The 2023 Honda Civic Type R breaks records all over the place as one of the most amazing FWD cars ever made. Should you drive this amazing hot hatch?
If you are looking for a great car to drive, this Honda should be at or near the top of your list. Although the Volkswagen GTI is the quintessential hot hatch, the Civic Type R takes our imagination and pushes the envelope in every way. This latest iteration of the Type R should be the fastest and most comfortable version, but we’ve got seven reasons it could be the perfect car for you.
The legacy continues with a brand-new version
The Type R has built a strong reputation for taking on the track and offering high-performance returns. This car brings the lightweight, track-oriented drive that you’re looking for. The earliest model to wear the Type R name was the 1992 NSX, and now, this Civic version carries on with more power, speed, and evolutionary driving than ever before. If you’re looking for a legacy sports car, this hot hatch can give you everything you’re after.
It breaks its own record
The 2021 Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition set a brand new record for an FWD car at the Suzuka Circuit, but that new lap record has now been broken. The car that broke this record is the 2023 version of this same Honda. The previous time was 2:23.993, and the latest time was 2:23.120. Although it’s less than one-second difference, it is a difference and gives the newest Type R bragging rights over all other FWD cars.
The Honda is faster than the new Toyota
The latest hot hatch to come out of the Toyota barn is a new GR Corolla which uses a 6-speed manual transmission and will actually make it to the United States. As attractive as the GR Corolla is, the Civic Type R is still faster. This Honda also uses a 6-speed manual transmission, and it’s the fastest hot hatch with a manual transmission. If you’re looking for pure driving engagement, you’ll be glad to take the Civic Type R out for a fun drive on any road or track.
It’s the last of its kind
The automotive world is changing. We see stricter emissions standards everywhere, growing numbers of EVs, and smaller engines. The Honda Civic Type R has a new 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, but it might be too dirty for the future. This new model of the Type R is the last gas-only model offered in Europe, which also might mean the same for the models sold in the United States. Could future Type Rs be made with a PHEV setup or an EV drivetrain? We’ll have to wait and see.
More power than its rivals
This Honda hot hatch brings 320 horsepower to the mix, giving you the most powerful car in its class. The Hyundai Veloster N offers 275 horsepower, which is admirable, and the Toyota GR Corolla pumps out 300 ponies, which is great, but neither holds a candle to the Civic Type R. This means you can find the power, speed, and fun you want in the car that bears the name you’ve known and admired for many years.
Check out the Type R exterior
The previous version of the Honda Civic Type R brought a polarizing exterior look to give us a car that meant business. This new version is a bit more similar to the Civic hatchback and Civic Si rather than taking its own path. You’ll find LED headlights, a larger and wider lower grille than the previous version, and a fastback design that makes this car look like a lot of fun on the road. You’ll also find a set of ten-spoke wheels and Brembo brakes to give you a finished look.
Handling is perfect in this Honda
Get behind the wheel of the 2023 version of the Civic Type R, and you’ve got a lot of power going to the front wheels. This power must be harnessed, which is done with a stiff suspension, lighter panels, massive brakes, and a large spoiler. These items give this new Type R the confidence to take on some harsh roads and carve up the corners. You’ll notice the increased rigidity, which allows you to push this car hard.
Will the 2023 Honda Civic Type R become the hot hatch you love to drive everywhere? This fast Honda could be everything you’ve been looking for in a performance machine.
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