fastest lap achieved by a front-wheel-drive production car.

The hatchback’s distinctive body and structure is similar to that of the regular Civic sedan, with a few exceptions. According to Honda, all body panels in front of the A-pillars, as well as both bumpers, are exclusive to the Type R. A vented aluminum hood and larger front air intake help provide cooler air to the engine.

The old Type R’s rear wing had been criticized for obstructing rear vision, so this time around there’s a slightly slimmer version that also provides more downforce.

The new Type R is around 2.5 centimeters longer than the previous model and the distance between the front and rear wheels has been increased by around four centimeters. Flared fenders allow for wider wheels and wider spacing between the wheels (track width), which helps with cornering stability.

The interior retains the sporty nature of the Type R, with light, well-bolstered front seats covered in red suede upholstery. There is also a matching red carpet and red stitching for the steering wheel and door panels.

The interior of the Civic Type R gets red seats and carpeting and a special display page that monitors vehicle performance. Note the standard six-speed manual transmission. PHOTO: HONDA

As before, the nine-inch touchscreen contains Honda’s LogR Performance data logger. Designed primarily for track use, the system displays oil pressure, coolant temperature, and braking and cornering G-forces, and displays a stopwatch image to record lap times.

For 2023, the Type R’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine develops 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The previous score was 306/295. Most of the gains come from turbocharger upgrades and a less restrictive exhaust system.

For perspective, that’s 57 percent more power than the somewhat sporty Si sedan, which is rated at 200 horsepower and 192 pound-feet.

Every Type R comes with pre-set Comfort, Sport and +R modes that alter engine, steering, suspension and exhaust characteristics. Individual mode allows more detailed adjustment according to personal preferences.

Performance notwithstanding, the Civic Type R is a four-door sedan, so it can easily accommodate additional passengers and run regular errands. PHOTO: HONDA

A requirement to drive a Type R is the ability to use a six-speed manual gearbox. It benefits from a lighter flywheel and revisions to the rev-matching system for smoother downshifts. Honda also refined the shift pattern for more precise shifting.

Compared to the previous model, the new Type R has a revised suspension and lighter two-piece front brake discs.

Fuel consumption is rated at 10.8 l/100 km in the city, 8.3 on the highway and 9.7 in combined.

The price rings in at $51,800 including destination charges. It’s in the same ballpark as the Volkswagen R AWD but far ahead of the Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX AWD and newcomer Toyota GR Corolla, which is also AWD.

Each of these models has its own unique formula to deliver fast-paced entertainment that looks great and is a lot of fun behind the wheel.

Even with Honda’s significant upgrades for 2023, it won’t be a walk in the park for the Civic Type R in this segment. But for loyal Honda fans, there will be no substitute.

What you need to know: 2023 Honda Civic Type R

Type: Front-wheel-drive four-door compact sedan

Engine (hp): 2.0-liter inline-4, turbocharged (315)

Transmission: Six-speed manual

Market position: Since its arrival in 2017, the Civic Type R has earned its stripes against compact entries from Hyundai, Subaru and Volkswagen. The mission is to provide good performance at a reasonable cost.

Points: Attractive styling keeps it conservative, other than the large rear spoiler. • The turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces slightly more power than before. • Upgraded suspension and brakes are a plus, especially on the track. • Sporty interior includes an on-screen performance monitoring page. • Arrives in a fully equipped condition; there are no options.

Driving assistance: Blind-spot warning with back-up warning in the event of rear cross-traffic (standard); front automatic emergency braking (standard); inattentive driver alert (na); lane departure warning (std.); pedestrian detection (std.); traffic sign recognition (std.)

L/100 km (city/highway): 10.8/8.3

Basic price (destination incl.): $51,800

BY COMPARING

Hyundai Elantra N

• Base price: $40,000
• The Fast FWD sedan uses a 275 horsepower I-4 turbo engine. 6 MT and opt. 8 ATs available.

Toyota GR Corolla

• Base price: $45,500
• The new 2023 hatch comes with a 300hp three-cylinder engine. AWD is standard.

Volkswagen Golf R

• Base price: $49,250
• More expensive than the Honda, but comes with AWD and produces identical horsepower

– written by Malcom Gunn, managing partner at Wheelbase Media

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