A grown up vibe: Honda Cars

The previous generation Honda Civic Type R was fast and serious fun, however, I wasn’t overly keen on its “boy racer” rear wing.

Now the latest FL5, gives a more “grown up” vibe to the sixth instalment of the Civic Type R bloodline. The FL5 is longer, wider and sits 30mm lower than the FK8 it replaces, and the body, while still looking quintessentially Type R, is 15 percent stiffer.

Power and torque for the K20CI VTEC turbo four-cylinder engine has risen by 7kW and 20Nm thanks to a revised ECU and larger intercooler. Inside there is a tonne of red trim and the lighter red bucket sports seats feature redesigned bolsters which hold you more firmly in place.

On the move, the FL5 is a weapon. It feels just that little bit sharper and at high rpm, things sound angrier. The driving position is nigh on perfect and its eagerness to devour twisting tarmac cannot be understated.

Every little piece of the drive, from the throw of the six-speed manual box to the directness of the steering is certainly better all-around than the FK8. And that was epic to begin with.

Basically, the new Type R hits the right mix between out-and-out performance and day-to-day usability.
This one’s a good one.

FACT FILE
2023 Honda Civic Type R

Price: $69,000 + ORC

Engine: K20CI 2.0L Four Cylinder Turbocharged VTEC Petrol

Transmission: 6-speed Manual with Rev Matching automatic

Power: 235kW

Torque: 420Nm

Wheelbase: 2735mm

Wheels: 19-inch Matte Black