It would be logical for the sixth-generation Honda Civic Type R to be proclaimed as a performance upgrade over the outgoing version, judging by the official specs. However, it turns out that the automaker may have been a little too modest with the numbers.
The 2023 Honda Civic Type R went beyond its official figures when put to the test
On the way to tuning a stock 2023 Civic Type R FL5, famed Honda tuner Hondata bolted the car to a dynamometer to put it through its paces and see just how much power it makes straight out of the factory. As it happens, Hondata also kept the records gained from a 2017 Civic Type R FK8 so that a comparison can readily be made.
The results were more than encouraging as far as the latest performance version of the Civic is concerned. Dyno testing revealed that the new Civic Type R kicks up 327 horsepower and over 487 Nm of torque from its 2.0-liter K20C turbocharged VTEC engine. These represent 11 horsepower and 34 Nm of torque more than the fifth-generation model running on the same power unit, which is expected.
The green line on the graph indicates the new Civic Type R's performance against the old one [Image: Hondata YouTube channel]
However, what is surprising is that Hondata’s figures exceed even Honda’s official power ratings, both for the U.S.-spec and Japan versions. In the U.S. market, the new Civic Type R is advertised as having 315 horsepower, while the Japanese release reportedly packs 325 horses, both with 420 Nm of torque.
“This car drives much better than the FK8 CTR. It delivers 20-40 lb-ft (27-54 Nm) torque increase from 2,300-3,500 rpm, spooling 300-400 rpm earlier,” said Hondata co-founder Doug Macmillan. “We look forward to finding out how much additional power the ’23 CTR can make with Hondata tuning.”
Honda and its fans will have plenty to brag about where the new Civic Type R is concerned
Dyno testing isn’t an exact science, as results depend on parameters such as location and atmospheric conditions. But the kind of discrepancy that Hondata unearthed should be more than good news not only for Honda, but for prospective Civic Type R buyers and the brand’s legion of enthusiasts as well. The automaker’s claim that the new Civic Type R is the most powerful one yet to wear the badge isn’t an empty one, after all.
Check out more automotive claims put to the test at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Honda Civic Type R 2024
The 2024 Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance, compact, five-seater, front-wheel-drive liftback. In the Philippine market, it carries a standard retail price of Php 3,870,000.
Under the hood of the Civic Type R is a 2.0-liter inline-4 gasoline turbocharged engine that can make up to 316 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. The said engine is then paired with a six-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching.
Size-wise, the latest version of the Civic Type R is 4,593mm long, 1,890mm wide, and 1,407mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,735mm and a ground clearance of 123mm.
Locally, the Honda Civic Type R competes against the Subaru WRX, Dodge Charger, Lexus ES, BMW 3 Series, and Mercedes-Benz CLA, among others.
Honda Civic Type R Launch
The sixth-generation 2023 Honda Civic Type R was initially introduced in July 2022. It then saw an initial release in its home country of Japan. It then reached the Philippine market in January 2023, where it retails at Php 3.880 million. It is sold in limited numbers locally.
Honda Civic Type R Exterior
The all-new Honda Civic Type R comes with a number of exterior features that make it a potent performer on the track and the road. For the former, it gets a set of functional vents, a honeycomb grille, wider fenders, and a rear wing. The rear also gets a triple-tip exhaust, as well as a Type R rear diffuser.
Lighting for the Civic Type R includes automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, front fog lamps, LED side turn signal lights, and power-adjustable and power-folding side mirrors, among others.
Honda Civic Type R Interior
Inside the Civic Type R are red bucket seats which come with red Honda badges, and red floor mats. Up to five can be seated, and all are kept cool by an automatic air-conditioning system.
The driver then gets a push-to-start button with smart entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, and a tilt & telescopic steering column, among others.
Technology & Safety Features
The highlight of the Civic Type R’s on-board tech is the Honda LogR. This is the car’s datalogger which records one’s performance on the track. It keeps tabs on a driver’s lap time and other relevant driving data.
Safety-wise, the Civic Type R is also comprehensive. Present on the said model is the Honda Sensing driver assist system which includes adaptive cruise control, low speed follow, lane keep assist, road departure mitigation, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, and automatic high beams.
Keep everyone entertained aboard the Civic Type R a nine-inch touchscreen headunit with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also has Bluetooth and USB connectivity. A wireless smartphone charger is also available.
Platform & Chassis
The 2024 Honda Civic Type R uses a front-wheel-drive, front-engine layout. Up front is a dual-axis strut suspension system, while the rear uses a multi-link suspension. Braking is then handled by Brembo 350mm ventilated disc brakes for the front, and 305mm disc brakes for the rear. It also gets an electronic parking brake with an auto brake hold.
Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood of the Honda Civic Type R is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine. Power is sent to its front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox that comes with a built-in rev-matching system.
At the maximum, this engine can make up to 316 horsepower and 420 Nm of torque. Managing that power are four drive modes. There’s Comfort, Individual, Sport, and +R.
There are only two available colors for the Philippine-spec 2024 Honda Civic Type R. There’s the Civic Type R’s signature Championship White, and the other is Racing Blue.
The Honda Civic Type R is officially the most powerful front-wheel-drive liftback/hatch in the Philippine market. So in that niche, it is unmatched. That said, it is also on-par with a number of coupes and sedans in the local scene when it comes to track performance. This Honda, however, has an edge over plenty of other sports cars as it has a roomy interior that’s still practical for daily use.
Honda Civic Type R Pros & Cons
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Honda Civic Type R Q&A
1. How much does a Honda Civic Type R cost?
In the Philippines, the price of Honda Civic is priced at P3,870,000 with only one model available.
2. Is the Honda Civic Type R fuel efficient?
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance sports car, and as such, it prioritizes performance over fuel efficiency. The EPA rates the Honda Civic Type R at 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
3. What makes the Civic Type R so fast?
The Civic Type R is fast due to its turbocharged engine and lightweight chassis.
4. What does Type R stand for?
The "Type R" badge on Honda vehicles stands for "Type Racing." It is a high-performance variant of certain Honda models that are designed and engineered for racing and performance enthusiasts.
5. Does Type R have VTEC?
Yes, the Honda Civic Type R is equipped with Honda's VTEC (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) technology.
₱ 3,880,000
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